“I had never in all my life felt so elated. Peter cared for me! It was a miracle I longed to celebrate - to tell all Hertfordshire - and I had to hold my hand to my mouth against an… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“I lost the letter in rather embarrassing circumstances. We were to dine at Parramatta Government House that same evening, and Peter had come in early from harvesting the wheat, sitting down in all his dirt to read the precious missive. I sat beside him, fresh from my bath. And so handsome did my husband look, long legs sprawled in Dungaree… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share
“I felt my mouth go dry, my throat constrict. What possible interpretation could Peter place on those words, other than that they were about… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“This made my father laugh. 'Mary made a cake, did she? Well, well. Better that than she should make a cake for herself, I… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“But look behind you, Mary.' She nodded towards the dais. 'One of the musicians seems to be trying to attract your attention.' It was… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“Hello, Mary.' It was like hearing a note of divine calm after a dissonant passage of music. My confusion died away.” — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“Ah yes.' Peter's tone was scornful. 'And they must always be paid before the poor tradesmen's bills, mustn't they?' 'They must indeed. They are… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“Foolish tongues will always wag, ma’am, but people of goodwill ignore them.” — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“At that moment a solitary violin struck up. But the music was not dance music; it was more like a song - a solemn,… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“Peter was now standing very close - as if he wanted to comfort me - as if he knew how hurt I felt that… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“I had not the least idea of a gamekeeper's occupation being so dangerous - there had never been such a person employed on the… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“I found I could listen without envy to Letty's singing, and afterwards when the applause came, I did not mind that Mrs Knowles was… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“I had never in all my life felt so elated. Peter cared for me! It was a miracle I longed to celebrate - to… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
