Wild Lands by Nicole Alexander Page A

‘They can be wearing at times. Jelly-belly does her best, but, well … We’ve two new girls from the Female Factory at Parramatta, one of them has markedly fine needlepoint.’ She took a sip of her tea. ‘You must sit with her, Miss Carter, and observe. She is a woman of sour disposition but her talent is quite remarkable.’
    Kate looked at the creamy coloured tea, sipping it carefully. The flavour was wonderful and she savoured each mouthful. This was a home of import. Even the Reverend didn’t serve milk as milking cows were a rarity. ‘I wanted to thank you, Mrs Kable.’
    The woman shook her head, causing the movement of numerous ringlets. ‘It is my husband’s doing. Initially I was not in agreement, it’s the responsibility, I’m sure you understand. You will be a long way from the Reverend, and a young woman such as yourself, well, to be blunt, I consider it strange that you would wish to venture so far afield.’
    Admittedly it had been somewhat of a journey to the Kable farm, however Kate was more than pleased to be here. ‘Sometimes one must travel in order to reach the appropriate end,’ she answered, copying Mrs Kable’s formality.
    Mrs Kable peered over the rim of her cup. ‘She is quite schooled, isn’t she?’
    The Reverend merely nodded.
    â€˜You should be seeking a suitable husband, raising a family. That is a woman’s duty, after all, is it not?’
    Kate bristled, her personal situation was not something that she considered to be for public discussion. ‘Some would say so.’
    â€˜Some?’ Their hostess gave a mock cough, held a handkerchief to her lips. ‘All would say so, my dear. Whomever has suggested otherwise is quite at odds with the way of the world. Such things can be unlearnt, can’t they, Reverend Horsley?’
    â€˜Indeed, Mrs Kable. All things are possible.’ He turned in Kate’s direction. ‘With time.’
    â€˜Well, to the matter at hand. You are here in search of employ and although I am at odds with your acceptance of the role, I must think of my own family’s needs at this time.’
    Kate was at a loss at this comment. Did Mrs Kable believe her above the position of companion? If so, this was an auspicious start. She straightened her shoulders a little more. The Reverend dropped his gaze to the woven matting at his feet.
    â€˜I more than most understand the benefit of companionship. And you, Miss Carter, are obviously a gentlewoman in spite of certain, shall we say, limitations.’
    â€˜Limitations?’ Kate repeated.
    The woman ignored her. ‘The Reverend says you are a willing participant in this venture in spite of his offer to retain you in his employ.’ Mrs Kable paused, as if seeking confirmation.
    â€˜Most willing, yes,’ Kate agreed, taking a sip of the hot drink and then gently placing the cup soundlessly on the saucer. Her mother would be proud.
    Mrs Kable observed her carefully and made a clucking sound with her tongue. ‘Very well. As long as you are aware that if the situation does not suit you, Miss Carter, that it may be a good year, indeed longer, before you have the opportunity to leave. There is the question of travel and of course the difficulty of trying to obtain someone to replace you.’
    The Reverend remarked on the weather and a brief discussion ensued as to the lack of rain.
    â€˜Now, if we’ve finished …’ The older woman moved to a corner of the room and tugged at the bell pull.
    Kate glanced at the partially consumed tea, took a sip and then another before reluctantly sitting the cup and saucer on the table. If milk were to be served up every day, she would be happy indeed.
    â€˜Jelly-belly will show you to your rooms. Tea is at six sharp.’ Their hostess waved a hand in farewell as the pointy-nosed maid reappeared.
    Kate waited in the hallway while the maid escorted the Reverend to