Free And Those Who Trespass Against Us by Helen M MacPherson

to master. Katherine's control reminded Catriona of a mid-twenties version of her first tutor. With the exception of her deep green eyes, Katherine's emotions couldn't be read, something Catriona found frustrating. She shook her head and negotiated the horse and wagon around the corner, and out of sight of the house.

    "HOW DO YOU do, Sister? My name is Mrs. Muriel Greystone. Welcome to our quaint part of Australia. Please come inside out of the sun and meet the other ladies. It's far too hot for a lady of your breeding to stand too long in such heat." Not waiting for a response, Mrs. Greystone placed her hand under Katherine's elbow and guided her toward the home.
    The house was the first ostentatious demonstration of wealth Katherine had experienced since arriving. Despite this, she couldn't help but think it looked out of place in this town. They paused at the foot of the stairs as Mrs. Greystone abruptly instructed a man, who could only have been the gardener, on what flowers she wanted in the epergne at the evening's dinner table.
    Momentarily left to her own thoughts, Katherine reflected back on Catriona's actions when they arrived. She was relieved that Catriona had reverted to calling her by her first name, but she wondered why this committee didn't approve of her. She was obviously well respected by the people they had met in town and those she worked with yesterday.
    Katherine was ushered into a sizeable entrance hall where another five similarly-dressed women waited. She felt like she'd walked into a setting where time had stopped, along with the reality of the outside world. The tight-laced, narrow-waisted outfits of the women were clearly inappropriate for such hot weather. The ladies were adorned in fashions which were out of style even before Katherine had entered the convent. Yet, strangely enough, what they were wearing suited them. She nodded politely during her introduction to each of the ladies. After this, she was marshalled into the parlour, where tea and cake awaited them.
    The ladies were polite, if not overly so, while they probed for news of "The Old Country". They were keenly interested in the current fashions, of which Katherine couldn't be of any great help. She provided them with as much information as she could, excusing her lack of up-to-date knowledge due to her calling, where fashion wasn't at the forefront of her daily life.
    Katherine was relieved when the conversation steered toward topics she was able to discuss. She happily answered questions regarding her trip to Australia, the weather, and how Sydney was faring.
    "I must profess," one of the ladies said as she dabbed her mouth with a white napkin, "I haven't travelled to Sydney in such a long time. In fact I think the last time I visited was for my coming out."
    Katherine politely nodded. That must have been a very long time ago.
    One of the ladies patted Katherine's knee. "I'm so sorry we couldn't properly meet you yesterday, my dear. We had planned such a lovely reception. With that ugly storm, well..."
    Katherine dismissively waved her hand. "I completely understand. You must have been terrified." She stifled a laugh at the nodding heads and widened eyes.
    Mrs. Monteith reached forward with her gnarled hand and grasped another slice of cake. "So, where are you currently residing?"
    Katherine smiled at this social game. She hadn't played it since entering the convent. They'd seen Catriona drop her off. It was only reasonable to conclude that she was staying with her. "I am currently staying at the Pelham estate." She tried to make Catriona's house sound somewhat grand.
    Mrs. Greystone patronisingly patted her hand. "It's merely a property, my dear. We very rarely regard all but the most affluent of homes on the land as anything more than a property. Never mind. How could you have known what we call it here? Do you intend to move into town once it's regained some semblance of order?" Mrs. Greystone gestured to the gathering. "I'm sure