Free Beyond Innocence by Joanna Lloyd Page A

hardship and deprivation into his world of silver, crystal, and gleaming pianofortes? She lashed out, wanting to squash his pride in his possessions. “And what would you want with a pianoforte? It is the last thing I would expect to see in this godforsaken place.”
    He appeared stung by her remark. “Such enthusiasm about your new home.” He did not hide the sarcasm in his voice. “I had the pianoforte shipped from England. In fact it arrived on the Liberty .”
    Was he serious? Did he think the fact both she and the piano had arrived together would please her? The object of their discussion would probably have had more comfortable conditions than the women. Her eyes narrowed in anger. “Unlike you, William, I did not make the choice to come here so do not expect enthusiasm from me.” She looked over at the pianoforte. “I also have not been enjoying the comforts that you obviously have.”
    His eyes were steely as he responded. “Unlike you, Electra, I did not break the law and am therefore entitled to my comforts.”
    The air left her lungs as his words stripped her of whatever status she may have imagined as his wife. A look of contrition immediately crossed his face but it was too late. Somehow she made it through the door and down the stairs.
    The thought had never occurred to her.
    Her husband believed she was guilty.

Chapter Four
    With one hand on her chest to still her rapid heartbeat and the other gripping the stair railing, Electra halted on the last step. Her eyes frantically scanned the unfamiliar surroundings but at the sound of William’s footsteps, she hitched up her skirts and ran. At the bottom of the sweeping front yard, the river blocked her path. Gasping for breath, she flopped to the ground under a weeping willow tree.
    At the sound of William calling her name, she shuffled further into the shade of the willow. Its slender, drooping branches provided a private sanctuary as she muttered to herself, determined not to cry.
    What kind of man would say such things? What arrogance and insensitivity. She had never for a moment entertained the thought that he may believe her guilty. The fact he married her, meant he believed in her innocence. Did it not? Oh Lord, how could she be so foolish and naïve? William would not help her prove her innocence. He thought she was a criminal. He would always think of her as a criminal.
    She thumped the ground in frustration as she realized it mattered what he thought of her. Although he twice insulted her with his tactless comments, he did not hesitate to clarify her place in the household to Mary. And he could not have guessed the reasons behind her bitter response to his question. However, he should expect a little irrationality after what she had been through. Surely. Before his comments in the drawing room, she had even imagined the marriage might be somewhat pleasant, at least until she returned to England.
    Well, she could forget that now. She would enjoy the comforts of his home and the protection of his money until her term was up. Then she would convince him to take her home to England. Even if he chose to return to New South Wales, it would be quite acceptable. Captain Hawley spoke of many men in the colony who had wives in England.
    At the thought of returning to England, she stilled. What would she go back to? Everything, including her good reputation, and everyone who mattered, had been taken from her. In truth, there was nothing left for her there. England was lost to her. The tears she was determined not to cry welled up and spilt down her cheeks.
    Her handkerchief was soggy as she wiped her nose once more. Another sob hiccoughed loudly as the flow finally subsided. She fell back on the grass and contemplated the leafy walls of the willow. Late afternoon sunshine dappled the ground and she could hear the river splash over fallen logs as it rambled toward the sea. Despite her anger and misery, the peace and beauty of her surroundings calmed her.