More than once Olivia screamed at the watchers to start pulling him in , but they had had their orders and they ignored her , gazing intently into the darkness .sx Each time the moon flickered through the clouds Luke said " There .sx .. he's still swimmin' , missus .sx " Each time Olivia strained her eyes but could see nothing but debris and white tumbled water .sx Nobody could live in that , she was sure of it .sx John was dead , or dying , and she was alone .sx Suddenly the aborigine holding the rope gave a whoop of excitement and chattered excitedly to the others .sx They all gathered beside him and Olivia saw the rope rumming swiftly through his hands .sx " What is it ?sx " She turned to Luke , who stood protectively by her side .sx His teeth showed in a broad grin .sx " He made it , missus .sx He's got Mr Matt .sx Now they only have to come back .sx " .sx " Only !sx " There had been little chance of John reaching his brother ; there could be even less chance of him coming back safely .sx She cared nothing for Matt , it was John she wanted back , safe and sound .sx Matt arrived back first , a dark sodden bundle breaking through the shallows almost at their feet , being dragged , coughing and spewing flood-water , on to the land .sx Black hands caught him , untied the rope , rolled him over and thumped at him to empty his lungs .sx Olivia paid no heed .sx Her eyes were reaching into the darkness , hungry for a glimpse of a second figure .sx After an eternity it arrived , staggering to its feet , lurching drunkenly our of the reach of the water , throwing back a seal-like head as Olivia broke free from Luke's hand and ran to meet it .sx " John !sx " Laughing and crying at the same time , she plunged into the water , feeling its cold clasp dragging at her ankles and calves .sx She threw her arms about him and together they splashed clumsily to the land , where too heavy for her to support , he sank to his knees , coughing and choking and gasping for breath .sx When he could speak he asked hoarsely , " Matt ?sx " .sx " He's all right .sx " She helped him up , her eyes anxiously searching his face .sx His eyes were deep hollows , his body trembling with exhaustion , but he was safe , he was still alive , he had come back to her .sx " John .sx .. " .sx " Give me a minute , Livvy .sx " He put her aside and walked , putting one foot carefully in front of the other , to where Matthew had just regained his own feet .sx The others fell back as the Mundy brothers , streaming water , faced each other .sx " I owe you , John , " said Matt .sx His younger brother ignored the proffered hand .sx " Reckon you do , Matt , " he said .sx " And I owe you something too .sx " .sx His fist came up slowly , with all the strength he had left behind it .sx The blow was weak , but strong enough to send Matthew Mundy crashing back on to the soaked earth .sx " As to the rest , we'll talk about it tomorrow , " said John .sx he staggered , and at once Olivia was by his side .sx Turning away from the sight of his brother sprawling in the mud he put an arm about her shoulders and let her help him to the buggy .sx Luke drove , while John and Olivia huddled in each other's arms in the back .sx Rain streamed over their faces , and his hard-jawed face was icy against her neck , but he was alive , he was safe , and that was all that mattered to her at that moment .sx Even the memory of the punch that had sent Matthew to the ground was unimportant beside the fact that John was safe .sx " Not there , " she suddenly said as the buggy slowed at the bottom of the main house steps , " Go on to our own house , Luke .sx " .sx " Are you m-mad ?sx " John's teeth were chattering .sx " It's not b-been lived in .sx .. " .sx " I know , but it's ours .sx I'm not going back into that house while your brother owns it .sx " .sx The shack was dusty and neglected .sx While John dropped into a chair Olivia sped about the place , kindling the fire and pouring out some brandy that was kept in a cupboard .sx She knelt by his side and fed it to him , then refilled the cup and drank , feeling the numbing cold that had seized her when she watched John walking away from her into the water and gradually disappearing .sx He was too exhausted and too sore to undress himself .sx She took off his wet clothes and towelled his muscular body dry , tears in her eyes as she found each new bruise and cut and scrape .sx " We'd have been more comfortable at the big house , " he said as she helped him into bed .sx " I know that .sx " She drew the blankets over him and began to take off her own clothes .sx " But I didn't want to be under the same roof as Matthew - not tonight .sx " .sx " You'll have to get used to the idea .sx We're going to live there from now on , Livvy .sx I'll see to that in the morning .sx Unless you still mean to leave .sx " .sx Olivia blew out the lantern , slipped into bed beside him and reached out to warm him against her own body .sx " I'm staying , " she said against his neck .sx In the morning the rain had stopped and the sun was shining .sx Stiff and sore as he was , John refused to stay at home .sx " There's things to be straightened out , " he said as he dressed .sx " For one thing , we'll have to look for Lawrie Borland's body .sx I reckon it'll be caught up in a tree not far from where we were last night .sx " .sx " You'll be careful ?sx " .sx He kissed her .sx " I'm always careful .sx " .sx During what had been left of the night someone had returned his horse .sx Olivia helped him to harness it , but before riding off to the big house he said deviously , " Livvy , there's something you have to do .sx " .sx " What ?sx " .sx " Write to your sister .sx Tell her the truth .sx " .sx Olivia felt a flush of panic .sx " But you said yourself that we'd move to the big house and .sx .. " .sx " We will .sx But I'll not have my wife living a lie .sx Things have changed for us both , Livvy , but I need to know that you mean it .sx I can't have you pretending we're living a different sort of life .sx You've got to show me you're happy with this one .sx " He put a finger under her chin and lifted her face so that her eyes met his .sx " Write to her - today .sx " .sx When he had gone she went back into the house and looked around .sx Dust lay thick on every surface and the wet clothes , hers and John's , lay in a disgusting clammy heap at her feet .sx She would have to get out that detestable wash-board again .sx But first .sx .. She found a cloth and dusted the table and a chair then brought our her notepad and inkwell and pen and sat down .sx " Dear Annis .sx .. " .sx She put the pen down , then made herself pick it up again .sx " Dear Annis , " she wrote , while a shaft of sunlight fell across the paper and the galahs quarrelled and clowned and shrieked in the trees outside .sx " There is something I must tell you .sx .. " .sx 24 Rowena was a happy baby , secure and confident of being loved , just the way Annis had planned .sx As the months passed and she began to take an interest in her surroundings and recognize people her dark hair lightened to a rich auburn , deeper than Annis's own curls .sx Her eyes , blue at birth , turned to a striking hazel , somewhere between Annis's grey and green .sx Tom and Janet adored her , and in return Rowena showered love on them .sx Annis was able to leave her with a clear conscience on those days when she had to be at her desk in the Cathcart Square office , knowing that her precious little daughter was in good hands .sx Even so , she missed the baby and as she entered the Esplanade on her way home her steps always quickened in anticipation of the moment when Rowena would hold out her plump little arms to her and beam her special smile , no longer toothless .sx Life was complete , Annis told herself time and time again .sx She and Jem made good partners ; the shipping business and the shipyard were both thriving ; she herself was fulfilled and happy and she had her house and her daughter .sx She needed nothing more .sx But on stormy nights when she lay awake listening to the sea crashing against the wall across the road she fretted about the Grace and Charity , on her way back to Scotland .sx She studied the maritime reports in the Greenock Herald every day , and she made certain of finding out if there were any sightings of the clipper from ships that put in to harbour .sx She knew , for Gideon dispatched formal reports whenever he could , that the ship had made her way safely to Australia and disgorged her passengers and cargo safely .sx She had loaded with Mundy wool from the warehouses in Melbourne and was on her way back home .sx Annis diligently set about finding a market for the wool and a cargo for the next trip , and continued to tell herself how complete her life was .sx Olivia's letter was delivered to her one November day at the office .sx As soon as she could Annis put her own work aside and opened it , anxious as always to know how her sister fared .sx She read it once , twice , a third time , and didn't even hear Beaton tapping at the door .sx When he opened it she jumped .sx " Mrs Moncrieff , Mr Ballantyne's in the office , anxious to have a word with you .sx " .sx " Ballantyne ?sx " She mouthed the word , then as he nodded and beamed , said clearly , " By all means , Mr Beaton .sx Please ask him to come in .sx " .sx Ballantyne was one of the merchants who had taken his custom elsewhere after Douglas's death .sx Annis hurriedly put the letter aside and folded her hands on the blotter before her , smiling with brisk friendliness as the man , hat in hand , was shown in .sx " Yes , Mr Ballantyne , what can I do for you ?sx " .sx " It's like this , Mrs Moncrieff .sx " He stood four-square before the desk , looking down on her , his brows knotted with embarrassment .sx " I'm thinking that mebbe I was a wee thing hasty when I took my business elsewhere .sx There's no getting away from the fact that the Moncrieff boats were aye trustworthy .sx .. " .sx " And still are , Mr Ballantyne , " she said , indicating a chair .sx " And still are .sx " .sx " Ye did well tae win Ballantyne back , " Jem said a few weeks later , toasting his toes in front of the fire in Annis's small parlour .sx He had had a rowdy time of it with Rowena and Tom and now they had been dispatched to bed and Janet was putting the kitchen to rights before going to bed .sx Outside , a strong wind from the sea blew against the front of the house .sx " There was little winning to it .sx " Annis was busy stitching a new dress for Rowena .sx " It was his decision .sx " .sx " And where he goes others'll follow .sx The worst's over for us , lass .sx We're going to weather the storms .sx " .sx A gust rattled the windows and Annis's head jerked up .sx " So will he , don't fret yourself about that .sx The Grace and Charity 's a fine ship and she's got the best shipmaster in the town .sx " .sx " I wasn't fretting , " she said , and he grinned and took the pipe from his mouth to point the stem at her .sx " You've no secrets from me , Annis Moncrieff .sx " .sx " Have I not ?sx " .sx " Well .sx .. mebbe one .sx " .sx His voice had changed suddenly and Annis looked up , then put the sewing down on her lap , her gaze caught by his own .sx " What would that be ?sx " .sx " I've noticed , " said Jem slowly , deliberately , " that there's a way wee Rowena looks at me sometimes that puts me in mind of .sx .. " He stopped , then said , " She's no' a Moncrieff , Annis .sx " .sx " She takes after me .sx " .sx " Aye , she's very like you .sx But to my eyes there's the look of another .sx " .sx Her mouth trembled and she controlled it by biting down hard on her lower lip .sx " You're mistaken .sx " .sx " Am I ?sx No need to fear , lass the whole town's so sure she's Douglas's child that I doubt if even the gossips'll ever say otherwise .sx Chapter Six .sx Most of Charlotte's guests had already left .sx Some were in the process of taking their leave and her progress was impeded by the need to exchange pleasantries .sx Her present state of shock meant that she did so with lips which bent only stiffly to her will and many goodbyes were terminated more abruptly than good manners demanded .sx She saw the look of puzzlement enter her uncle's face , but she could not meet his gaze .sx Nor did she have any wish to approach him on the subject .sx Only too clearly did she understand how much a confrontation would embarrass him .sx She loved him dearly , despite this most human failing , and would continue to believe in him .sx But she would discover nothing further here at Caperley .sx She must go elsewhere to discover the truth .sx " Please forgive me , Uncle , but I am quite tired after all the excitement .sx If you will excuse me , I will go to bed at once :sx " She gave him a sweeter , more lingering kiss than usual , then hurried away before he could see her tears .sx " Of course , my dear .sx " Nathan watched her go , ignorant of the turmoil in her heart .sx In her room , Charlotte changed out of her beautiful new dress into a simple lawn gown in coral and mauve stripe and tied her favourite lace kerchief about her neck .sx Next she put on her warmest cloak and stoutest boots .sx Finding a small leather satchel , she packed in a few essential items , then sat herself down to wait with as much patience as she could muster for the house to quieten .sx She dared not wait more than an hour or so , or the players would get too much of a lead on her .sx When she felt it safe , she crept down the back stairs to the kitchen where she found Alice snoring with exhaustion in the big rocking-chair .sx Creeping stealthily past her , Charlotte managed to unlatch the back door and was halfway across the yard , thinking herself free , when she heard a door bang and a familiar voice call out .sx " That you , Miss Charlotte ?sx " .sx Charlotte turned , heart beating slow and hard in her breast .sx She had to get away .sx Nothing and no one must be allowed to prevent that .sx " Yes , Molly , " she answered as calmly as she could .sx " Did you by any chance see which direction the strolling players took ?sx I forgot to return the shawl they lent me , so I thought if I hastened after them I could give it back before they got too far .sx " .sx Molly considered this point , painfully slowly .sx " The left fork , I reckon .sx But I ain't certain .sx Would you like me to fetch Dickon ?sx He could run faster'n you .sx " .sx " No , no .sx Dickon is no doubt busy shutting up the animals for the night They can't have got far and I'll be glad of a little fresh air before I retire for the night .sx Leave the kitchen door on the latch , Molly .sx I won't be long .sx " .sx " Right you are .sx I'm near dropping on my feet , I can tell you .sx " Molly ambled off about her late duties , sighing of how beautiful the play had been and what a fine feast they had had .sx Charlotte did not stop to listen to her rambling .sx She was running on winged feet , stumbling over the icy ruts but determined to catch up with the players before they got too far .sx If she was any judge , they would be making for a new town tomorrow and , if she was lucky , eventually for London .sx She wondered where they would be spending the night and was thankful that Uncle Nathan had not offered them the use of his barn .sx The further she got from Caperley this night , the better .sx She ran until her sides ached and she was forced to slow to a walk .sx A mile or two after that her heart skipped a beat as she glimpsed a light penetrating the darkness ahead .sx She found them huddled together around a tiny fire in the shelter of an old disused barn .sx It was only as she approached that she began to consider what she would say .sx " Who goes there ?sx " The dramatic tones of the booming voice rang out in the gloom and Charlotte jumped , crying out in terror as a hand grasped her arm .sx A lantern was swung in her face , blinding her for a second , and she heard an oath of surprise as she was recognised .sx " Can it be our talented Miss Birthday Girl herself ?sx " Wilfred Clement Fosdyke almost licked his lips in delight .sx This was an unexpected piece of good fortune .sx Ever since he'd overheard that most interesting piece of information between herself and Sir James he'd been frantic to think how it could best be applied to his own benefit .sx The old man had obstinately refused to offer them lodging , paid them the price quoted to the penny with not a groat extra as tip .sx Such miserliness had only served to make Fosdyke wrestle all the harder with the problem .sx Now here was the solution , standing dewy-eyed before him .sx " My dearest girl , you look quite worn out , and more than a little frozen .sx " Resting his arm protectively across her shoulders , he led Charlotte closer to the fire .sx " Put on more logs , get a blaze going ; the lass is pinched with the cold .sx Make room there .sx " He cuffed and booted one or two recalcitrant members of the orchestra from the choicest positions and settled Charlotte into the space they vacated .sx She gazed about her at the assembled company and wondered at her own daring .sx There was Fanny , rubbing sleep from her eyes and already glowering curiously at her .sx A cup of scalding tea was placed in her hands and she sipped it gratefully .sx Fosdyke introduced the two younger men as Carl and Phil .sx " Carl , being so handsome , does the romantic leads and Phil plays the villain .sx Ain't that right , Phil ?sx " chortled Fosdyke .sx " Aya , " agreed the grinning Phil , looking far from villainous .sx " I'm a brilliant actor , Miss Forbes , but I never get the girl .sx " .sx Charlotte laughed out loud , beginning to feel more relaxed now that she had her breath and her toes were thawing out .sx " And this here is Sally Drew .sx She plays some good character parts , does Sal .sx You should see her Mrs Malaprop - a proper treat .sx And this is her terror of a son , young Peter .sx He plays page-boy roles and such like .sx Does all the errands , helps put up the scenery and cooks the meals if necessary .sx What would we do without him ?sx Say hello to the lady , Peter .sx " Fosdyke stuck his face close to the boy , who briefly nodded at Charlotte then closed his eyes and went back to sleep , his dusty blond head resting upon his mother's ample lap .sx Sally Drew smiled lovingly as she stroked his hair .sx " He'll talk plenty tomorrow .sx You see if he don't .sx " .sx " And you've met Fanny already , of course .sx " Fosdyke raised his bushy brows at the black-haired Fanny as if to ask if she meant to greet their new guest .sx Fanny merely sniffed , rubbed her eyes and lay down beside the warmth of the glowing embers .sx " Bit tired just now , she is .sx Been a long day , as I expect you have found too .sx " Fosdyke was avid with curiosity about why Charlotte had followed them , but knew better than to startle this fragile wide-eyed fawn .sx " Was there something special you wanted us for ?sx Your uncle has paid our account , you can rest assured , " he said , adopting a polite smile .sx " Ohh , I'm so glad .sx N-no .sx I forgot to return the shawl , " Charlotte said , handing over the small neatly packed parcel .sx " Dear Lord , you needn't have run after us just for that fleabitten thing , " put in Sally .sx " I didn't .sx I mean , there was another matter .sx " She turned to Fosdyke and her jade eyes , darkly starred by thick lashes , had never looked more appealing .sx Yet he would have agreed to her request if she had been as ugly as a cow and twice as stupid .sx Fosdyke was not a man to be won over simply by a pretty face .sx They were two a penny , as he was often wont to say , and didn't give half as good service .sx " I wished to ask a favour of you .sx " .sx " A favour .sx " Fosdyke stuffed his chest with air so that it bellied grandly out like a pigeon's , though he would have preferred to think himself a swan , and smiled beatifically , revealing the perfect white teeth .sx " You have only to name it and it is yours .sx How could anyone refuse so charming a young lady ?sx " .sx Charlotte had meant only to ask if she might travel with them to London where she intended to search out the whereabouts of her mother .sx But a wild thought had catapulted into her head and before she could stop herself she asked " Might I join you ?sx " .sx Even Fosdyke was surprised .sx It was the last thing he'd expected .sx Yet , when he thought about it , why should she not wish to join them ?sx The girl had talent - that much was certain .sx She'd read the piece which she'd never set eyes on before with the skill and ease of a professional .sx There was no question but that he could make something of her .sx " Now , why would you want to do that ?sx " he probed .sx " Not fallen out with your uncle , have you ?sx " This thought alarmed him for a moment .sx What use a fortune if it was cut off ?sx But Charlotte hastened to reassure him .sx " Oh , no , not at all .sx Only .sx .. " And here for the first time in her life she decided that some form of a lie might be safer .sx She had no wish at this stage , or to these people , kindly though they seemed , to relate the full sordidness of her problem .sx " .sx .. I have relatives in London , and if you should be going in that direction I wondered if I might accompany you .sx I have always longed to act and it would be so much more fun than taking the coach .sx I do so love an adventure .sx " Her smile vanished .sx " But if I'd be a nuisance you have only to say .sx However , I do assure you I would work hard .sx " .sx Fosdyke decided that the gods must be pleased with him this day .sx The teeth positively glittered in the darkness as he smiled upon Charlotte " Nothing would give us greater pleasure than to have you become a member of the Fosdyke " .sx .sx James awoke later than usual and at once became aware of a great hubbub of noise outside his room .sx Running footsteps , banging doors and the loud clamour of voices .sx Hastily pulling on his shirt and breeches , he went to investigate .sx Alice and Molly were hurrying in confusing and alternating circles up and down stairs , along passages and into and out of various rooms .sx He watched this odd performance for a second or two before managing to catch a hold of Molly and halt her madcap dash .sx " What on earth is going on , Molly ?sx You all seem quite demented .sx " .sx " Oh , sir !sx 'Tis Miss Charlotte , " Molly gasped , heaving great gulps of air into her flat chest .sx James felt a prickle of foreboding .sx " What of Miss Charlotte ?sx " He gripped tighter upon Molly's arm and she winced .sx " She have gone .sx Leastways we can find no trace of her either in the house or in the yard .sx Please don't squeeze my arm so , sir , I'ad a drop too much cider last night and I do hurt all over .sx " .sx James lessened his grip only to shake Molly as if she were in some way to blame when he knew it was himself .sx " You're sure she isn't out riding the new horse ?sx " .sx Molly groaned as the headache worsened .sx There was something she kept trying to remember but she couldn't quite get to grips with it .sx What with Alice's shouting and scolding and now this gentleman shaking the life out of her she doubted she ever would .sx " No , we've checked and the mare is eating her head off in the stable , sweet as you please .sx