Torn in Two: Samsara- The First Season, #3

By J L Martin

What if you could remember a past life? Or worse, what if you couldn't?

 

Abigail makes her choice and marries the love of her life, leaving heartbreak behind and consequences that she must face in the future. Basking in the glow of her newfound life, a life so different from her time spent in the orphanage, it is unrecognisable to her as she tries to adjust to situations she has never encountered before. Polly's past unexpectantly haunts them in this new land, leading to secrets being exposed and ending in murder. Abigail experiences a pleasant surprise, one that will change her life in ways she has never known, providing her with a sense of security and contentment she has never experienced. However, unfavourable events soon unfold, leaving some of her friends, especially Dana, grieving and wishing they had never immigrated to Australia.  

 

Continue the journey alongside Abigail and the cast of characters she calls friends through the first season of 'Samsara' and find out what thousands of readers are talking about.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Time Travellers Publishing House PTY LTD
• Release date: Feb 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781925852240

J L Martin

J. L. Martin resides in a quiet country town in Regional Victoria, Australia. In a past life of her own, she spent close to two decades working in the Welfare sector and at the coalface for the State Child Protection AHS Emergency Service as a lead investigator, applicant and expert witness within the Childrens’ Court—both in the family and criminal divisions—along with the Family Law and Criminal Court systems, before being forced to retire with cumulative trauma as a result of a final assault sustained in the workplace while carrying out her duties. She holds a degree in welfare and has two adult daughters and four grandchildren — along with a number of adult foster daughters and grandchildren. J L Martin’s transition to full-time author began in December 2015 when she started writing as therapy to assist in her recovery from PTSD, ultimately leading to her debut series ‘Samsara- The First Season', a story spanning a lifetime she thought would never see the light of day. We make plans... and God laughs... She owns a 19th-Century themed Bookstore/Bar/Restaurant/Coffee Palace with her partner, a creative soul and talented artist in his own right — their ‘Penny University,’ stocking only tomes from Australian Authors to demonstrate their unwavering support of all writers within the community and around Australia — and coffee — they have GREAT coffee... and books... don't forget the books... 

Book preview

Chapter One

The thought of Aaron filled my mind as I woke with a smile on my face before I’d even opened my eyes. In a few hours, I would marry my beloved. I lay unmoving, thinking of him and how he had so unexpectedly entered my life, then my heart, and I could not do a damn thing to stop it. It wasn’t his outer beauty I had fallen in love with, although he was mighty easy on the eye, and all the women I knew had told me they found him handsome. I admired how calm and easy-going he was, and often wished I was more like him. I had discovered soon after meeting if he was offended, or anyone threatened or harmed someone he loved or considered a friend, he would strike back quickly and effectively with a minimum of fuss.

He was a powerful man in every sense of the word—physically, morally, and ethically. His strength of character and sense of right and wrong was unshakable. Not only did I love him, I liked and respected him. I enjoyed being with him—he always made me feel safe, loved, and cherished. He possessed a great sense of humour and was fun to be around, which drew people to him. He was kind and decent and didn’t care about pomp and ceremony. Like me, he didn’t enjoy it or feel the need to be around it. He was happy with whatever life gave him and was the type of person who didn’t strive to be better than anyone else—treating everyone he met the same, whether they were aristocrats or working-class men.

I was confident he loved me, too, just from how he spoke to me and the things he would say. He was so gentle and loving when he would touch me, whether to caress my face with his fingers, or kiss me in greeting.

Loving him didn’t change the fact deep down inside me, Hamish still held a part of my heart. He had gone a little insane since we had parted; however, underneath it all, he was still the same good-hearted person I had fallen in love with on the ship. I had no intention of ever acting on these feelings, but they were something I couldn’t deny. I had felt torn between them from the day I met Aaron, although my feelings went even deeper. Whatever connection between the three of us, it was the strongest I had ever felt with any other person, including my friends with the golden glow.

I couldn't deny, even to myself, there was something about these two men I felt I knew long before we had ever laid eyes on each other, but had somehow forgotten, which made little sense. Despite being confused, I felt connected equally to both. I was uncertain if Hamish would fade from my heart, given time, but I was confident these lingering feelings had no impact on the love I felt for Aaron. The fact I had given everything I had emotionally to him confirmed in my mind the choice I had made was the right one—for all of us. I loved him with every part of me, yet contradicted my feelings by still loving the person Hamish was and would always be to me.

I was fascinated, yet still terribly confused, by the strong connection I had witnessed between those surrounded by the golden glow. It drew them to each other, just as it drew them to me, and me to them. The most surprising of all was the obvious connection between Hamish and Aaron had grown and intensified daily. They had tried desperately to despise each other, but could not manage it, and had slowly and suspiciously become friends in their own way. Hamish spent a lot of time at Willow Grove with Angus, and over the last month with Aaron—who had been at the property every day since we became engaged.

I missed Aaron. He had left so early yesterday, and I was so used to seeing him now from morning till night, his absence was noticeable. It was the first morning in a month he wouldn’t be here to wake me, and it felt strange lying here knowing I would not see him until I arrived at the church.

There was a knock on the door, and Catherine came stumbling in, half asleep, her wheat coloured hair bound in tight plaits swung down near her waist as she crossed the room. She was still in her nightgown and smiled sleepily as she climbed up onto the bed beside me and slipped under the covers before kissing me hello.

'Good morning, pretty. How are you this morning? Have you got those nerves under control?' she asked, taking my hand in hers.

'I feel excited and a little nervous, but I know he will stand there with me and I won’t be alone.' I smiled at the thought of my handsome, soon-to-be husband. I hoped our future children looked like him. With the eyes he was blessed with, not to mention that body, he was a perfect specimen of a man.

'Abigail, you are so fortunate to have found someone like Aaron. I’m not saying I don’t like Hamish because I do, and he treated you well until all this betrothal business took over and caused him to go stark raving mad.'

'I know, Catherine. I’m sure he knows it, too. We are trying to be friends now, but it will take a while to put the past behind us, given how serious we were about each other. That will take time to fade before we can have a normal friendship, as I have with Richard.' She nodded thoughtfully.

'Is he coming today?' I rolled onto my side so I could see her face.

'He wasn’t invited, but that may not stop him from attending with Charlotte. I cannot see why he would want to watch me marry someone else, despite his claims he has moved on from me.' I was just as surprised as the next person he would even consider turning up, given the only reason Aaron had decided not to invite him was he didn’t want to rub salt in his wounds.

'It takes longer than this to get over a broken heart, Abigail.' Catherine sat up and fluffed the feather pillow behind her before relaxing back. 'Hamish was deeply in love with you. I cannot see that vanishing anytime soon, as he was genuine in his feelings for you. If he never cared, he could easily be friends with you and Aaron with no tension or hurt feelings, but it’s too raw now, and far too painful. Maybe in a year, he will have settled back to the person he was and accepted you cannot be with him—not now and not in the future. You will both have to find a resolution eventually because you are connected through Polly and Angus forever. After what Hamish did with Charlotte, I do believe you made the right choice. If he hadn’t made that mistake, you would still be confused and torn between the two of them. I hope I meet someone who is as good to me as Aaron is to you.' She smiled at me, and I smiled back.

'Without a doubt, you will. You are beautiful inside and out, and very, very sweet, as well as kind and lovely in every way.' There was another knock at the door, and I called out for them to enter, smiling as Dana and Polly stumbled into the room. They appeared to have just awakened, and neither had bothered to dress, the four of us ending up in my bed talking and laughing until Bessie entered the room.

'You can take your breakfast in your dressing gowns this morning so we don’t have any accidents on the dresses.' Bessie clapped her hands furiously, getting us all out of bed and ushering us off to the dining room.

Amelia and Leo were waiting for us, with breakfast already on the table. Leo had put in so much effort yet again, I tried a bit of everything he had made. There were breakfast dishes from Spain, Greece, and Italy—a pleasant surprise for those who had experienced nothing so exotic, and they seemed to enjoy it just as much as I was.

Our laughter and excited banter was rudely interrupted when Mr Masters entered the dining room, cleared his throat, then quickly announced there was a visitor.

'It is Miss Jemima Makenzie,' he formally declared, straightening himself to his full height to await my instructions. I advised him I would meet with her in the sitting room and quickly finished my breakfast before making my way down the wide hallway. Entering the sitting room, I found her waiting—rather impatiently for someone who called to visit without warning at this hour on a Saturday. Forcing a smile, I sat down opposite her near the window.

'Hello, Jemima. It is wonderful to see you again.' I tried to disguise the insincerity in my tone while maintaining the strained smile on my face. 'Please excuse me in my dressing gown. I must stay in it until I am ready to leave for the church. To what do I owe this pleasure?' I made myself comfortable as I waited for her response—my eyes focussed on what radiated from her rather than the insidious smile that touched her lips.

She still had that dirty, grey aura swirling around her, and I still had no idea what it meant. She smoothed the skirt of her expensive gown with both hands, sitting as straight as an arrow on the velvet chaise, and then lifted her hands to her hair to check nothing was out of place. After several moments, she turned and stared across at me, acknowledging me for the first time since I entered the room, while her face gave nothing away, as was her usual manner.

'I am here to tell you on this much anticipated and joyous occasion, no one hurts my family and gets away with it,' she snapped, her voice like ice. She leaned forward, her eyes glinting dangerously, as I tried not to show any emotion. 'I will make you pay for what you have done to Hamish, in this life and the next. Leading him on like that and then throwing him over for another man—and after all he did for you. He loved you more than he has loved anyone, and you have shattered his soul. It may not happen immediately, but I will find some way to make you suffer, just as you have caused him to suffer. You will come to regret the day you played with his mind—and his heart.' I crossed my arms against my chest and narrowed my gaze at her.

'Have you finished?' I asked, my voice now matching her frigid tone. 'Is that all you came here for, Jemima? To cause trouble? Hamish and I are still friends, and frankly, whatever has passed between us is none of your business. You’re a spiteful wee bitch coming here and threatening me, but I certainly give you credit for having the nerve to do it to my face. Get your things and leave.' She flinched, her face flushing. To call someone a bitch was one of the worst insults you could give a woman. To be called a female dog in heat—who would go with any males who came to her—was highly offensive to most. It was a dreadful word only to be used in a dreadful situation when the need arose, which I believed was justified at this present moment. She appeared shaken, but stood and silently walked to the door. She turned as she was about to leave and pointed a skinny finger at me.

'You may think I’m only talking and not planning to follow through with my threats. I will make sure you suffer. Mark my words, you will pay Abigail, and you would be a daft woman to dismiss me,' she hissed.

With that, she turned on her heel and left. I listened to her storm down the hallway and slam the front door as I remained where I was, feeling stunned. How dare she mix herself up in my business, the spoiled brat. I never liked her, and now I could see why. Her true colours had shown themselves this morning, but I would not allow her to ruin my day. I strolled back to the dining room and smiled as I crossed the room to join my friends at the table, trying to put her out of my mind. Not wanting to dampen the mood, I didn’t tell them what passed between us, only Jemima had some urgent business with me that was now resolved.

My friends were in fine spirits, teasing and laughing with each other and taking bets on who would be the first to trip over their gowns. I finished my meal and joined in the conversation until they started pushing their plates away and rising to their feet. Leo had left earlier to check on the preparations for the wedding breakfast and had been behaving like a possum on a hot tin roof. He was the best chef I had ever come across, yet he was prone to self-doubt, like all of us.

We made our way back to my room, where Bessie was patiently waiting to style my hair. I sat at the dressing table while Catherine did my makeup, and Bessie tried to tame my curls. After thirty-minutes, they had transformed me into someone I no longer recognised in the mirror before me. I was transfixed as I stared in wonder, astounded at just how different I looked, while hoping Aaron would still recognise me. The colour on my face, applied with such care, made me look years older, while my hair had been brushed, tugged, pulled, then piled up on top of my head, several tresses left out now cascading down my back. I stayed in my dressing gown while the others had their hair styled and makeup done, then went to their rooms to dress. It was actually happening today. It felt like time was speeding up, unlike counting the days as we had been for the last month, which seemed to crawl by so slowly until this morning.

Soon Polly, Dana, and Catherine were back and dressed in their bridesmaid gowns. Polly wore a soft blue that complimented her eyes, Dana a soft lilac, and Catherine a pale pink, all in the same style—and they looked lovely. The bodice was snug, while the skirt dropped away at the waist into small pleats, falling to the ground in a full skirt, the material shiny, the fabric glimmering as they walked, all elegant and beautiful in their own way. The sleeves were long, sitting just off the shoulder, seamlessly connected to the bodice at the top of each arm. Their corsages were pink, blue, and lilac to compliment their gowns, while they wore matching headpieces of the same fresh flowers—all beautiful and different in so many ways. They looked stunning, and I smiled as I went to my drawer to retrieve the gifts I had purchased just for today.

'This is a token to show how much I love and appreciate you.' I handed the wrapped boxes to each of them, tears stinging my eyes. I had bought them each a diamond necklace the last time I visited Melbourne to thank them for standing beside me today. Polly gasped as she unwrapped hers and begged me to put it straight on her, while Catherine and Dana were more understated and thanked me for the gifts, helping the other put them on.

The jewellery complemented their gowns and sparkly shoes to perfection, and I was pleased. The time had come for me to dress, and I watched in fascination as the three of them, with Bessie’s help, manoeuvred the heavy dress over to the bed. It was a creation in itself, with hundreds of hand-sewn beads and an enormous skirt. Polly had lent me her garter for something borrowed, and I had the dress as something new. Something old was a hairpin Bessie had given me, and now the only thing I didn’t have was something blue, which Bessie was trying to find. She came back with a blue ribbon and tied it onto my corset while ensuring every hair was in place before fitting the crinoline around my waist. I rarely wore the cage-like structure that held out the skirt so it fell in a wide circle, avoiding dresses requiring one like the plague. I preferred petticoats alone, even if I had to wear several. They helped me into my dress while I watched in the full-length mirror as they did up the tiny pearl buttons at the back.

It was the most stunning wedding dress I had ever seen, let alone had the pleasure to wear, the expensive heavy satin cloth a pure white, the neckline low-cut but respectable with a tightly fitted bodice and long lace sleeves connected to the top of the bodice similar to the bridesmaid dresses. I grunted as I pushed my breasts down as far as possible, cursing the corset they forced me to wear. The skirt surrounded me, flowing out from my waist then dropping elegantly to the floor, a long and unmanageable train of white satin following behind as I took my first tentative steps towards the full length looking glass. I really felt beautiful for the first time in my life. Bessie shed a tear as she surveyed the final results.

'I have never seen a bride more beautiful than you, Mistress. Go and be happy with all my love and blessings.' She seemed unable to speak another word, an uncommon situation for our dear Bessie. She expertly fitted the diamond tiara I had bought from Colin Dawson, and then the matching lace veil that flowed down behind me to the ground.

The time had arrived to leave for the church, and now I was nervous. My palms had become cold and clammy, and I could feel my heart beating fast now the wedding was approaching. I thought of Sister Josephine and what I would give for her, along with the Malcolm family, to be here in person to spend such a special day with me, but I sent my love out to each of them, knowing they were here in spirit and I would carry them with me through the day.

We made our way outside and were helped up into the carriage by Harry. We tried to arrange our enormous skirts around each other while the girls chatted happily among themselves. Two other carriages were taking Aaron and his brothers, along with his parents, to the church, leaving three carriages to bring the bridal party home. Aaron was adamant he didn’t want anyone else in our carriage after we were married, loudly citing his right to savour those first moments of married life, leaving me gasping for breath and unable to stop laughing. I had no doubt his tune would change after being married for a few years, and he would sing a different song once the novelty wore off.

I was deep in my own thoughts as I listened to the girls’ cheerful banter. I wondered how Aaron was feeling and if his usually calm demeanour remained now the ceremony was nearly upon us. I smiled to myself as I stared out the window at the lush paddocks, my mind filled with thoughts of only him. I was so looking forward to calling him husband—that man was everything to me—my friend, my soon-to-be-lover, and my protector. A man who was steadfast, supportive and kind, who I would soon promise to love forever.

We finally arrived at St. Mary’s of the Angels, and Harry helped the girls step down from the carriage without incident, then turned back to assist me. Once safely on my feet, my friends turned to smooth the skirt of my gown, then adjusted the veil as I stared up at the bluestone building. The church never failed to impress me. I stood before it, waiting patiently to enter and have my life changed forever. The girls stood in front of me, and, as the music started, they walked down the aisle one by one—Polly first, then Catherine, then Dana—all carrying their bouquets. I gripped my bouquet of white roses, bound tightly together, the stems cut short enough for me to hold, wrapped in white ribbon. I felt my hands tremble slightly as I realised it was my turn to go in.

The music swelled, and everyone stood, while several guests turned and looked towards the back of the grand building, observing me as if I were a stone statue placed at the church entrance. I paused at the end of the aisle as I caught sight of Aaron way up ahead at the altar, where he waited with his three brothers—his handsome face lighting up with pure joy when he finally noticed me. I had no one to give me away, and those close to me believed this would cast a shadow over the ceremony and I would be sad. On the contrary, I liked the fact it was I who had chosen to give myself to Aaron. I had never belonged to anyone, therefore; I was no one’s to give away. Aaron’s father had offered to walk me down the aisle, but I had politely refused.

At that very moment, I was unable to move forward or backwards. I locked eyes with Aaron, which was enough to motivate me to take my first step. I started walking up the aisle, feeling the weight of every stare as I glanced around at a sea of smiling faces. I could only focus on Aaron as I drew nearer to him. He looked handsome in his new suit and shirt, as did his brothers, and I had never seen him look so happy. Halfway up the aisle, I noticed Hamish. He gazed at me unblinkingly, an odd look on his face, but I dismissed him, not wanting him to ruin our day. When I reached Aaron, he took my hand, and we turned to face the altar.

'Ya look beautiful, Abi,' he whispered as he stared down into my eyes while holding both of my hands in his.

'You do, too.' I winked, and he smiled back at me.

Father Donnelly nodded to himself before commencing the service—one he had conducted hundreds of times. We followed along and said everything expected of us without once taking our eyes from each other. When it came time to exchange rings, Patrick pulled them from his pocket then handed them to the priest, who blessed them and placed them on his Bible. The rings had turned out beautifully. Mr Dawson had been a man of his word and created the most magnificent wedding bands I had ever seen, ensuring mine matched my engagement ring perfectly. Aaron held my hand as he said his vows, his voice filled with emotion, then slipped the ring onto my finger, and I did the same.

We hadn’t taken our eyes from each other since I had arrived, and I continued to hold his gaze, unable to look away as I stared deeply into his bright blue eyes that seemed to see into my soul. Finally, we were guided over to a small table to sign the marriage certificate, and once completed, turned to face the crowded pews as Father Donnelly officially pronounced us man and wife. Aaron took me in his arms and kissed me passionately before holding his fist in the air in triumph, at which point all the guests clapped.

As we left the church arm in arm, rice was thrown all over us, which I had not realised until that very moment stung a little when hurled with too much vigour—particularly from Leo. Aaron pushed me into the carriage, trying to compress the material of my skirt enough to fit through the door. I finally made it inside and tried to get comfortable while Aaron shook someone’s hand and tried desperately to get away. Finally, he crammed his enormous frame into the seat beside me, and the carriage left the church at a trot.

'How’re ya, wife?'

'Great. And you, husband?' He smiled, looked into my eyes, and kissed me. He pulled me up onto his lap and settled my skirt around us.

'The first thing I wanna do is take ya to bed an’ never come out, but that’d be unfair to our guests, an’ you. I’ll wait until we get to our cottage tonight.' He placed his hand on my breast, over the tight and secure bodice he had no hope of loosening. 'I’ve been waitin’ so long to do that, I couldn’t wait any longer.' He chuckled deeply, making me giggle as he started to gently familiarise himself with parts of my body he had never touched before. I told him of Jemima’s unwelcome and unannounced visit, and my fears she would follow through with her threats. 'Yeah, nah, I wouldn’t worry about her. What can she do to you?' He appeared unconcerned as he kissed me on the mouth, then ran his hand up my stockinged thigh.

'Nothing, I suppose, but it was still unsettling to have someone threaten to hurt me.' I pulled away for air as he snorted.

'Yeah, you’re right, but in the overall scheme of things, she is insignificant. I wouldn’t give her another thought if I were you, or allow her to steal our joy on a day I will hold in my heart forever.' He kissed me once more, reaching up to hold the back of my head so I could no longer talk or pull away.

Chapter Two

The carriage came to an abrupt halt at the front of the house before Aaron graciously jumped down. He turned and lifted me out by the waist, kissing me before placing me on my feet. I adjusted my dress while he straightened the back of the skirt for me.

'Mrs Aaron Cavanaugh,' he said proudly as I raised my hand to his lips. I was somebody’s wife now. His wife. I had gone from carrying no surname for fifteen-years to having two within months of each other.

Guests were starting to arrive and mingle in front of the house, so Aaron and I stepped inside to avoid them. We walked hand in hand into the ballroom, where the wedding breakfast was to be held. Candles flickered and glowed on every surface, giving the grand room a magical feel, the scent of the beautiful flower arrangements on each table filling my nose. Aaron and I decided to wait in our bedchamber for all the guests to arrive before we came down to join them.

Alone, our passion was unleashed, and my heart was pounding in my chest as he kissed me and ran his hands over my body.

'I can’t wait till we’re alone tonight, an’ I can get this bloody dress off ya,' he whispered, firmly squeezing my backside. It felt good being allowed to touch him anywhere I wanted to, but that would have to wait for tonight. We had guests to mingle with, and he was messing up my wedding dress.

I managed to get myself up off the bed and attempted to straighten my gown, much to his amusement, when there was a loud knock on the door. Bessie came hurrying in, relieved to see I was still fully clothed. Her face was flushed as she eyed him on the bed, grinning at her, before turning her attention back to me.

'I knew Mr Aaron was not to be trusted.' She turned and glared at him before hurrying across the room to pick up my hairbrush. 'The moment he placed that ring on your finger, I saw the look in his eye. I thought he would pick you up and take you from the church before the ceremony had even finished. Look at you. I was surprised you stepped out of that carriage with a dress on at all. Oh, and the state of your hair—what a mess. Go and sit down now, and I will have to redo the whole thing before you go down to greet your guests, who are all waiting. That was why I came up here, as Mr Aaron promised he would stay for the full wedding in the ballroom, but he has already snuck off like a criminal and dragged you along with him.'

I sat at my dressing table obediently while he laughed at her. She was tugging at my hair a little harder than usual I noticed, watching her closely in the mirror while I tried to keep a straight face. She still didn’t want me left alone with Aaron despite the fact we were legally married now—the urge to laugh aloud almost overwhelming me, but I knew better than to place myself in Bessie’s path when she was angry or upset.

'I’m telling you, boyo. There will be new rules in this bedchamber, but they won’t be going all your way,' she told him firmly. She finished my hair, and I stood so she could straighten my dress. 'And you don’t need to be encouraging him by finding it funny,' she added as my face broke into a smile.

'What? I’m on your side,' I said, slipping my feet back into my shoes. 'I don’t want an angry ladies maid attending to me. You nearly pulled my hair out by the roots.' Aaron chuckled to himself as I crossed the room to where he lay on the bed, bending forward to take his hand in mine before pulling him to his feet. 'Come on. It’s only for a few hours,' I promised as Bessie shooed us both out of the room.

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We strode into the ballroom, greeted by enthusiastic applause and cheering as we crossed the room and made our way over to the bridal table where the girls and Aaron’s brothers, Patrick, Aiden, and Luke were seated. I slipped into the chair next to Polly, and Aaron took his seat beside me. I could see the table where my close friends were sitting and sighed deeply, immediately finding Charlotte and Hamish among them. I couldn’t believe he would want to come to my wedding and wondered what he had to gain from it. Aaron slipped his arm around me, and I leaned on him, listening to everyone talk. He kissed me on the side of the neck and whispered in my ear just some of the things he planned for tonight.

'Is that so?' I smiled at him.

'Fair dinkum. I haven’t stopped thinkin’ about it since ya told me what Dana taught ya.' He chuckled, his voice low as he reached out and picked up his whisky, then took a long sip. He seemed to believe I was some expert now, increasing my nervousness given I didn’t know what to expect tonight at all. I was apprehensive I would be expected to know what to do, and he would be disappointed when I didn’t. I looked over at him as he spoke quietly with his brother Patrick while holding my hand in his lap. He was the most beautiful man I had ever met, and he loved me. He was now my husband, and I would love him with every part of me, whatever that took.

As the footmen and maids efficiently went from table to table to serve the meal, the room quieted as people started to eat. Leo had outdone himself, producing eight courses of pure deliciousness served over two hours. Several guests commented they had never eaten such a fine meal, which Mr Masters conveyed in glowing terms back to Leo, who was delighted and congratulated all his servants for their hard work.

The musicians began to play what I recognised as a waltz—the first dance I had ever learnt with Hamish—making me cast an unwilling glance in his direction where he sat with Charlotte by his side. I felt a tug at my heart as I looked at his handsome face, then averted my gaze before he caught me. It was time for Aaron and me to have our first dance as man and wife, and I rose to my feet. He took me by the hand and led me to the dance floor, pulling me into his arms before he slowly danced me around the floor.

'Ya look radiant, Abi. It’s true what Bessie said, bein’ the high priestess she is. As soon as I put that ring on ya finger, I wanted to take ya home an’ lock everyone out for a week while I took ya to bed,' he whispered, wiggling his eyebrows wickedly and making me giggle. Aaron was convinced Bessie was a witch, and he now believed she could read his mind. He was careful not to think dirty thoughts when she was around, which had made me laugh hysterically. Soon the bridesmaids and groomsmen partnered up and joined us on the dance floor, followed by the guests. I kept my arms wrapped tightly around Aaron’s neck as he held me around the waist and kissed me again.

'Are you having a good day, Aaron?'

'Yeah, I’m as happy as a possum up a gumtree we’re married, an’ the formality of it all is behind us. But all I wanna do is take ya to the cottage an’ not see another soul for at least a week.' I smiled at him before closing my eyes and placing my head on his chest. I was having a wonderful time, enjoying the day and being with the people I loved.

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A hush came over the room as Mr Cavanaugh stood and made his way over to the front table. He smiled and gave me a wink, then turned to face the crowded ballroom. Everyone went silent as they waited for him to speak. He looked around at the guests, most of them friends and family, then looked down proudly at his son.

'Well, today has finally come, and I am relieved.' He smiled as several guests laughed aloud before clearing his throat. 'Aaron and Abigail were betrothed from a young age, far too young some would say. None of us expected such a sweet and lovely girl to arrive in our lives, making our son the happiest we have ever seen him. We are your family now, too, Abigail, and we love you as our own daughter. Nothing will ever change that from this day forth. You have brought so much joy into our lives already in such a short time. We look forward to the many years we will spend together as a family. Watching you and Aaron raise your own children and having a loving and respectful marriage is all we wish for you both, thanks to our son constantly talking about it.'

He chuckled, and the guests laughed again, several turning in our direction and smiling. Edith Cavanaugh had tears in her eyes as she looked across at her husband, who was a very handsome man for his age. Aaron looked so much like his father, who was also kind and generous, just as he was.

I saw Leo enter the ballroom and lean casually on the door frame, listening to Mr Cavanaugh talk of the dreams he had held for his son and how he had exceeded his expectations by becoming the man he was. His speech, spoken from the heart, constantly included lovely references to me, causing tears to well in my eyes. The room was silent as he held their attention, making them laugh at times with long ago stories of his son, again kindly including me when he could. I watched suspiciously as Leo straightened up, then marched determinedly towards the head table where we were seated. He stood next to Mr Cavanaugh, who appeared slightly flustered when Leo slipped his arm around his enormous shoulders.

'Hush now, Mr Cavanaugh. Quiet please.' Leo placed his finger on Mr Cavanaugh's lips to silence him before turning to address the crowded room, now so quiet you could hear a frog fart. 'You are a brave and generous man offering to stand up here and risk being regarded as a dafty, and for again confirming to us all you are not very witty or clever at all, but we do appreciate your attempt to entertain us. If you spoke like an Australian and peppered your sentences with the bizarre metaphors they use. The filthy words they use sound so delightfully innocuous, and I believe you would have received a far better response had.’ He slipped his arm around Mr Cavanaugh's shoulders and smiled sympathetically. ‘As for your well spoken but attention seeking speech, well, I really don't know what to say on the matter as I do not wish to offend you, or point out how bored I was. Again I will remind you a few Aussie words would have helped you here, but we will keep that to ourselves to save any embarrassment while you shuffle back to your table. Can we give him a clap, everyone?' Leo shouted even louder than before at our guests, who politely obliged as confusion crossed many of the faces I was now too embarrassed to look at. 'Louder if you do not wish to hear him speak again at all for the rest of the evening, even when sitting back at his table,' Leo shouted excitedly at the crowd, raising his arms in the air as the clapping increased to a frenzied level and I could no longer hear myself think. I watched him performing for the guests like a peacock, then turned to Aaron to find him staring at his father in amusement, his eyes twinkling. Mr Cavanaugh raised his voice to be heard over the loud and incessant clapping, appearing to be the most confused out of all.

'But I haven’t finished,' he began, trying to be heard over the roar of claps before giving up and shaking his head in disbelief. He glared over at Leo who continued to incite the crowd, encouraging their thunderous applause.

'That’s all right, Mr Cavanaugh. Your speech put the fatty standing next to me into a deep sleep after the first thirty seconds. Didn't you hear his ungodly and very irritating snores? I knew at that very moment you required my assistance before this room, sadly filled with unfortunate looking people, turned on you and did you physical harm. Being the kind and giving soul I am, I generously came up here to give you a little help. You came close to ruining Aaron and Abigail’s day, but we will forgive you as it was obvious to all present here tonight you are shockingly bad at speaking in public, and should not ever speak in front of another living person again. For any reason. Ever,’ he bellowed, the clapping now unbearable. ‘Now everyone, eyes to me. Back to me, I say. Back! To! Meeeee!' he shouted, walking away from Mr Cavanaugh, who now appeared to be in a state of shock—his muscular frame still and unmoving, his face blank as Leo pushed him aside and took centre stage yet again. I saw Aaron’s mouth twitch in amusement, while Polly, Dana, and Catherine stared across at me, all wearing the same horrified expression. 'First of all, I would like to introduce myself. I am Leonardo, and I am the reason you all have a stomach full of delicious food that is now ready to make its way out the other end.' I heard several gasps and a few sniggers as I cringed and felt my face start to flush. Aaron chuckled, then leaned over and kissed my heated cheek.

'Don’t worry yourself. I’m sure it won’t be that bad,' he reassured me, sitting back in the chair, his arm slung across my shoulder. I knew he was wrong. He didn’t know Leo as well as I did.

'Now, for the ignorant people here who don’t know, I am Abigail’s best friend,' he announced grandly as my fingers unconsciously curled around my knife. 'She would be lost without me, let me give you the tip. Me entering her life would have to be the most exciting and fabulous thing that has happened to her since she left that terrible orphanage, Armarilla House,' he declared loudly, although his tone was sympathetic. I wanted the earth to swallow me up—and him shortly after. No one except my close friends and new family knew where I had come from, and now the entire district eagerly waited to hear more about my private affairs. 'Abigail loves me more than she has ever loved anyone. When we arrived here, she was a maniniser who had every grown man in Geelong and throughout the district with a working