Edward and Catherine: Entitled Justice

By Helen Gailey

Book Synopsis: Lord Edward Bannister finds his wife and her maid in the convict colony of Botany Bay in Australia. When he discovers them, Lad

• Language: English
• Publisher: Writers Branding LLC
• Release date: Mar 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9781639459124

Helen Gailey

Helen has always enjoyed historic English Literature and has taken a deep interest in her English ancestors. She attended the University of Ballarat where she completed a degree in Professional Writing and Editing. She enjoyed it immensely. Over the course of several decades she has written several stories, though this is her first book of this length. She has always had a passion for writing. Thanks to a loving Husband her confidence has blossomed. She enjoys the time she has for writing. Most of all she has wanted to follow the advice of her dear Mother before she died some years ago: ‘Don’t give up your writing’! Offering words crafted in her more mature years, she is happily married and lives in Tucson, Arizona with her husband. She is Australian by birth and has two adult sons and one grandson living in Australia.

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Edward and Catherine: Entitled Justice

Copyright © 2024 by Helen Gailey

ISBN: 978-1639459124 (e)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher and/or the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

The views expressed in this book are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1: Mother and Father

Chapter 2: The High Chancellor

Chapter 3: The Admiralty

Chapter 4: A Charity Dinner

Chapter 5: The Barringer is in

Chapter 6: Family

Chapter 7: The Informant

Chapter 8: Ellsworthy and Tottenham

Chapter 9: A Social Evening with Lord and Lady Bannister

Chapter10: Betsy’s Fear

Chapter 11: Parliament

Chapter 12: The Trial

Chapter 13: The Court-Martial

Chapter 14: Six Months later

Prologue

As we look back at history, it is saddening to recall how, in the past, one’s position might be determined just by the household they were born into, regardless of their abilities or talents. Such a period can serve as the beginning of a cautionary tale that teaches the importance of eradicating discrimination from our daily lives and being appreciative of the moment we presently live in.

The book, Unbreakable Bonds: A Journey of Love and Friendship takes readers back to a time when social prejudice was the norm. It is a story of devotion between two very different women: Catherine, a member of the aristocracy, and her servant, Betsy.  Lady Catherine Kensington and Betsy Bramley are six years old when their friendship blossoms. Catherine’s family owns a grand manor estate and Betsy’s family serves them. Their parents tell the girls to simply smile at each other in passing. Anything more would be quite inappropriate. Such instructions prove fruitless because the girls become inseparable; Catherine, high-spirited and curious despite her genteel upbringing, and Betsy, with her serene yet level-headed sensibility. They perfectly complement each other.

As they mature, Betsy is appointed Catherine’s lady’s maid and their bond deepens.

Catherine’s marriage to Lord Edward Bannister does not separate them. Knowing that Betsy would continue to love and care for Catherine, Lord Edward continues his post as Governor of the Northwest Province of India. His position takes him away for six months of the year.

Sometime after Lord Bannister’s departure, the two women seek amusement by pretending to be commoners and wandering among the shops in east London. The women first fall victim to the quick hands of a pick-pocket who takes Lady Bannister’s purse. When they later enter a shop intending to purchase a bolt of cloth that Lady Bannister finds interesting, the shopkeeper takes offense with Lady Bannister’s decision to see the bolt of cloth outside the shop where the light is better.

The shopkeeper, believing the two women to be working together to steal the cloth, calls on two young men passing by, telling them to rough up the women. They are injured and left lying in the street near the shop.

Lady Bannister is outraged at her treatment by the shopkeeper and hunts down the closest constable to register her complaint. The constable is familiar with the shopkeeper and believes his story about the two women trying to steal a bolt of cloth from him. He arrests the women who then begin fighting with him as he drags them to a prison.

The following morning, Lady Bannister and her maid Betsy are charged before the local judge. Lady Bannister, stripped of her usual fine clothing, bruised by the rough treatment at the hands of the young ruffians a day earlier, attempts to make known her noble identity but is unsuccessful. Her maid defends her and does everything in her power to help her.

The judge hearing the case actually recognizes Lady Bannister by name. He even believes the story they tell him. Unfortunately, having a long-standing grudge against Lord Edward Bannister, the judge sees that he may have an opportunity to get revenge against Lord Bannister by punishing Lady Bannister in his stead. He finds the two women guilty of attempting to steal the bolt of cloth from the merchant and sentences them to be deported as convicts to Botany Bay in Australia.

The judge recognizes the likelihood that any publicity about the women would likely come back on him and he conspires with the constable to ensure that they are kept isolated to prevent them from communicating with anyone. The constable arranges for the women to be transferred to Newgate Prison before being put on a hulk, an unseaworthy vessel on the Thames used as a holding facility for prisoners being transferred to Botany Bay. The constable passes along to all the jailors the story that Lady Bannister is a madwoman who believes she is an aristocrat. He tells the jailors that she has persuaded her friend to support her claims. The two women are subjected to extra ridicule and punishment for ‘pretending’ to be people they are not. The women are ridiculed both by the authorities and by their fellow convicts.

The judge recognized the likelihood that any publicity about the women would likely come back on him and he conspired with the constable to ensure that they were kept isolated to prevent them from communicating with anyone. The constable arranges for the women to be put on a hulk, an unseaworthy vessel on the Thames used as a holding facility for prisoners being transferred to Botany Bay. The constable passes along to all the jailors the story that Lady Bannister is a mad woman who believes she is an aristocrat, a toff. He tells the jailors that she has persuaded her friend, Betsy, to support her claims. The two women are subjected to extra ridicule and punishment for who they claim to be. Ridicule not only from the authorities but from their fellow convicts.

When they were transferred to the HMS Barringer, little did they realize what a nightmare the journey ahead to Australia would be.

The captain and troopers on the HMS Barringer were harsh taskmasters. The convicts are deprived of ordinary sustenance. Betsy and Catherine were singled out for punishment on their first day aboard the Barringer. Most of their fellow convicts eventually fell afoul of the troopers.

They suffered terribly on the Barringer. They were belittled and starved. They had to sleep on bare wood floors with very little bedding. The guards were always offering indecent proposals. Amongst the company they kept, their fellow prisoners, the pair were disgusted by what some women would do just for a sip of brandy."

Their journey was fraught with violence, illness, and worse hardship than they could have ever imagined. 

After various types of illnesses, they saw many dead bodies carted away and thrown overboard! They marveled that they stayed well. Betsy managed the cruel and hateful treatment far better than Catherine. Catherine would have died except for Betsy’s insistence that Catherine eat the foul food they were given and her encouragement to suffer the bitter behavior thrown their way by the guards.

Betsy protects and defends her friend Catherine, saving her life many times over the course of their journey.

Hope becomes a prevalent theme throughout; a quiet virtue that guides the women through an uncertain and nearly unbearable reality. The novel has another quiet power underpinning all these circumstantial events and pretenses; none of the struggles makes a dent in the profound love and friendship the two women feel for each other

The two friends adopt an orphaned boy whose mother had died due to illness. They care for him along the journey as though he were their own.  He was a joy to them.

When they finally reached Botany Bay, Australia, the pair are assigned to work in the same household some distance from Botany Bay. Betsy was ordered to serve as a lady’s maid and serve at the Master’s table. Catherine’s fate was not so pleasant, she was to be a kitchen maid. Catherine’s work was hard and dirty.

Miss Beatrice, the housekeeper, was Catherine’s downfall. She treated Catherine with absolute disdain and contempt. When Catherine made the mistake of telling Miss Beatrice who she really was, she mistreated Catherine in every way imaginable.

Like the judge who wrongfully sentenced the women to the penal colony, Miss Beatrice immediately finds a reason to hate Catherine and make her life even more difficult. Betsy is unable to protect Catherine from Miss Beatrice completely. Catherine is physically unsuited to the harsh life she is now faced with and soon falls ill. Miss Beatrice, having no compassion, forces Catherine to work until her hands bleed and she is at the point of collapse.

While she was serving at the Master’s table, Betsy heard a rumor, leaked amongst society in Australia, that a lady of nobility had been sent to the Colonies as a convict. The following day she pleaded Catherine’s case to the Master. Finally, after asking many questions, he was convinced of Catherine’s identity. She falls gravely ill and loses much of her memory. The Master of the House notifies those in authority in Sydney, Australia that Lady Catherine Bannister resides in his home. He reports the particular circumstances surrounding Catherine and Betsy’s situation.

Betsy was the first person to realize Catherine’s memory was failing. She tries diligently to help Catherine regain her memory before Lord Edward arrives to take them home, but it is in vain.

Fortunately, the Master whom they served speaks with Lord Edward before he enters Catherine’s room. Lord Edward takes the news of Catherine’s memory loss well and he nurses her with the same level of care which Betsy had done.

Having sought the two women for months, Lord Edward Bannister takes the two women back to England. Catherine’s physical condition has improved, but she is still very frail and has not regained her memory. Once home, Catherine is determined to see her parents. Edward and Catherine take a trip to her parent’s home in the countryside, hoping the peace of the countryside and the presence of her family will bring back her memory.

The effort is successful. Catherine regains much of her health and most of her memory of things prior to their ordeal. Both Edward and Catherine recognize that Betsy has saved Catherine’s life many times during the terrible ordeal they endured. The bond between the two women continues to strengthen. They share a love for each other that many might envy. Edward and Catherine are determined to bring Betsy into their social circle. As this part of the story unfolds, they are beginning to engage with the family and friends that they left behind.

Chapter 1

Mother and Father

Catherine’s viewpoint

After sending that note to Betsy, saying all is well, I wonder what she is thinking. I feel sure she must be wondering if my memory has returned. Perhaps I should have been more forthcoming and told her my memory had returned, but I wanted to see her reaction when she saw me again. I wanted to see her face when she realized that the child she grew up with, and the woman she nurtured and cared for these past many months, has regained her memory.

I had shared my thoughts with Edward after I sent the note and his response mirrored mine.

Edward said, She will be wondering, but I most certainly agree with you, my love. Both of us will enjoy the moment when she fully realizes that ‘the old Catherine has returned.’ You know Betsy truly loves you!

I answered, Yes, she has always been caring and loving to me, and as I look back over the past months, I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for her.

Edward looked at me and said, We need to spend time with your mother and father. We only have a few days until we return to London.

Yes. That is true, Edward, but I do like my alone time with you.

That’s one thing we shall have for the rest of our lives, Edward replied. I shall see to it that you never leave my sight. Who knows what you’ll get up to?

I felt saddened by Edward’s remark. I think he quickly said, Come now, I think it will be dinner time soon, hoping I would forget his previous remark. I know he meant no harm. He knew how guilty I felt. We had talked about it many times and he had promised he would not refer to it in a demeaning fashion. It felt so secure and warm to be with Edward. I have enjoyed being here with my mother and father. Somehow I just knew everything would be alright once I saw them.

Father stood as we entered the parlor. So good to see you both again. I know we have just picnicked together, but I know both your mother and I will be devastated when you go. It is a joy that your memory has returned, Catherine, and now we have a sure knowledge Edward will be by your side always. You will have to restrain your adventurous nature.

Oh, father, I replied, I have learned my lesson. Please don’t talk of it anymore. Edward knew how guilty I felt over it. To change the subject he asked, Where is Lady Kensington?

Oh, she is lying down, father replied. I think there was too much laughter and fun on our picnic. She gets deathly tired nowadays. Her cough has lessened, but she becomes weary for little reason. It’s one of our better choices to move here. I must admit we live an easy life but a lot of good can be said of it.

Edward’s quick response showed he cared. I can appreciate your words, sir. I hope when the time comes, dear Catherine and I might find a place in the country. Living in London, one tends to deal with all the hurly-burly of a busy life. Catherine and I have friends in London and there are all the social niceties. Many of my peers live there, and I have told the home office that I no longer wish to work out of the country. I wonder where they will appoint me.

Father looked up and said, Aha! here comes my darling wife. Did you get a good rest, my dear?

Mother spoke rather sheepishly, Yes, I am afraid I slept the afternoon away.

Father said, No matter my dear. I have been having a chat with Catherine and Edward. Edward tells me they might copy us when they get older.

Mother looked enquiringly, In what way? Father responded, Why, move to the country.

Mother continued, "Yes. I thoroughly recommend it. I think as you get older you don’t need the hustle and bustle of London. But, I must admit, I still have material sent to me from London. I have found a wonderful seamstress here. She seems to know exactly what I want without me uttering a word.

Of course, we don’t use all the rooms here. Most of them are shut up with cloth to protect the furnishings. We use just a few rooms: two bedrooms, the parlor, the kitchen, a small dining area, and of course the servant’s sleeping area. We brought a load of things from Blakewood, some of which we rarely use, but I guess that is the way of it.

We only have two servants now, our housekeeper and cook, and the other, my maid, who also serves our meals.

Should we wish to entertain, we have all the facilities, we would have to employ a butler and a few more maids and open up several rooms.

Father said, As you have seen, I get on well with the tenants. I have learned much about farming. It has been quite an education.

He continued, There’s the gong, our dinner must be ready.

When the day came to depart, I shed a few tears. I continue to be tearful when leaving those I love, but I felt comfort in the knowledge we were returning to Blakewood House, and even more joy in knowing Betsy would be there. I longed to see Betsy.

Edward had told me that Betsy was no longer going to be a servant, and he was going to ensure she had a home of her own. That meant I would no longer be able to see her so much. I don’t know if I like that, but I felt Edward was right. Betsy had been my lifesaver. If it hadn’t been for her, I would surely be dead.

As Todd was driving us back to London, I tried to remember the last few conversations I had with Betsy. My memory of the one night I spent at Blakewood escaped me. I hoped I wasn’t rude.

I asked Edward, I hope I wasn’t unkind to Betsy when we returned from the ship, and at Blakewood?

Edward smiled. No, never my love. You have always been the lovable soul that you are. I certainly have never seen you angry.

I know I was angry while we were on the convict ship, and even working under that Miss Beatrice.

Edward scowled. You are to put all of that behind you. Look to the days and months ahead.

And so, our conversation continued until we drove on the cobblestones leading to Blakewood. As soon as our coach stopped at the front door, I almost leaped to the door to ring the bell.

Woods answered, Good to see you, Lady Catherine. I hope you are feeling a little better.

By that time Edward was behind me. I noticed he signaled Woods that I had recovered.

I expressed how I truly felt, It’s so delightful to see you, Woods! and I hugged him.

It’s wonderful to be here at Blakewood House! How I love this place!

I defied custom when I hugged Woods. I knew that servants were supposed to be kept at a distance, but it felt so wonderful to see him.

But where is Betsy? I must see her!

Woods bowed and responded, I am sure she will be here presently, Ma’am.

I suspect Betsy must have heard us. She came running to meet us.

I opened my arms as I saw her. Oh Betsy, how I have missed you! I hope you will forgive me for my memory loss. I hope you will forgive me for so much.

As we hugged each other, I continued, We have endured much. And you have always been my stalwart. How can I ever thank you?

Betsy instantly replied, Oh don’t worry about that. You still look thin but healthier.

Yes. I am much better and my memory has improved. But I still can’t remember a great deal about our journey to Australia on that dreadful convict ship.

After such loving remarks, Edward was standing next to me. He looked overjoyed and hugged Betsy.

He said, It’s been wonderful, Betsy. It has been as we hoped, Catherine’s health has returned. Visiting the Baron and his dear wife is the tonic we both needed. Let’s go into the parlor as Woods suggested when I came in the door.

Edward held me close as we walked together. Any onlooker could see the obvious joy we had in our hearts for each other. We all sat down, delighted to be together.

Edward continued, While Catherine was away, I was extremely stressed and anxious. But now that Catherine is back to her normal self, I also feel a lot better. Please, dear Catherine, I know you have been longing to speak with Betsy. Please do so, my love.

I responded humbly, As each day passes, a new memory comes to mind. What a shameful life we lived this past year! Edward says you do not hate me for dragging you through hell and back.

Betsy’s reply humbled me even more. Oh Catherine, you know you are very dear to me. Why would you ever think such a thing? It was all a terrible mistake. We must get on with our lives and put it all behind us.

Wisely said, Betsy, Edward added quickly. I have told Catherine the very same thing. Nevertheless, as I seek justice, it must be done without allowing any slur on Catherine’s name.

He continued, I have thought about it a lot, and feel I must go forward.

I reminded Edward of his promise, Don’t forget, you promised there is to be no bloodshed on my behalf. I cannot bear that thought.

Edward replied, ‘Yes. I remember. I shall ensure that Wilkens fellow, who sentenced you to a life of misery, will be sent as a convict to Australia, or will continue to live out the remainder of his life in chains.

If you might both excuse me for now, I have things to do in the library. If you should need me, Catherine, I won’t be far away."

He continued, Betsy, when you have finished chatting, would you join me in the library?

Of course, Lord Edward, Betsy replied.

Edward kissed me and left us alone in the parlor.

How pleased I was, and smiled inwardly, knowing I would have time alone with Betsy. I hugged Betsy again.

As I looked earnestly into Betsy’s eyes, I took her hand in mine. I have decided that I am far too willful. I shall never go against your counsel again. Edward has told me that you are to be treated like family, and you are no longer to be a servant. He said he is going to buy a house for you and provide for you. Is that true? You are no longer to be in service?

Betsy responded cautiously. I suspect she didn’t want to sound too pleased nor did she wish to sound ungrateful. Yes, that is what Lord Edward has said. I shall miss caring for you, but we will visit often. From what I understand, Lord Edward would have me live nearby.

I smiled and said, Oh I will miss you dearly, but I feel pleased for you, Betsy. Your life can open up. You might even find a suitor, and marry a man just like Edward.

I was thankful for Betsy’s answer, I don’t know if that will ever happen, but I am pleased because of Lord Edward’s kindness. I shall miss seeing you daily, but we must visit each other regularly.

Betsy continued, Anyway, that may not happen for a while. Please tell me, when did your memory return?

I replied, As I was traveling to my parent’s place with Edward. Little snippets of my relationship with him seemed to come naturally. Edward talked about our wedding. I remembered dancing the waltz with him. And I remembered you, dear Betsy. I remembered how we passed knowing looks as you served the wedding table.

Betsy smiled. Do you remember the three-tiered wedding cake?

I said, You know I hadn’t thought about it before, but yes. I do. I remembered the dance floor some of the villagers made for us. It was a fine day, everybody at Blakewood made it so.

Tell me, Betsy asked, When did you remember your parents?

"Yes, it was amazing. As we pulled into their driveway, they came out to greet us. As soon as I saw them, I seemed to remember almost everything. How I hugged them both! They had questions, many questions. And I was able to answer them. On the first day we were there I told them almost everything.

Of course, they knew that you and I had formed a friendship long before you had become my lady’s maid."

Father discovered that Edward was in India when you and I went missing. He told me that he came to London to help in the search for us both even before Edward arrived home.

I told them our fate was a total miscarriage of justice. We were shopping in a poor part of town and were beaten by two thugs. I didn’t tell them where we were exactly shopping. If they knew, they would have a fit. I told them we sought the help of a Police Constable, but he arrested us on false charges. We were jailed and then had to appear in court. The judge was beastly and had been disbarred from practicing law some years previous. Edward had a hand in finding the incriminating facts that led to his disbarment. When that judge heard my full name, he gave us a harsh sentence to get back at Edward.

I told my mother and father the truth. He just wouldn’t listen to my pleas saying who I was. he was the one who put it out that I was a mad woman. Indeed, I was labeled as a madwoman from the time I was sentenced to the time I set foot on land in Australia."

When I told them, Mother let out a gasp of protest.

I told them that we were imprisoned on one of the hulks for several weeks where we suffered foul conditions.

Father asked, What are hulks?

I told him, "Hulks are big ships on the Thames that are no longer seaworthy. From there we were transferred to the HMS Barringer.

Did you tell them how bad it was on the HMS Barringer? Betsy asked.

Yes, I replied. I told them we suffered terribly on that ship. We were belittled and starved. We had to sleep on bare wood floors with very little bedding. The guards were always offering indecent proposals. Amongst the company we kept, our fellow prisoners, we were disgusted by what some women would do just for a sip of brandy.

Betsy nodded gravely. Yes, and most everyone became seriously ill.

So many bodies were carted away! I said. "I marvel that we stayed well. I told mother and father that you managed the cruel and hateful treatment far better than I did. I told them you were my savior. I know I would have died if it hadn’t been for your persistence for me to eat the foul food