Ghost Gum Valley by Johanna Nicholls Read Free Book Online Page B

or public generosity to charities, nothing can ever buy you – or me – acceptance by the Quality.’
    â€˜Money can buy anything in this colony.’
    Marmaduke was determined he would steer the conversation back to Mingaletta. ‘Don’t you remember what happened when I was sixteen and you tried to launch me into Society? You sent me to a dancing class for children of the Quality. Georgina, the daughter of one of the Top Thirteen families, invited me to be her partner at her mother’s fancy dress ball. We planned to wear Indian costumes, Georgina as an Indian dancer, me as a Maharajah. Queenie supervised my costume. I arrived splendidly dressed in brocade with a jewelled turban, invitation in hand. To be met by my hostess, Georgina’s mother. She told me I didn’t know my place . No Emancipist’s son would be invited as a guest. But my costume was useful. She put me behind the bar to serve her guests.’
    Garnet’s face was taut, a noticeable pulse on his temple. ‘I had not forgotten.’
    â€˜Nothing’s changed. No Emancipist’s son is allowed to marry into their hallowed ranks! I defy you, Garnet. Name just one.’
    Garnet banged his fist for emphasis, sending a whisky glass flying. ‘You will be the first – or one of us will die in the attempt!’
    Marmaduke responded calmly. ‘When are you going to accept the truth, Garnet? I don’t give a damn what your precious Quality thinks of me. But they’ve got you by the balls because you’re the one who cares !’
    Garnet’s response was to ring the servant’s bell. The two men glowered at each other in silence until Black Mary, a timid little Aboriginal girl, scampered across the Persian carpet and removed the shards of broken glass.
    â€˜Let’s get back to the question of Mingaletta, Garnet.’
    The glint in his father’s pale blue eyes showed him that Garnet was not to be deterred.
    â€˜I have it on authority you’ve shown no inclination to court respectable young ladies.’
    Marmaduke shrugged. ‘Unlike you, I conduct my liaisons with discretion.’
    â€˜It seems you are more attracted to unsavoury company. Prize-fighters, actors, jockeys and drinking companions who’ve never married and are devoted to their mothers. Like that radical firebrand who’s always in court involved in one libel suit after another.’
    Marmaduke forced himself to keep his tone light. ‘Rupert Grantham? Clever fellow. A most entertaining host. It takes all kinds to make the world go around, Garnet.’
    â€˜So it’s true?’ Garnet asked sharply. ‘You intend to be a perennial bachelor like our lawyer Edwin Bentleigh?’ The innuendo was obvious.
    â€˜Leave Edwin out of this! He’s a true friend and the most ethical lawyer in Sydney. He’s devoted to his invalid mother. And so involved in trying to save his impoverished clients from the gallows he hasn’t got time to court any girl!’
    Garnet shrugged. ‘If I doubted his quality as a lawyer I’d have fired him years back.’
    Marmaduke needed to even the score. ‘You pay your informants. But you forget that Sydney Town is a rumour mill. Most are patently false. Remember? Rumour even had it that Mother married you for love .’
    The barb thrust as deep as he intended. Garnet jumped to his feet bellowing.
    â€˜I forbid you to take your mother’s name in vain! We shared a depth of love and loyalty totally beyond your comprehension. You’re incapable of love!’
    Marmaduke almost smiled. For the moment he knew he had gained the upper hand.
    â€˜We agree on that one point, Garnet. I shall never marry. Now hand over the deeds to Mingaletta and let’s end this farce once and for all.’
    Garnet’s anger evaporated like smoke. ‘I fully intended to do so when you proved yourself mature, a gentleman of substance. But I can’t