The Lace Balcony by Johanna Nicholls Read Free Book Online Page B

Fanny knew she had precious little chance of gaining future employment.
    When the house was in total darkness, she climbed up the fire escape and made her way to Madame’s jewel box – taking a sapphire ring seldom worn and unlikely to be missed.
    Following her stepmother’s funeral, she and Daisy sailed on the City of Edinburgh to the underbelly of the world – New South Wales  . . .
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    Now, as she clung to the seawall, Fanny recalled Kit’s face and the cold, alien feeling of hard flesh between her thighs. He knew he was hurting me – and it gave him pleasure. In theory, she knew all the tricks of the courtesan’s trade. In practice Madame Amora had been so demanding of her time that Fanny had experienced little beyond clumsy attempts by men that ended in failure, like Kit, and were far from the world of romance and excitement in the novels that Cook had read to her.
    Fanny felt a sudden wave of comfort at the knowledge that the little bottle in her possession might yet prove her greatest protection. At Madame’s insistence, all female servants in her employ took the physic that prevented unwanted babes.
    It’s my right to prevent myself falling with child – but not to leave Daisy destitute. I’ve nothing left to sell or pawn. So I must find the answer tomorrow.
    Fanny scanned the night sky, searching for answers in the Milky Way. As she did anywhere in the world, Venus shone brightest of all – but offered no solution.
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    The breeze dislodged her bonnet and as she ran to fetch it her hair tumbled around her shoulders.
    It was then she heard the music, like a gift from the gods – a street fiddler playing the haunting Irish ballad, ‘The Black Velvet Band’. On impulse she began to sing the words. By the end of the song a small crowd had gathered around them and a respectable pile of coins was added to the Irishman’s cap.
    â€˜I thank ye, young lady.’ He smiled. ‘Would ye care to be joining me at the Lord Nelson for a drink?’
    Fanny thanked him but declined his invitation. No shame in busking, but I won’t hook up with a man to keep him in drink.
    She eyed the vessels in the harbour, their masts and sails dressed with flags and nautical colours from every corner of the globe. The City of Edinburgh lay at anchor. If only we could stow away on the return voyage – no sailor on earth would refuse to see Daisy well fed.
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    Suddenly conscious she was being observed, she turned. On the opposite side of the road stood the elegant carriage she had seen at Hangman’s Hill. The gentleman inside beckoned her with an imperious gesture.
    Close to tears of weariness, Fanny felt a sudden spark of annoyance. Who does he think he is? I’m not a common street walker! Not yet, anyway.
    Raising her chin, she turned her back on him. Moments later she found him beside her, leaning against the wall and staring at the harbour.
    â€˜I am sorry for your trouble – the loss of your young man. Hangings are a barbaric custom, are they not?’ His voice was cultivated, low and strangely soothing.
    â€˜Seems to me they hang all the wrong people,’ she said sharply and despite herself noted the smile in his eyes.
    â€˜Could not agree more. Some would say I should have been a candidate for the noose myself – instead I was transported here.’ His sweeping gesture took in the expanse of the harbour. ‘To this beautiful, mysterious land.’
    She was surprised by the gratuitous confession coming from a man of Quality.
    â€˜I came free,’ she said and lowering her guard, decided to be equally honest. ‘But I was only a hair’s breadth away from being arrested myself.’
    The gentleman nodded politely, showing no trace of surprise. ‘May I suggest that we both celebrate our good fortune by dining