Chapter 24 - Mud Pies

Kneading the dough on the rough hewn table Elizabeth’s thoughts were wool gathering. The summer heat was gathering intensity and she felt in her bones the knowledge of another hot season around the corner. 

A multitude of thoughts rambled around in her head while she kneaded.  Will I ever get used to this heat? It is so different now that Thomas is a Captain. The grants of land seem to be coming at a great rate. Thomas is obsessed with the idea of being a Land Owner and why shouldn’t he be? He is a good farmer. I just wish he had more time for us. But who am I kidding, I am lucky to have him, a roof over me head, freedom and me babes. 

I just wish he wasn’t so all fired up about Governor Hunter still. I don't know what he has against him. I guess he still remembers what it was like when Major Grose was in charge and looked after the officers so well turning a blind eye to the rum trade. I suppose it is not unusual after the history that Thomas and Major Grose have after being on the Pitt together. 

I don’t think Hunter does himself any favours though trying to clean up the Rum trade, but he isn't strong enough to stand up to the soldiers. If only they could see the good Hunter is doing by encouraging exploration of land further out. Surely that is what we need to get over those mountains. Why I hear the other day that there are close on 2900 people here now.  

Pulling all these thoughts back to the present she found herself being squeezed in an enormous hug by Thomas as he planted a kiss on the back of her neck. 

“Elizabeth, have you seen what these rascals are up to? Come, have a look.” 

She quickly dusted her hands on her apron and followed him outside into the bright December morning. 

“What on earth…” she stammered, “where did.. Oh my!” 

“Yes I thought you might have something to say about this,” sniggered Thomas from behind his hand, trying not to show how far his grin travelled across his face. 

“Isabella, Tommy just what have you to say for yourselves?” she tried to ask sternly. 

A very muddy four year old Isabella and an equally dirty two year old Tommy looked up from the once white sheet that they were sitting on, surrounded by half a dozen what looked like mud pies. 

“Mumma want, come to a tea party, we has lots of figgy pudding…” Isabella started to ask. 

“OH I WANTS SOME BIGGY PUDDING, OH I WANTS SOME BIGGY PUDD…” sang Thomas at the top of his voice.

“No Tommy you not singing it proper, it’s give me some figgy pudding, OH GIVE ME SOME FIGGY PUDDING..AND BRING IT RIGHT HERE..” 

“But I wants biggy pudding,” wailed Master Thomas. 

Giving up on trying to look stern, Elizabeth grabbed Thomas and joined their children on her previously clean sheet sighing with contentment at her many blessings. 

With Christmas and the New Year just around the corner maybe it was time they started a new tradition for a new country. Mud pie picnics, maybe? 

Lifting her skirts and finding a relatively clean part of the sheet to sit on, she pondered where have the children learnt a Christmas Carol? The convict woman who came in to help around the farm often sings, maybe that explains it. 

I wish I could give them a few little presents for Christmas, but Thomas thinks it a waste of money. I don't remember getting presents when I was a little 'un. I guess he is right though, they are really too little to know what Christmas means. Even if they do know a Christmas Carol!  

“Can Papa and I have a cup of tea with our Figgy Pudding,” smiling she handed an imaginary cup to Isabella while accepting a handful of brown mud from Tommy.

Chapter 25 - Christmas

Humming to herself while hanging another load of washing on the line, Elizabeth was pleased to see the mud had eventually come out of the sheet. 

Hearing whistling from the front of the house she quickly brushed her hair behind her ears, noticing the sweat gathering around her temples. Oh well, he has seen me looking worse, dabbing her forehead with her apron as she rushed to meet him. 

“Whatever have you got there Thomas?” 

“Well my dear, I have been given extra rations for Christmas? What say you, do you think you could make something special for Christmas dinner?”

Peering into the sack he carried Elizabeth’s could barely contain her excitement, “I have never seen some of these things before, but I sure will try, once I find out what they are! I can ask Mrs Perry down the way, she is a great cook. Oh this will be so much fun.” 

The next few days were a buzz of activity. Elizabeth washed and polished every surface. She asked Mrs Perry around for a cup of tea and picked her brain about what was in the box and how to cook it. 

We are going to have a Christmas. I hope I can do this, I want to make this a great time for us all. 

Christmas morning dawned bright, sunny and hot. Elizabeth was up early getting the fire stoked and dinner in her oven, while the household slept. She had a special surprise for the children, boiling away in the big pot on the stove. 

“Elizabeth what are you doing?” Thomas asked rubbing sleep from his eyes, as he walked into the room. 

“Well Christmas dinner won’t cook itself, will it?” snuggling closer to him as his all encompassing arms wrapped around her. It is far to hot already for this, but she accepted the kiss he was keen to give her. 

“Mumma, Papa whats you doing?” they heard as two little pairs of feet padded across the room.  

Releasing her Thomas scooped Tommy up in his arms and motioned for Isabella to follow him. 

“Let’s take your Mumma out of this hot room for a while.” 

Elizabeth’s protests of how much she had to do, were drowned out amongst the shrieks of the children. My goodness these two can shriek, I’m glad we have no close neighbours. 

Elizabeth and the children were greeted by a very unusual sight when they exited the door. 

“Oh my… 

“Ook Mumma…” Tommy screamed. 

“Why does that tree have things on it…” Isabella asked? 

                        …whatever have you been doing Thomas?” 

Turning back towards the door, Elizabeth couldn’t contain her laughter, when she saw Thomas with a sheepish grin looking at her. 

“Well I thought it was high time we started some family traditions. Do you like them?” 

Elizabeth walked over to what looked like a branch from a native tree stuck into a water pale. Tied to it’s spindly branches were some red and green bows. It still had some dried brown blossoms attached. A reminder of the glorious spring when the yellow blooms were in full colour.  Also hanging from the branches were little berries of dubious vintage.  

“It is beautiful! When did all this happen?” 

“You weren’t the only one up early, you know. I climbed out the window and got it all done in no time.” 

“Papa, can we touch it, can we please?” Isabella cried. 

“Well little one I don’t know if it will hold up to being handled. So how about we sit in the sun and open presents, hey?” 

Elizabeth stared at Thomas in surprise, “Presents?” 

“Yes presents! Now sit down and wait your turn.” 

She soon found herself with two little ones on her lap, while Thomas strode into the house with purpose, soon returning with his hands behind his back. 

“Now who wants a present?” 

The children sprang up, tripping over each other in their excitement. 

“Me, me.” 

Handing each child a roughly wrapped object, in what looked like a piece of cloth, he bade them to sit down while they open them. 

“Now Elizabeth, did you think I would forget you?” 

A present for me? Yes if I am honest, I never expected a present, not after all your talking about it being a waste of money. 

“Really Thomas. A present? What happened to it being a waste of money?” 

Smiling he handed her a small package. It is cloth, and it will make a lovely pillow, she thought as she unwrapped it. 

“Oh Thomas, it is beautiful. I have never had my own looking glass before. And all this cloth, I can make so many lovely things with it. Thank you.”  

Seeing the children about to throw their packaging on the ground unwanted, she grabbed it before it was trodden under foot. She wasn’t about to let it be wasted.

“What have you got there?” 

Sitting back down, the children showed her their presents. Isabella had two small wooden teacups and Tommy had six wooden blocks. She raised an eyebrow while looking back at Thomas. 

“The nights were quiet on duty last month, I thought I would try my hand at whittling. At least we will have something real to drink out of at the next tea party we are invited to. The ribbons on the tree are for you and Isabella too.” 

With tears in her eyes, she turned toward the house, “ I had better tend to the food or we won’t be having any Christmas dinner today, at all!” 

Smiling later at the happy faces of her family around the table, she asked, “Does anyone have room for Figgy Pudding?”

Chapter 26 - John

Elizabeth found herself settling into motherhood. She revelled in her role as caregiver to her two young children. She enjoyed the role of homemaker. Thomas was keen for her to make their house a home. 

I never seem to know where the days go. The seasons seem to go so fast, the children grow like weeds in this country. I suppose the freedom they have helps. 

Sitting in the late evening sun watching the children play in the garden, one April evening she found herself dry retching. Well, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised it definitely isn’t the dried pork we didn’t have for lunch, she thought wryly to herself, making her way inside looking for a biscuit to settle her stomach. 

Another babe! At least I know that Thomas will welcome him or her with love, as will I. I guess we can expect to meet this one around the end of November. I wonder what we should expect? Either way, this babe will be loved, just as much as the other two. 

Month followed month, with very little change in routine. Elizabeth kept house and watched as Thomas seemed to be driving himself into the ground. It doesn't seem to be enough  being a Captain of the NSW Corps, he is obsessed with acquiring land and farming. 

Elizabeth felt the weight of the pregnancy with each passing day, she felt bigger each time. Struggling for breath near her time she had a nagging fear that something was wrong. 

“Tommy, Issy come inside and have a bite to eat,” standing in the doorway she scanned the yard for the children. “Where are you two scallywags?” 

Now where could they be? I haven’t got the energy for this. Just wait til I find them! 

As the sun was started to lower in the east Elizabeth caught her breathe as a searing pain grabbed at her belly. 

“Oh no, not now, I can’t do this now, Tommy, Issy come inside NOW! Hrrmmph, mmmnn, no Lors, not now.” 

Elizabeth made her way inside, with fear gripping her belly as well as the pains of labour.  

Oh my, these pains are so close, I don’t remember them coming so quickly before. Grabbing hold of the bedpost she screamed in agony and fear. There was no-one around to hear and the children hadn’t appeared either. No help from them, I can’t even send them for help. 

I guess I am on me own, I wish Thomas wasn’t at the barracks, he will probably go to the farm before he comes home as well. Where are those blasted children?

All to soon Elizabeth did’t have time to worry about the children’s where abouts. Things were moving rapidly and she had to concentrate on the business at hand whether she had help or not. 

“Breathe they say, yeah, breathe…oohh, no, eeerummp! Oh it’s coming’ it’s coming..ahhh!” 

“Mumma, what’s wrong, Mumma where are you?” Issy was calling from outside. 

“Issy, quickly take Tommy and go get Mumma help from someone, the baby’s here and Mumma needs help,” she strained to catch her breath. 

Elizabeth rested back on the pillows on her bed with her new son cradled in her arms. Exhaustion overtook her and she faded in and out of sleep with him nursing at her breast. 

“Elizabeth, Elizabeth are you oka…,” Thomas’s words were abruptly halted as he rushed into the room and he saw her on the bed. 

“Well my love you look as though you have had a trying day, what needs to be done?” he asked as he rolled up his sleeves to help with the rest of the birth and cleanup. 

Issy and Tommy had run to the barracks, but had met their father half way on his way home to check on Elizabeth.  

“I don’t know what made me start out to come home, I just had this feeling that you needed me. The Governor isn’t going to be too pleased, but I will cope with that later,” as he tied off the cord, he held out his arms to take his new son. 

“Well my man, you have made an eventful day of it, haven’t you? I think your Mumma will remember the 28 November 1797 for more than just you.⁠[1]  You must have given her quite the scare, having to do it all herself. But just as well she is such a strong woman, hey John Rowley?” 

Smiling at the scene before her, Elizabeth asked, “So we have a John, do we?”

________

1 Registry of Birth, Deaths and Marriages, NSW John Selwin, #492/1797 V17974924, https://familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au/lifelink/familyhistory/search/result?30, accessed 15 April 2015

28 DAY CHALLENGE CHAPTER 23 - Guilt and Promotion

Hurrying home after visiting the barracks to obtain their monthly stores allocation, Elizabeth shivered as the bitter wind swept her along.

Why do I feel guilty? Why am I so fortunate? I was just a convict like these other poor souls. Here I am being protected by one of the same as most of me fellow convicts regard as the enemy. The NSW Rum Corps!

If it hadn’t been for the administration of Grose and Paterson in these past couple of years, Thomas and the other soldiers would not have been so lucky with all the land grants. They just think of this place as a penal settlement, not a place for free settlers. The trade of rum has grown during the time of the NSW Rum Corps and they are now firmly set in their ways.⁠[1] But at least Thomas sees that there is a future here, a future for our younguns’.

“Elizabeth, where have you been?” Thomas scowled as she heaved the parcels on the table. “The children have been awake for at least an hour and I think Thomas needs changing.” 

“Well, I guess I had better change him then, sorry I lost track of time and found myself wandering the long way home.” 

“Hrrump! Well I have to go into work, a message just came from the barracks, that weasel Hunter wants to see me.” 

I wish he wouldn’t call the Governor names. He isn’t that bad. He doesn’t have what it takes to control the Corps though. Everyone can see they are just too strong for him and will continue doing things their way. He has a vision though, he knows there is land worth looking for and exploring, if he lasts long enough here though. I don’t think he is going to be getting a very favourable report back in England.[⁠2]

“Well me wee baby Thomas, you do smell awful. No wonder your Papa wanted to get to work so quickly. I wonder what the Governor wants of him, though? Let’s get you changed quickly and go outside to play with Issy, shall we?” 

Later that evening Elizabeth heard Thomas long before he got to their house. Doesn’t sound like anything bad happened today, by the sound of his singing!

Standing in the doorway with his quirky grin splitting his face from ear to ear, she noticed the different embellishment on his shoulders. 

“For Lors sakes Thomas shut the door! It’s cold or hadn’t you noticed? Thomas, what are they?” 

“Well me dear, do you mean these things on me shoulders? You may now call me Captain Thomas Rowley,” sweeping her up into his arms and swinging her around the room, “where’s the rum, we have some celebrating to do.”⁠[3]

___________
1 The History of Sydney, Early Colonial Sydney 1790-1809, http://www.visitsydneyaustralia.com.au/history-6-early-col.html

2 The History of Sydney, Early Colonial Sydney 1790-1809, http://www.visitsydneyaustralia.com.au/history-6-early-col.html 

3 B. H. Fletcher, 'Rowley, Thomas (1747–1806)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/rowley-thomas-2614/text3605, published first in hardcopy 1967, accessed online 3 February 2018.

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 22 - GLORIOUS RAIN AND GROWING LIKE WEEDS

What is that sound? Could it be? Yes it is.

Running outside, Elizabeth ignored the servant urging her to get her wrap. She revelled in the drops falling around her. She danced in the puddles with Issy. 

Rain, glorious rain! ⁠[1] 

“Where is the water coming from Mam?” Elizabeth watched Issy jumping from one puddle to the next realising her daughter had not seen rain before. 

“It’s raining me darlin', it’s from the heavens above. Our corn and wheat are getting a lovely drink.” 

It rained solidly for many hours that day. On arriving home later that night, Thomas was full of news and the benefits that the rain would bring.

In the following days the colony was indeed on a high with the drenching rains. Elizabeth was concerned though, as the river was looking very angry. It soon became apparent that even with the breaking of the drought that some would suffer. The rivers and creeks rose well above what any of the settlers had experienced before.

Thomas appeared at the door, he looks like a drowned rat, she thought as she rushed to help him out of his wet things.

“Betsey, the bridge is down. The one the convict gang has spent so much time constructing, it’s gone. The creek was flowing just too fast to contain it. The boats were swept down into the river.”⁠[2] 

“Papa, look see. Issy got mud pie for you.” Sweeping his daughter up into a hug, he knew as long as his little family was safe, everything would be alright. 

“Ugh, Papa wet!” 

With the rain came a renewed enthusiasm for planting and growing. Elizabeth supervised the growing of any seeds that she could acquire. 

The children thrived in the colony and grew like weeds. Whereas Elizabeth and Thomas struggled with the heat and blazing sun, the children seemed to go from strength to strength, with never any of the childhood illnesses that Elizabeth remembered from home. 

The seasons continued to come and go, with their own blend of difficulties and challenges. But with each passing month and year, Elizabeth found herself with more comforts, privileges and riches than she had every dreamed of. 

Strolling through the streets, as she was now able to go about the colony without escort, Elizabeth found her thoughts wandering. 

I am free woman and a partner of an Officer. I wonder what is happening back in Britain, I will never call it home again. This is home now. This is where life has given me chances. 

“Where are you three off to?” Thomas came up behind them on their walk and taking Issy’s hand from Elizabeth he promptly hoisted her up into his arms and threw her in the air.  

Yes I am exactly where I should be, smiling she tucked her arm through his outstretched arm.

_______________

1 Joëlle Gergis, Don Garden’ and Claire Fenby, “The Influence of Climate on the First European Settlement of Australia: A Comparison of Weather Journals, Documentary Data and Palaeoclimate Records, 1788–1793,” Environmental History: 1–23. doi:10.1093/envhis/emq079

2 Joëlle Gergis, Don Garden’ and Claire Fenby, “The Influence of Climate on the First European Settlement of Australia: A Comparison of Weather Journals, Documentary Data and Palaeoclimate Records, 1788–1793,” Environmental History: 1–23. doi:10.1093/envhis/emq079

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 21 - Thomas 8 December 1794

Well, thank heavens I didn’t drop this babe in the dust. But after the last couple of weeks, I think it could do me a favour and come sometime soon.

The Rowley family of Thomas, Elizabeth and Isabella set up house shortly after he showed her the newly built house.

While Thomas took himself off to the barracks, Elizabeth’s days were filled with packing and transporting their possessions to the new house. Thankfully the convict servants were able to assist her. Their male servant was quickly put to work establishing the garden, while Elizabeth and the maid set about making the stark building a home, with the limited supply of goods that they had. Isabella was constantly under foot and wanting her mother, just like any normal two year old whose mother was heavily pregnant.

On a sunny day at the beginning of December, while sitting under a tree at Kingston, Elizabeth felt the first of her pains while playing with Issy. Calling for the help she was quickly escorted inside to her bed.

While the female servant fussed around and got her as comfortable as possible, Elizabeth thoughts drifted to the birth of Issy. We did it together, no-one else was around. I guess this birth will be very different. Thomas doesn’t even know that it has begun. I wish he was here, I wish it was just the two of us again! 

Elizabeth laboured throughout the afternoon and evening. Thomas was no where to be found. The servants had sent to the barracks to let him know. Later that night just before midnight, Thomas Rowley Jnr was born.⁠[1]

In the early hours of the next morning Thomas Snr made his appearance, much the worse for ware, after a rum shift with the other officers.

“God resh youse merries, Gentlemen.
Let nothin’ youse dishmay,…"

"Thomas, Thomas, stop your infernal wailing please. Ssh, come here and meet your namesake,” hushed Elizabeth crossly.

Blearily blinking as he realised that she sounded cross, Thomas took a gulp of the night air before entering the door.

“Nows Betsey, what ever has you sounding so cross?” 

Blinking again as he reached their bedroom door, realisation hit him with a jolt as he took in the scene in front of him.

“Did I hear you say, namesake? Do we have a son?” smiling with his quirky grin, Elizabeth gave up her pretence of being angry.

“Yes, we have a bonny boy child, just a little early for Christmas though!” Handing the swaddled bundle to him as he reached the bed, I hope he doesn’t drop him, she thought wearily.
___________
1 Ancestry.com. Australia, Birth Index, 1788-1922 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 20 - Crook Salted Pork Again? - (Autumn 1794 - Summer 1794)

Of course it isn’t the salted pork again! You would think that I would know how to tell him this time. He is good to me, stop wishing for what you can never have, Betsey. You know he can never make you a Mrs!

“Betsey, where are you? Issy has just woken and she is fit to eat the porridge raw if we…”

“Aargh.” The guttural sounds of retching gave her away once again.

Turning the corner with Isabella in his arms he raised an eyebrow with a quirky grin.

“So does this mean what I think it means?” 

“If you mean are we having another babe, yes I am afraid so Thomas.”

“I’m not afraid of another wee babe, if it is anything like this sweet one. When do you think we might expect it?”

“Well by my reckoning I would say it might be here in time for Christmas.” 

“A Christmas present hey. So we have double to celebrate then. I am pleased to be able to tell you that yesterday I was granted another leasehold of 70 acres. We should have enough room for him.”

“And what makes you think it will be a him?” 

“I have no idea, but I reckon that there is a 50/50 chance.”

“Let’s get inside and get you two some porridge, I think I have stopped this infernal retching now.”

During the next couple of months Thomas attacked the building of the new house with renewed energy. When he wasn’t at the barracks he was at his property. He wanted them in it before the new babe arrived. She deserves a home of her own and besides I can’t see us fitting in this little place for much longer now that there is a new babe coming! 

With the approach of summer, the days were getting much hotter, with little promise of rain.

Elizabeth was lethargic with little to do. Thomas keeps telling me that there isn’t any point in sewing vegetables as we will soon be in the new place. I wish he would let me go and plant there. If we don’t have things in the ground soon, we won’t have anything to harvest. 

“Where are we going, Thomas, I don’t like leaving Issy for long. And besides that, I am tired, it is so hot. Can’t we just go back to the hut?” 

“No, Beysey, I want to show you something. It is only a little way now, you can rest when we get there.” 

That is if I don’t drop this babe here in the dust and heat! What could be so important that he insisted that we go for a walk, this far away? 

She soon noticed that the shrub was thinning out and they were approaching a clearing with a couple of buildings on the rise above where they were walking. 

Catching her breath she turned to Thomas with a questioning look. 

“Yes Elizabeth, welcome to our new home, I think I will call it Kingston.⁠[1] What say you?” 

As she stood there with  tears glistening in her eyes, her only thought was maybe me luck has changed.

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1 Ancestry.com. New South Wales, Australia, Registers of Land Grants and Leases, 1792-1867 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 19 - ABSOLUTE PARDON 1794

Dear Lors, me insides are churning fit to make butter. What if I don’t get it? But Thomas seems so certain, should I not worry? But what will he do if I don’t get it?

Elizabeth gave Isabella the last of her porridge. Thomas would be back within the hour to take her to the barracks. Today she would either be granted her Pardon or not.

“Elizabeth, are you ready?” he asked hurrying through the door.

“Yes Sir, we are ready to go. I just need to wash Issy’s face.”

Walking down the road in the autumn sunlight, Elizabeth made a list in her mind of all that she had to remember… 

Don’t walk with Thomas, for goodness sake don’t call him by name. Remember he is Sir! Don’t look insolent, don’t speak unless spoken to. Be grateful, be meek. Don’t let Thomas take Issy, you have to hold her, remind him that it is woman’s work. He is so used to holding her he might just forget.

“Elizabeth, what are you doing? You look like you are going to the guillotine. Stop worrying, you will get it, there will not be any problems.”

“I can’t help it Sir. I know you think all will be well but I haven’t had luck on me side before. I can’t help but think the worse. Please don’t leave me if I don’t get it. Issy and I need you Sir.”

“Elizabeth your worrying is all for naught. It won’t make any difference to me whether you are pardoned now or if you serve your full seven years. You belong with me and I am not about to leave you and Issy now. We have a future to plan and whether you are a free woman or not makes no difference.”

Walking into the barracks following Thomas, she was surprised to find that there wasn’t anyone else around. Where is everyone?

Hearing her name she turned and approached the front of the room. Major Grose was sitting in a chair behind a large table. The soldier beside him started to read.

“Elizabeth Selwyn, sentenced to 7 years transportation. Arrived 14 February, 1792, assigned as housekeeper to Lieutenant Thomas Rowley. Partitioned for an Absolute Pardon on the recommendation of Lieutenant Thomas Rowley of the NSW Corps, this day 8 May 1794. Approved Major Francis Grose.”⁠[1]

Is that all? No questions, nothing! Turning around she found Thomas grinning from ear to ear. Had it all been decided before they got there? I have me suspicions, she thought.

Retuning to their hut, Thomas was full of ideas for the future. All except a future as Mr and Mrs, she thought wistfully.

_____________
1 Ancestry.com. New South Wales, Australia, Convict Registers of Conditional and Absolute Pardons, 1788-1870 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009.

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 18 - Land Grants 1793

True to his word Thomas was soon showing Elizabeth his second grant of 100 acres of land within three weeks.

“Look Betsey, we will soon be acknowledged as fine landowners, I think I will run sheep. There is money to be made in wool and I am going to make it.”

No matter what happens, I am never going to be acknowledge as your wife though. Mother of your children, maybe, but wife, no, never! But I can be content with that. Me life could have been so much harder, I am lucky with me lot.

“I have decided to apply for a pardon for you. I know Major Grose well and I don’t think it will be hard to get an Absolute Pardon for you, with my influence and recommendation . As mother of my child, I can’t see any problem. What say you, will you stay with me if you get your freedom?”

In just over a year of arriving in the colony, Elizabeth was now faced with the possibility of a pardon. She found it hard to fathom how her seven years could be reduced so quickly.

“Of course Thomas, you are the father of me precious babe, besides, where else would I go?”

With the appointment of Major Francis Grose as Administrator to the colony after the departure of Governor Arthur Phillip in December 1792, the NSW Corps were given more and more power. The trading of rum for services proved to be a lucrative prospect for many of the soldiers.⁠[1]

I am not sure why we are getting so many provisions and rations these days. But I am not going to question it. I will do or take whatever is set before me in order to feed me love ones and keep a roof over me head. Why shouldn’t I get some easy livin’ for a change. Baby Isabella is starting to crawl and is forever covered in dirt from the floors. Wouldn’t it be grand to not have to constantly clean her up after a play on the floor. What wouldn’t I give to have a house of me own?  

“Betsey, you are miles away, pour me another rum and come sit with me awhile. I want to tell you about the house. I have been told that I am entitled to two convicts as servants for a period of two years. It will give you some help in the house when it is ready as well as an outside worker. What say you to that?"

_________

1 Hitorial Records of New South Wales Vol.II - Grose and Patterson 1793-1798, Edited by F.M.Bladen , Barrister at Law, Sydney: Charles Potter, Government Printer 1893

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 17 - ORDINARY DAYS (Summer 1792 - Autumn 1793)

I never knew I could love someone so much. She is so tiny, so perfect, Elizabeth sighed with exhaustion gazing at her new born babe. 

Thomas had stepped up and taken control of things during the birth. I can't believe he did as I told him. Everything. He did everything I told him quickly and efficiently thank heavens, just like the soldier he is!  

Elizabeth was soon back on her feet and relished the role of motherhood. Baby Isabella gives a purpose to me days. I need to keep me little family together and keep Thomas interested and wanting to keep us around. 

The New Year came and went, along with the continuing dry weather. Thomas still persists in his talk of farming being the future for getting ahead. But is it all just a big dream? 

With the changing of the seasons, Elizabeth found herself with more energy. She revelled in the autumn days, spending much time in the outdoors with Isabella, tending the garden to give them extra food, but it was a major job with the heat and drought.

“Elizabeth, Elizabeth, where are you?” bellowed Thomas coming around the side of the hut. Stopping at Isabella’s basket, he was just about to scoop his daughter up in his arms, when he noticed Elizabeth giving him a stern look. She had spent most of the afternoon walking and rocking her fussy babe to sleep. The last thing she needed at the moment was for him to wake her!

“Sssh, Thomas, I have only just got her to sleep. Whatever has you so excited”? 

Linking her arm in his, she guided him to their chairs set up under the trees. From here they would get the last of the autumn evening breeze, before the sun settled.

“Betsey, I have a surprise, the best of news, you are never going to guess.”

“Well if I am not going to be able to guess, I expect you had best tell me,” she replied with a smile.

“I have been granted today a leasehold on 2 acres of land for 14 years. I have to pay 2 shillings and 6 pence a year for it.⁠[1] It is my start to becoming a landowner, yes this is only the first. I will build you a fine house and I promise you this is only the start.”

Well, a land owner, as well as a fine Lieutenant soldier. As long as he always comes home to me I don’t care how much land he has. He is kind and loving. I never thought I would have this much and a babe into the bargain. 

Sitting with him in coolness of the silent evening, her thoughts drifted back to that day, the day he saw me on the Pitt!

__________

1 State Records Authority of New South Wales; Registers of Land Grants and Leases; Series: NRS 13836; Item: 7/445; Reel: 2560

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 16 - ISABELLA (Novembr 1792)

Elizabeth groaned in her sleep as a wave of pain engulfed her.

What was that? She moaned, now fully awake, pulling herself upward looking out the window. Sighing she realised with a pang that Spring was almost done and they would soon be coping with the sticky wet heat of Summer in the new colony.

There it is again, clutching her belly as the pain radiated through her lower body, she tried to move off the bed.

Oh, Lors above, could it be me time? It could be I suppose, but how do I know? When the pain subsided, Elizabeth made her way outside.

Thomas was nowhere to be seen, but that was not uncommon. He tended to leave early these days and had taken to leaving her asleep. She had protested, but he insisted that he could get breakfast at the barracks. As she had also taken to being sick again at the smell of cooking food she had accepted his offer gratefully.

Later that morning Elizabeth was surprised to find that she had not had anymore twinges for some time. I guess I have nothing to worry about for now. It probably was just something that I ate yesterday. Her day continued like any other day, but she found herself tiring quickly with each passing hour.

Supper is ready, now all I need before I seek me bed, is for him to come home, so I can feed him and clear away for the night.

“Elizabeth, I am as hungry as a mongrel cur and I could eat a horse,” Thomas growled as he entered the door.

Quickly moving to the bed to help him take off his boots, she stopped in alarm as a sudden gush of water hit the floor.

Oh my, this is how it started with Mam, she thought as she grabbed the cloth off the table to mop up the puddle.

He looks like a stunned fish, I guess he has never seen a babe being born before. Well I hope he can help me or get someone who can.

“Thomas, I don’t think I have time or the strength to help with your boots,” she groaned as an overwhelming wave of pain surged through her belly. Grabbing the back of the chair she doubled over gasping for breath.

In one stride, Thomas was at her side and lifted her over to their bed. “What should I do?”

“Well, here's the rub, I haven’t done this before, so I don’t really knoooooow,” she screamed as another pain surged through her body.

“I’ll go into town and get help, shall I?”

“No, don’t leave me, I can’t do this on me own, it hurts, oh Lors’ it hurts,” she gasped again, clutching his arm in panic. 

"I have helped me Mam when it was her time, so I hope I can remember what needs doing."

“I think it’s coming, oh God I hope so, because I think me insides are ripping apart.”


Shortly after in the inky darkness of the 19th November 1792, Isabella Rowley made her way into the world.[⁠1]

Thankfully for both of them, Isabella made it into the colony without too much fuss. They would have coped as best they could.

What the new parents were feeling at the time is pure conjecture. No doubt Thomas was at a loss of what to do or say. If he was indeed at the birth of his first born, it would have been an eye opening experience for him. 

Elizabeth I feel would have taken each experience in her stride. As she was to prove through the years to come, was her way.
______
1 Ancestry.com. Australia, Birth Index, 1788-1922 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Original data: Compiled from publicly available sources. Retrieved April 15 2015.

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 15 - STITCHING AND THOUGHTS(Winter 1792)

Things settled down into a form of routine, over the next few months.

Elizabeth was alone a lot of the time. Thomas’ duties kept him busy for long periods and she was left to herself for much of the time.

She would have experienced many hardship in the fledgling colony, but with the prospect of a babe in the summer and the protection of a man who showed her kindness would have hopefully made her situation more bearable.

The sun settled early with the wintery days and Elizabeth looked out her precious window into the deepening shadows of early twilight. 

Jumping at the noise of the door opening she was surprised to find Thomas entering. She had’t heard him approaching, although it is a wonder that I did’t with the wobbly boot he seems to have on.

"Sir, sit down and let me take your boots off, you must be frozen with that bitter wind coming off the harbour.”

The scent of rum permeated the room, it must have been a slow day at the barracks today, she thought.

“Erlizabeeth, don’t you think it is time that youse, started calling me by me name? Youse can leave the Sir business, for when we are in company," he managed to slur before collapsing on the bed. 

Well, I’ll be!  Here I have been calling him Thomas in me thoughts for so long now, I guess I never thought he would want it too.

“I can have your dinner on the table in a minute Thomas, just let me pop outside and get us some out of the pot on the fire.”

When she came back in, it was to find Thomas snoring on the bed, dead to the world in a rum induced sleep.

Oh well, the more for me. I guess I can have the evening to myself, she thought closing the door on the bitter wind and night air.

Sitting down in what she thought as her little bit of luxury, Elizabeth remembered the day after she had told him of her condition. Thomas had shown up with some fabric and a needle and thread which he had traded for some of his rum. Rum was becoming more and more of a commodity in the colony. So now she was able to renew a skill she could remember her Mam teaching her a long time ago.  She spent many an evening with a needle in her hand. 

England seemed so very far away, I wonder if anyone from home remembers me? I don’t think I will ever get back there. Once this babe arrives I will become part of this country for all time. Patting her growing belly, a free settler, that’s what it will be called, she smiled at the thought. I can feel this land taking possession of me thoughts and soul each passing day,

Sighing in contentment she picked up her needlework and continued with the stitching for her new free settler.

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 14 - STILL SAFE (Feb/Mar?? 1792)

“I’m sorry Sir, I don’t know how it happened, I mean I know how it happened, I just don’t…”

“Elizabeth, stop blabbering and just breathe and drink your tea.”

Tea? He has made me tea? Lors above, whatever is the world coming to?

“Now as you have so kindly informed me you are going to have a babe. Is that correct?”

“Yes Sir, I am fairly sure that is what is happening, I haven’t had my bleed of late and I have been awful sickly. I don’t know what else it could be, but maybe the salted pork, or, or it could be something that I got on the boat. Or, or…”

“Elizabeth, calm yourself. Yes I think you may be right, I think having a babe might be the answer, but I am sure we will know definitely soon enough.”

“I can have me things packed in no time Sir, can I keep this gown, Sir? I know you said it was mine last time, but do you still mean it now?”

“Elizabeth, what are you talking about? You aren’t going anywhere. I may not be able to marry you, but I can still keep you under my protection and for all intent and purposes, you will still be my housekeeper. We rub along nicely together don’t we, I don’t want you to go.”

With that Elizabeth burst into tears as she ran out the door again, for another appointment with her favourite bush!

Thomas sighed and took himself off to the barracks for his guard duty. He knew that it wouldn’t be easy but he also knew that he had gotten used to having the slip of a girl around.

Returning to the hut Elizabeth realised that Thomas had left for the day. She realised that she had been given a gift. A gift of respectability. Thomas as an officer is not able to marry me, a convict. But he is going to keep me.  Blind eyes are being turned everyday to relationships between soldiers and convicts. 

I guess I just need to keep him interested and wanting me around. I can’t bring this babe up on me own. I don’t want me babe to be taken away. I don’t know how to be a Ma. But I guess I will just have to learn. 

I can do this!

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 13 - NOT THE SALTED PORK! (Feb/Mar?? 1792)

Today is the day! Thomas has been granted a hut. We can get out of this tent.

Packing his possessions, so as to be ready when he returned, she thought, I wonder if I will ever have possessions of me own? 

It didn’t take long to set up the hut, as they didn’t have much to show for their time in the colony.

It was just one room, but it could be divided to accommodate living and sleeping arrangements. I will still be cooking outside but we have a solid roof over our heads. I have windows as well, I can open them to let in fresh air. 

They sat over the rum Thomas had bought home with him, before opening the windows to the night sky and watching the moon travel over their hut before they drifted off to sleep.

The next morning she woke with a start and rushed out the door, making her way to the bushes past the campfire.

Holding her hair away from the bush, another wave of dry retching overtook her. Surely I can’t have anything else to bring up! How long will this last? How will I tell him? 

“Elizabeth, where the hell are you? Where is my breakfast?” bellowed Thomas, from inside the hut. Wiping her mouth on her sleeve, she hurried to get back inside.

“It won’t be long Sir, just had to use the privy,” she replied, as she came around the bush swallowing the bile in her throat again. On entering the hut she had to steady herself against the door. Just breathe, I can’t tell him yet, I don’t want to leave ’ere.

“Elizabeth, what is wrong?” asked the Lieutenant. “You are pale and I think you have been doing more than just relieving yourself.”

I should have been more careful, he didn’t want a babe! Could I get rid of it? How could a convict bring up a baby without a father? He will send me to the factory.

“I’m with child!” she blurted, running back out to her favourite bush! So much for breakfast! 

Rising with a look of confusion Thomas followed. It wasn’t long before he found her, on her knees, behind an innocuous spindly bush. It was the guttural retching sounds that gave her away!

Approaching slowly, his nostrils flared with the acrid scent of vomit. Stopping away from her, breathing through his mouth, he called, “Are you all right?”

I’m just dandy! Do I look all right? Here I have just ‘shot the cat’ and you are asking me if I am all right, you great oaf?
“Yes, I am fine, I will be back directly and pour your tea.”

“Take your time Elizabeth. When you come in, I think we need to talk” he replied, retreating to the hut.

Blinking on entering the room after the brilliant sunshine of the late March day outside, Elizabeth noticed the teapot, two dainty cups - where had they come from? - and a bottle of rum on the table. Sipping from his pannikin of rum,Thomas looked up motioning to her to sit across from him.

“Well Betsey my dear, I gather we have a situation to attend to? Do you want tea or rum?” he asked gently with a smile.

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 12 - THE EARLY DAYS (1792)

The days morphed into a string of endless hard work and hunger.

It was all she could do to keep the dust out of his clothes and to keep the food in their bellies. Thomas seemed to be constantly on duty and away for long periods of time.

I hope we get out of this tent soon and into one of them huts, they are building up on the hill, Elizabeth thought on a daily basis. Thomas keeps telling me that we will have our own dwelling soon. I hope he is right, a place to tend to the garden and grow things, would be good. 

The rations in the colony were reduced regularly. Elizabeth was challenged many times with the task of feeding them both, but it was a challenge that she relished and a challenge she rose up to.

If I wasn’t with Thomas, I don’t think I would have lasted this long. She had seen the treatment meted out to the single female convicts and she knew she was better off with the protection of her Red Coat.

This country is so dry, does it never rain? This harsh land has taken so many in the last couple of years. I hope the building of the Tank Stream finishes soon. If it does rain Thomas reckons it will provide us all with a reliable water storage in the dry times.

While she tended the fire and stirred the stew for supper, Elizabeth was assailed with waves of nausea. Running over to the edge of their camp she found herself hurling up much of her lunch.

Well I know that last bit of salted pork was just about to turn, but I didn’t think it had already!

Returning to the camp fire she resumed her stirring of the stew.

I hope he is home soon and not in his cups, she thought giving the stew a vicious stir.  It will be as tough as old bags soon and not fit for eating.

References 
The History of Sydney: Early Colonial Sydney, http://www.visitsydneyaustralia.com.au/history-6-early-col.html

STARR, MARION, Unhappy Exiles Convicts of the Pitt and Kitty 1792, Australia 1016

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 11 - VALENTINE'S DAY (1792)

“Stay here Elizabeth, I need to report to my commander, and get my orders. I will also find out where I will be quartered,” Thomas ordered before he left her in the shade of a tree, after disembarking.

Where would I go, she thought? All around her was blinding sunshine and bush, dirt and tents. Realising that the guards were approaching she noticed that chains were being taken off most of the convicts. They were a superfluous piece of equipment now. There was nowhere to escape to. The landscape was enough of a deterrent on it’s own! The bush was almost certain death.

Returning a couple of hours later, Thomas stirred Elizabeth from her rest. Sweat was glistening on her skin.

“Come, I have been given a tent. I have to report for duty this evening, so you will need to set up camp quickly, if I am to eat before I go.”

Lors above, I don’t know how to put up a tent.

Thankfully Thomas knew how and proceeded with this occupation while Elizabeth started a fire and prepared a meal from the rations that he gave her.

Over their joint meal Thomas explained, “The colony have been sorely disappointed with the arrival of the Pitt. They were expecting a lot more provisions and what has arrived only adds to the current store rations for a further 40 days.⁠[1] This place needs to be farmed Elizabeth, there could be great things happening in this new land. Land will be the key, yes land is the key.”

Elizabeth smiled and nodded, it wasn’t her place to have an opinion. She was just content that she was safe with someone she had come to know.

“What is the date Sir?”

“Why Elizabeth, it is the 14th February, 1792. Now there’s a date to remember for sure. We have arrived in this new land on Valentine’s Day. Will you be awake when I come home I wonder?”

I don’t know what Valentine’s Day is, but if the master wants me awake when he comes home I will be. 

The sun took a long time to set after Thomas left. The noises of the new colony ensured that Elizabeth was awake when Thomas returned. It had been impossible for her to sleep, what with each new unknown sound and the relentless heat that didn’t go away with the setting sun.

She felt him join her in the makeshift cot that she had assembled on the dirt floor.

“Elizabeth, why did you leave the dress I gave you behind in the cabin today?” he asked nuzzling up to her.

“I didn’t think it was mine to keep, I thought I was going back to the convict gang,” she replied turning over to look at him.

“Silly girl, why would I do that?”

Drifting off to sleep later in the arms of a snoring Red Coat she reflected, I guess there won’t be any bed bugs out here, but I hope there aren’t any other crawly things more bitey.

_________

1 STARR, MARION, Unhappy Exiles Convicts of the Pitt and Kitty 1792, Australia 1016

28 DAY CHALLENGE DAY 10 - THE ARRIVAL (1792)

Sweat gathered in places Elizabeth never knew she could sweat!

How can a body endure this heat and moisture? Me skin is always wet and me clothes always feel as if they are sticking to me. Even me precious air coming in through the porthole doesn’t refresh me, it is always hot and I never feel refreshed after me sleep.

Elizabeth jumped as a voice spoke from behind her at the door. “Elizabeth, please pack my belongings and your own, we will be docking at Sydney Cove today. You will need to rejoin the other females on deck when we dock. I will be busy all day so I won’t be down again.”

So the time has come.

I am to leave him and go back to me chains and whatever fate has in store for me. Pack me things. What things? I have been with him for nearly six months and he still doesn’t know that I have naught, other than the dress he gave me.

Elizabeth dragged her feet as she approached the other females gathering on the deck. One of the guards approached her with a smirk and quickly put her chains on again, while also giving her a quick smack across the face for good measure. Well I suppose I should have expected that.

Suddenly she jumped as overhead there sounded a bang as the guns rang out. Thomas had warn me last night that there would be a 13 gun salute when we approach the harbour. What was the point?

Standing near the rail, shading her eyes, Elizabeth was amazed at all the sights vying for her attention. If only it wasn’t so blasted hot. The view shimmered in the heat haze, but she was struck by the brilliant blue of the sea. Where are all the buildings? I thought there would be more buildings. So many tents and rough huts. Not like England at all. Breathing erratically, she realised that this was a very different place from her homeland.

Orders were given for disembarkation. Shuffling behind the other female convicts, she found herself herded like sheep on one side of the deck, while the men were on the other side.

The soldier was reading out from a large scroll. I had better pay attention or risk another cuff across the face from the guard.

Then she saw him, her Red Coat, and heard the soldier read, “Elizabeth Selwyn, sentenced for seven years, assigned to Lieutenant Thomas Rowley, as Housekeeper.⁠”[1]

Grabbing her cloth bundle, she hurried to his side. Not a free choice, but I can do this. If I had a choice though, I would choose him!

___________

1 Ancestry.com. New South Wales and Tasmania, Australia Convict Musters, 1806- 1849 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Original data: Home Office: Settlers and Convicts, New South Wales and Tasmania; (The National Archives Microfilm Publication HO10, Pieces 5, 19-20, 32-51); The National Archives of the UK (TNA), Kew, Surrey, England.