<b>From the bestselling author of <i>Elizabeth &amp; Elizabeth</i> and <i>That Bligh Girl, </i>comes another fascinating story of female friendship, betrayal and triumphs based on historical events.</b><br/><br/><b>'The very best historical fiction ... Williams' novel gives voice in a page-turning narrative to the compelling lives and experiences of two forgotten women of early colonial Australia.' Melissa Ashley, author of <i>The Naturalist of Amsterdam</i></b><br/><br/><b>'I very much enjoyed<i> That Bligh Girl</i>, and eagerly look forward to reading its prequel.' Judy Nunn, author of<i> Black Sheep</i></b><br/><br/>When future governor Philip Gidley King sailed with the First Fleet to the new colony, he had his pick of the convict women to look after him.<br/><br/>Two years, and two sons, later, he set out back to England to provide a report on Sydney and its newly tamed Norfolk Island, as his mistress Ann Inett begged him to return to her and their children.<br/><br/>After a year and a half he did - but bringing with him a shocking secret that would cut her to the core, and change all their lives forevermore.<br/><br/>This is a story of tangled love affairs, female friendship, twisted loyalties, betrayals, hardship, male infidelity, and the tragedies and triumphs of life in a new land.<br/><br/><b>'Williams skilfully shows the too-often overlooked impact women had on the early development of the colony.' Meg Keneally, <i>Weekend Australian</i><br/></b><br/><b>'Superb narration and engrossing drama.' Tom Keneally on <i>That Bligh Girl</i></b> <br/><br/><b>'Williams draws a touching portrait of a friendship that manages to thrive despite difficulties small and large.'<i> Sydney Morning Herald/The Age </i>on <i>Elizabeth &amp; Elizabeth</i></b>