Gentle Annie Soames. A 1788 First Fleet Convict Love Story. Her dreams lead to unexpected outcomes. An Australian First Fleet story. Annie Soames is shattered by the cancellation of her debut into society, so when she hears of a position as a carer for the nearby Marchioness, she grabs it. Oliver Quilpie, the recently married Marquess, discovers his arranged union is not to his taste; he is drawn to his wife’s companion. Unfortunately, he is unable to keep his hands off her. However, she ha not only conceived his child, but she has fallen in love with him. For revenge, Annie mimics his every move while riding but is dressed as a highwayman. This action finally leads to her arrest and transportation to a faraway land. After some years, Oliver’s wife dies, and his thoughts turn to Annie. He seeks to find her, but she has vanished. He is horrified to discover she was transported to New South Wales as a convict on the Lady Penrhyn. He follows with a shipload of supplies on the Kitty. Will Annie want to see him? A Clean Historical Fiction Story. If you love Australian Colonial history, you will love Sara Powter’s ‘Gentle Annie Soames’ an absorbing tale of love and survival in the face of adversity. Details are taken directly from the Journal of Doctor Arthur Bowes Smyth.
