Chains ~ the Synopsis (historical fiction)

In 1813, a 17 year-old convict, Cockney lad Jack Barnard, arrives by ship in Sydney after
being sentenced to 7 years transportation to the penal colony of New South Wales. He had
stolen food and a pair of shoes from London’s Spitalfields Market.

With him on the same convict ship are Irish political prisoner Paddy Dwyer from Dublin and
self-educated Londoner Billy ‘The Bard’ Buncombe, both also transported for seven years.

They become good friends as they find themselves on the same Iron Gang, building and
repairing roads. They share their nightmares and their dreams, particularly of the day they
will be free men.

A wealthy businessman – who is also a Magistrate and an Anglican Parson – takes them on
as ‘assigned convicts’ and promises their freedom if they work hard and behave for two years
on his sheep farm and in the garden of the Girls’ Orphanage where he is a Patron.

One day at the Orphanage, Jack spots pretty 17 year-old Scottish lass Heather, who is equally
attracted to him. Heather – blessed with a beautiful singing voice - is in a wheelchair and has
never been able to walk.

After being raised initially at the Parson’s house, Heather now works at the Orphanage. She
has learned to read and write; has a remarkable memory and has studied the classics.

He talents are discovered by the Patroness of the Orphanage, Mrs Macquarie, the wife of the
Governor of the Colony. Mrs Macquarie nurtures Heather and arranges singing and piano
lessons.

Heather tells Jack she dreams of the day she might be able to walk and dance. Jack promises
he will do everything to help her achieve that and gives her a pair of shoes.

When the blossoming romance is discovered, Mrs Macquarie supports it but the Parson is
outraged. He bans the couple from seeing each other and accuses Jack of stealing the shoes.

Jack and his accused ‘accomplices’ Paddy and Billy, are convicted and sentenced to hard
labour, however Mrs Macquarie convinces her husband, the Governor, to give them a Pardon.

The Pardon comes as Mr Macquarie ends his term as Governor and returns with his wife to
London. They take Heather with them to seek medical help and to nurture yet further her
singing and piano talents.

Assisted by his mates, broken-hearted Jack saves hard and a year later finally gets back to
London to track down his lost love, Heather.

He discovers she has become known as a pianist-singer and has been given support billing at
the famous Adelphi Theatre.
Jack sits in the audience. At the end if the show, he races to the stage holding another new
pair of shoes and declares his love for Heather. They embrace, sing a beautiful song together
as Jack watches Heather rise out of her wheelchair and stumble towards him.

They tell the audience they want to be ‘chained together forever’.

Ends