A Coveted Possession

The intriguing cultural history of the piano in Australia From the instruments that floated ashore at Sydney Cove in the late eighteenth century to the resurrection of derelict heirlooms in the streets of twenty-first-century Melbourne, A Coveted Possession tells the curious story of Australia’s intimate and intrepid relationship with the piano. It charts the piano’s fascinating adventures across Australia – on the goldfields, at the frontlines of war, in the manufacturing hubs of the Federation era, and in the hands of the makers, entrepreneurs, teachers and virtuosos of the twentieth history – to illuminate the many worlds in which the ivories were tinkled. Before electricity brought us the gramophone, the radio and eventually the TV, the piano was central to family and community life. With its iron frame, polished surfaces and ivory keys, an upright piano in the home was a modern industrial machine, a musical instrument and a treasured member of the household, conveying powerful messages about class, education, leisure, national identity and intergenerational history. ‘Michael Atherton cleverly weaves visual, sensual and sonic elements into the piano’s sociocultural history, adding a rich layer to our knowledge of the piano in Australia.’ —Professor Julia Horne, historian

Roselynn, who is content with her circumstances, is the consummate dreamer. She catches a glimpse of the Prince, who is soon to be King, and begins having fantasies of being his bride. Much to her surprise the Prince, Philippe, takes a liking to her as well. He arranges a meeting with her under the pre-tense of needing a younger woman to become his chambermaid (a claim that the prior woman has grown sloppy in her old age is his reasoning). Quiet, unspoken exchanges happen. He tries speaking with her, testing her intelligence, and she feigns complete ignorance. He stumbles upon her singing one day when she believes that he is gone. Their lives change in ways they never suspected. Will Philippe defy all and give in to the calling of his heart? Or will he suppress a feeling that causes him turmoil? Will Roselynn allow her dreams to possibly come true? Or will she deny herself happiness for the betterment of the kingdom?

What would a person do if the one they loved wasn't the individual that the one their family and friends expected them to be with? Would expectation win out or would that person allow their heart to lead? Philippe, Prince of the Malcon Dynasty -soon to be king-is faced with one such dilemma. The woman he loves is considered to be unbefitting one that sits on the throne. Roselynn is after all just a servant. Forbidden: A Prince's Coveted Possession is the story of a love that is forbidden in more ways than one. The two are facing social and racial barriers along with a current queen who would not have her line tainted by the likes of a commoner. The obstacles they face cause them both to take a moment to evaluate whether their love is worth the fight.

Roselynn, who is content with her circumstances but is still the consummate dreamer. She catches a glimpse of the Prince (soon to be King) and begins having fantasies of being his bride. Much to her surprise the Prince, Philippe, takes a liking to her as well. He arranges a meeting with her under the pre-tense of needing a younger woman to become his chambermaid (a claim that the prior woman has grown sloppy in her old age is his reasoning). Quiet, unspoken exchanges happen (she being unable to repress her fantasies, he being unable to hide his growing desire). He tries speaking with her, testing her intelligence, and she feigns complete ignorance. He stumbles upon her singing one day when she believes that he is gone. Their lives change in ways they never suspected. Will Philippe defy all and give in to the calling of his heart? Or will he suppress a feeling that causes him turmoil? Will Roselynn allow her dreams to possibly come true? Or will she deny herself happiness for the betterment of the kingdom?