#ruby rees

A Little Bush Maid by Mary Grant Bruce

The sexual abuse of two of the girls, the blackmail one was held to and the maternal trauma and desperation to protect her mother from Jane, the tears have been flowing. Maybe it’s because I was a teenager the same age as these girls when I first watched the episode almost a decade ago, but now that I am significantly older I see them as the abused and mistreated children they are. They’re so little in my eyes upon this rewatch. I can’t stomach the way Kitty and Rose were treated, what Jane had to witness with her mother’s mental health struggles.

Phryne’s full commitment to them and their wellbeing is gorgeous; she’s so protective of them and she wants them to speak their truth and get the justice and resolutions they deserve. She’s a safe person for them and they know that when they come to her, that they will be believed and loved. These girls need that so much.

As much as I loved the show as a teenager, there were some parts of the storyline that went completely over my head because I was far too young to truly understand the gravity of them. I am glad I’m going back to watch this extraordinary series as an adult. I’m seeing it through new eyes and the nuances and humanity side of it I am totally computing now.

Other moments that broke my heart: 1) Phryne’s worry when Jane and Rose couldn’t be found in the morning. 2) Jane’s mother losing control of her own mind, and Jane needing to bring her back to earth but struggling with this because she’s only a child, damn it! This is too much for her! 3) When Phryne; upon realising Kitty was murdered by a significantly larger man, feels guilty for not teaching the girls actual skills they need to survive life.

Quotes: “She’s not mean. She just needs me. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” ~ Jane (Ruby Rees was such an incredible actress at this age. I just want to hug Jane! Little darling!)