Sarah folded her hands in her lap, wishing she’d thought to bring a fan. The doors and windows were closed, making the building stuffy. The air felt thick. Every convict was required by law to attend church each Sunday, and since the law also forbade anyone from performing manual labor on the Sabbath, most of the free settlers in the surrounding areas came regularly to the Sunday service in Parramatta as well as their servants. It made for a crowded church. Around her, she heard coughs and fidgeting and felt certain the heat was to blame for the restlessness of the congregation.
Sarah very carefully glanced at the man sitting beside her. Daniel leaned forward slightly, his expression thoughtful as he listened to the sermon. He didn’t seem bothered by the lack of ventilation despite the fact that he wore a coat and a vest. She smiled. He was such a good man, a God-fearing man, and even though church was not the appropriate place for such ponderings, she had to admit Daniel Burton was exceptionally handsome as well. His ginger-colored curls and coffee-brown eyes were the type that made ladies swoon. He held his hat upon his lap, his full attention on the words of the Reverend Samuel Marsden.
Sarah could not help but feel pleased that Daniel had joined her on the pew. She kept herself from glancing up at him again. It was not strange for acquaintances to sit beside one another during the service, but she didn’t want the rest of the congregation to see her staring or the blush that resulted with every glance.
Against her wishes, that very blush stole up her neck as she remembered their conversation at her father’s graveside. Daniel had come after her, worried about her. He’d listened. He’d cared. At the memory of his touch, her palm grew warm, as did her cheeks. I must learn to control this blushing if I plan to spend time with Mr. Daniel Burton.
Her heart flipped as she realized she did intend to spend time with him. Although the words weren’t spoken aloud, they had parted with an understanding that they would see each other more often, perhaps regularly. He was to come to a dinner party that evening with Captain Thackeray, and then, of course, she’d go to his house the Thursday following. And after that—
The organ began to play, and she startled, realizing she’d not listened to any of the sermon. Sarah stood, and her gaze found Daniel’s. He smiled, and she thought there was just a hint of tension around his eyes. She hadn’t noticed it earlier, but she hadn’t looked. The time before the service was typically quiet, reserved for prayer and personal reflection. Visiting would have been improper. She studied his face for a moment. There was surely something there. As if he carried a burden. Did it have something to do with the sermon? She should have listened instead of allowing herself to indulge in daydreams.
“Are you well, Mr. Burton?”
“Very well, thank you.” The sparkle returned to his eyes as he smiled, though she felt as if it were a bit dimmer. Perhaps he was tired or hungry or hot. He offered his arm, and she took it, ignoring the curious glances they drew as they walked down the center aisle toward the doors.
When they stepped outside, she inhaled the fresh air gratefully, knowing that within a few weeks, the summer heat would be as stifling outside as it had been in the church.
She nodded and greeted acquaintances until her attention was drawn to a man in a red coat making his way across the churchyard toward them. Sarah slipped her hand from Daniel’s arm and offered it to Conall Stewart in greeting. “Good day, Sergeant Stewart.”
Conall grinned as he looked between them, and she didn’t miss the tick of his brow when his gaze met Daniel’s. “’Tis a fine day indeed, Miss Whitaker,” he said. He shook Daniel’s hand, smacking him on the shoulder. “And lovely ’tis to see the two o’ ye.”
“How nice that you are back in Parramatta,” Sarah said, pretending she didn’t hear the insinuation in his voice. “Will you be in town long?”
“A week a’ the least. I’d hoped to call on ye.”
“If you’ve no plans this evening, I’d be very happy if you’d join us for dinner. Dan—Mr. Burton will be there, as well as my old friend, Captain Thackeray.” She glanced around at the people exiting the church. “I didn’t see the captain at the service, but I expect him to arrive in Parramatta at any time. Perhaps he is even now at the inn.”
“I’d not want to impose, miss,” Conall said. He glanced at Daniel, perhaps wondering if his presence would be an intrusion.
Daniel smiled, and she thought he looked pleased with the idea of his friend joining them. The earlier tension seemed to have lessened, even if it was not completely gone.
“Nonsense,” Sarah said. “If I’d known you were in town, I’d have invited you already.”
He pressed his palm to his chest. “In tha’ case, how could I refuse?”
She smiled and inclined her head. Conall was a cheerful person and a close friend to Daniel. She thought his addition to the dinner party would be a welcome one.
Movement caught her eye, and she turned to see Dorthea waving from the other side of the street. Sarah excused herself, leaving the men to their conversation.
She heard Conall’s voice as she walked away. “So ‘Dan—Mr. Burton,’ is it?” he teased. “Ya look well, friend . . .” Sarah couldn’t help but smile as she moved out of earshot.
When she reached Dorthea, the woman took both her hands. “It has been quite some time since I’ve seen you, Sarah.”
“The farm keeps me quite busy in the spring,” Sarah said. She squeezed Dorthea’s hands, pleased to see her friend.
“I see.” Dorthea glanced across the road behind Sarah. “And perhaps your new neighbor occupies some of your time as well.”
At her words, the wretched blush returned, spreading over Sarah’s skin like liquid heat. It must have been quite noticeable because the reaction elicited the largest grin she’d ever seen on Dorthea’s face.
Sarah shrugged, giving a small smile. “I suppose a bit.”
Dorthea laughed, releasing her hands. “I am very happy that you’ve found such a pleasant—”
The sound of raised voices broke off her words, and Sarah turned, wondering what was happening. Among them, she heard Daniel, sounding angry. Without taking her leave, she hurried back to the churchyard.
It wasn’t difficult to discern the source of the commotion. The remainder of the Sunday worshippers had moved away, giving the arguers a wide berth. She could feel the tension in the air as she approached. It seemed as though even the birds had stopped their singing.
Sarah reached the edge of the cleared space and saw that Daniel and Mr. Pierce stood, facing one another on the packed dirt of the churchyard. Daniel’s arms were folded, his jaw tight. His legs were planted in a wide stance, and he stood protectively in front of Bill Hawkins and his family. Sarah realized this was the first time she’d seen him angry. His manner was controlled, but based on the hard look in his eyes, he was furious.
Mr. Pierce, on the other hand, looked close to apoplectic. His round face was beet-red, and veins bulged from his neck and forehead. His wife waved a fan in front of her face wildly, pressing a hand to her forehead as if she would succumb to hysterics. Mr. Pierce was pointing an accusing finger at Mrs. Hawkins, spittle flying from his mouth as he raged. “. . . living in sin. You are an indecent and despicable woman.”
The woman looked terrified. She cowered behind her husband, holding her child. The little girl was crying against her shoulder.
Daniel shifted to the side, blocking the man’s view of his housekeeper. “I’ll thank you not to speak to my servant in such a manner, sir.”
His voice was calm, but Sarah heard the clipped tones and felt a shiver at the sound of his restrained fury. Conall Stewart stood near Daniel, and when she met his gaze, she saw worry there.
Mr. Pierce turned his glower to Daniel. “And you harbor this wickedness under your roof?” He stepped to the side, pointing at Mrs. Hawkins. “Woman, you are a concubine, and your child is—”
“Enough.” Daniel’s voice was like a crack, making Mr. Pierce take a startled step back.
“We are legally married, if you please, sir.” Bill spoke in a soft but sure voice. He put an arm around his wife.
“In a Catholic ceremony.” Mr. Pierce snorted. “You know what Reverend Marsden says. Such a marriage does not hold in New South Wales. You are considered in the eyes of the church to be sinners.”
“Are you speaking of the same reverend, who, not twenty minutes ago, delivered a sermon about Jesus Christ’s admonition to love our neighbors, care for the poor, and forgive our enemies?” Daniel took a step closer to the round man. Though he did not raise his voice, his words rang clear in the silence. “Perhaps you attended a different service today? Or it is possible you did not understand the lesson, Mr. Pierce?”
Mr. Pierce’s jowls shook as he opened and closed his mouth, apparently unsure of how to answer. Beads of sweat stood out on his forehead.
Minerva took her husband’s arm. Her expression was tight. “Mr. Burton, why do you defend these . . . criminals?”
“Madam, I know these people. I work with them every day and see how they treat their family and others.” He turned toward her husband. “And in all honesty, I find them to be much more decent than many of the free settlers in the colony.” His lip curled, leaving no doubt as to whom his words signified.
“Well, really.” Mr. Pierce glanced around, his eyes wide and apprehensive. His gaze landed on Sarah, and a look of relief relaxed his features. “Miss Whitaker.” He stepped toward her, taking her hand and pulling her forward. “Surely you agree with me. You, of all people, know the evil nature of felons. You must convince Mr. Burton of his error.”
Sarah stood frozen as Daniel’s gaze locked onto hers.
His expression was no longer angry but sorrowful. His eyes seemed to wince when she looked at him, as if he were resigned to the fact that her words would go against his. She was surprised to realize it would not only upset him but actually cause him pain. He felt more strongly about this than she would have believed. She knew she could not hurt him. Not when he was trying to do what he considered to be honorable.
She looked at the Pierces, angry that the couple had put her in a situation where she would either hurt this man that she cared for or go against her own convictions. This issue already stood unresolved between Daniel and her—one they’d tentatively agreed to disagree on. She balled her hands into fists, resenting the spiteful couple and her own predicament.
She drew in a breath, steeling her resolve. “Mr. Burton is an excellent judge of character, sir,” she said. “And he certainly has no reason to answer to anyone but the convict supervisor concerning either his treatment of his workers or their personal lives.” She did not look at Daniel but tried to read his body language from the corner of her eye. He hadn’t moved. “And since you asked for my opinion, I will give it to you.” She paused. “Passing judgment on the legitimacy of a marriage is neither my duty or yours, and the location and timing of your condemnation is utterly inappropriate.” She could feel the eyes of the entire crowd on her. “I would suggest taking up the matter with the appropriate authority. Or, since the issue does not affect you directly, I recommend attending to your own affairs.”
Minerva gasped, and her husband’s face changed from bright red to a rather mottled-looking hue. “Young lady, I never . . .” He motioned toward his carriage driver. “I cannot believe you would speak to your elders in this rude manner.”
“If you please, it was you who drew me into the conversation with the expectation that I would answer bluntly.” She curtseyed. “I do hope you have a pleasant Sunday.”
Sarah felt a swell of satisfaction as she watched the Pierces storm away, darting back rude glances and whispering as they went. Once the moment passed, however, her stomach twisted. She’d never spoken so impolitely to someone she should have treated with respect. The Pierces were not the type of people one wanted as enemies. Perhaps this was the reason for Sergeant Stewart’s worried expression. The ill feeling grew.
She looked at where Daniel stood. Conall whispered something to him, patting him on the back as if to reassure him. When Daniel looked back at Sarah and smiled, her worries evaporated. He spoke quietly to the Hawkins family, lifting the young girl from her mother’s arms, leaving Bill to comfort his wife.
Daniel turned and closed the space between him and Sarah with a few strides. “I don’t think I’ve introduced you to Trudy.” He shifted the small girl in his arms. “Trudy, this is my very good friend, Miss Whitaker.” As he spoke, his gaze held Sarah’s, and she could read volumes in the way he said the words.
Trudy rubbed her eyes and looked up shyly.
Daniel adjusted his hold, turning her to face outward. “Now you must be a polite young lady and say, ‘How do you do, Miss Whitaker?’”
“How do you do, Miss Witter?”
Sarah smiled at the girl’s endearing manner. “Pleased to meet you, Trudy.”
Trudy turned her face back against Daniel’s vest.
He shifted, patting her back, but his eyes did not leave Sarah’s. “Thank you,” he said.
The way he spoke, his voice low and earnest, made Sarah’s insides feel like melted chocolate. Her thoughts filled with endless things she wanted to say to him, but none sounded right. She wanted to tell him that she admired the honorable way he defended his beliefs, that it warmed her heart to see him tenderly holding the child, that he was a fine man and should not care one jot what the Pierces said. But none of the thoughts seemed just right, so she simply returned his smile, hoping he understood what she could not express in words.
Daniel’s eyes were warm.
The crowd around them dispersed, going about their regular Sunday visiting, and the commotion shook her back into awareness. She grinned and Daniel winked, then he returned to the Hawkins with Trudy, and Sarah crossed the space to join Conall.
“Yer a right spitfire, aren’t ye?” He winked, nodding approvingly.
“Hardly, Sergeant.” She turned away to hide her own smile. “I simply think people oughtn’t meddle in matters not of their concern.”
He barked out a laugh. “Och, and ya told ’em off smartly, miss.”
They watched Daniel return Trudy to her mother once the woman looked to be calmed. He placed a hand on Mrs. Hawkins’s shoulder, speaking quietly, then bid the family farewell.
Sarah folded her arms and glanced to the side at Conall. “It was unfair for them to confront Mr. Burton in such a way.”
“’Twas at that. He’s a lucky man tae have such a defender.”
Daniels watched his servants leave then joined Sarah and Conall, all boldness gone from his bearing. His stance, typically straight and tall, seemed to sag under a weight.
Sarah touched his arm. “You look pale, sir. I’m off to inquire after Captain Thackeray. Perhaps you’d join me for tea at the Yorkshire Grey?” She’d nearly forgotten about Captain Thackeray’s arrival in all the fuss.
“Needs somethin’ stronger than tha’, if ya ask me.” Conall caught Daniel’s eyes. His broad smile disappeared, turning his face remarkably serious, and he gave Daniel a tight nod of approval. Then he cuffed his friend’s shoulder.
It seemed men found expressing their feelings to be every bit as difficult as women did, Sarah thought. She moved between the two, smiling at both as she took their arms. “Shall we then?” The trio crossed the bridge and strode toward the inn.