Being Sunday, the dining room in the inn was deserted, and for this, Daniel was grateful. His confrontation with Mr. Pierce had left him feeling exhausted and unsettled. He didn’t think he could muster the energy to smile and make pleasant conversation with strangers. Fortunately, Sarah and Conall seemed to understand how he felt and kept their discussion easy, touching on casual topics such as the weather and Conall’s military duties.
They chose a table where they could watch the door—Daniel smiled, remembering the last time he’d sat in a similar spot anxiously awaiting Sarah’s arrival. Less than a week had passed since that day, but so much had changed between the two of them. The thought was not an unpleasant one.
Sarah ordered tea and sandwiches, and insisted Daniel eat. She watched him with pinched brows but did not voice her concern. She seemed to understand that he didn’t wish to discuss the incident.
Captain Thackeray arrived within an hour, and soon after, Sarah departed in her carriage to prepare for the dinner. She’d requested they come for an early supper, claiming she had something to show the group afterward, but she remained silent on exactly what it was.
Though he would have liked her to remain or perhaps to have ridden back with her, Daniel was glad for the time alone with the men. They must have sensed his strain. He felt close to the breaking point—a fraying rope. It took only a little prompting on their parts to convince him to talk. And once he started, he disclosed everything.
Conall, of course, knew the majority of the story. His contribution to the exchange consisted mostly of cursing at Daniel’s mention of the Pierces, reassurances about Sarah’s affection, and ordering another round when their drinks got low.
Captain Thackeray, on the other hand, listened with hardly a word save to ask an occasional clarifying question. Daniel had not sensed any judgment on the man’s part. No censure, and for that he was excessively thankful. It had felt like unburdening himself of a heavy load, once he revealed the whole of it—everything from the moment he’d left Charleston nearly two years earlier, through his unrestrained lifestyle in London and the resulting incarceration. He told of his attempt to change, his resolution aboard the ship to make a new life for himself, of his concern for his workers and their families, his resolve to forego wagering, and his growing fondness for Sarah and the hope that she’d see past his mistakes and forgive.
Daniel thought Captain Thackeray was the nearest Sarah had to a father or a guardian, and he asked for the man’s blessing before moving forward with the relationship—as well as his advice.
When he’d finished speaking, Daniel heaved a sigh. He sank back into his seat, took a long drink, and awaited the older man’s response. Captain Thackeray twirled his glass on the wooden table, watching it move between his fingers. He seemed to be considering.
Daniel tried not to squirm. He scratched behind his ear, glancing at Conall, who gave a reassuring nod.
After a moment, the captain raised his eyes. “I love that girl—that young lady—like my own daughter, I do. I worry about her. Ever since we arrived in Sydney ten years ago and I held her as she sobbed for hours upon learning her father was dead. I’ve tried to do what I could for her and her aunt, but of course, I have been irregularly in and out of her life.”
Daniel nodded. “Your friendship has been quite dear to her.”
“Yet, I feel as though it is not enough. I wish I could have done more.” He tipped back his head and squinted, studying Daniel. “I hoped Sarah would meet a good man—not someone to take care of her.” He chuckled. “Heaven knows she can take care of herself.” He pointed a finger as he spoke. “She needs a person who will love her. Her young life has been sadly lacking in that area.”
Daniel felt a swell of sorrow at the words. He could think of no response and only nodded his head.
“Poor lass,” Conall muttered.
“I’ve fretted about her,” Captain Thackeray said. “It’s been a great worry, knowing I’ll not be returning to the colony. Feels as though I’m deserting her. I’ve long hoped for someone to step in, someone I could trust.” The captain raised his eyes, locking his gaze with Daniel’s. “Mr. Burton, in this, I could not ask for a finer man than yourself.”
Daniel was taken aback by the man’s words. He felt touched and a little intimidated. “Thank you, sir.”
Captain Thackeray nodded once then gulped down the remainder of his drink.
Conall grinned. “I’ll drink to tha’.” He raised his glass, downed the contents, then motioned to a server to refill their drinks.
“Captain,” Daniel said, nodding a thanks to the server, “do you think I do the right thing by revealing to her my . . . history?”
“Of course honesty is always the correct answer.” He answered rather hastily then seemed to consider. “And she would surely learn it eventually.” The captain scowled, then his faced relaxed as if he’d come to a conclusion. “Better to hear it from you, I say.”
Daniel’s worry returned. The answer wasn’t reassuring. “Do you think . . . How will she respond?”
“I do not know, my friend.” He blew out a slow breath. “Though I don’t agree with her strong opinions on the topic, I do understand the reasons behind them.” He smiled and rested his arms on the table. “Take heart.”
Late that afternoon, Daniel sat at the elegant oak table in Sarah Whitaker’s dining room, feeling as near to utterly contented as he had in a long while. He could attribute a portion of the sensation to the delicious food, but he would be a fool if he did not give the credit to the mistress of the house.
Sarah looked radiant in a light blue gown, her hair pulled back softly. She was an elegant hostess, greeting the men warmly and maintaining a pleasant conversation. They’d visited for only a moment before the butler announced supper was ready and Sarah led them to the dining room.
As the party ate and socialized, he let his gaze travel around the space. He’d not seen an elegant room such as this since his arrival in the colony. The silks on the walls were striped in green and gold, and paintings of landscapes and exotic birds were displayed throughout. A spectacular chandelier hung over the table, casting prisms of colored light, and he wondered exactly how Sarah’s father had managed to arrange passage for the fine furnishings, as well as keep them from damage aboard a ship.
Daniel took another bite of the delicious lamb chops and regarded the members of the dinner party. Sarah sat at the head of the table and to her right, Captain Thackeray. Daniel was seated on her other side and next to him, Molly, the lady’s maid. Conall sat beside the captain. In his cheery manner, the Scotsman was recounting the humorous tale of an unlucky hunting party in Iceland. His descriptions of the marines being chased by an angry walrus had the entire table erupting with laughter.
Daniel smiled and laughed at the appropriate times but couldn’t quite dispel the melancholy that hung over him like a dark cloud, a result of the earlier confrontation in the churchyard. He felt physically ill when he remembered Mr. Pierce’s cruel words and saw them directed at the young mother. He closed his eyes, pushing away the thoughts. He was at a party after all. But the sensation wouldn’t fully leave.
He’d felt anxious ever since his conversation with Sarah in the cemetery days earlier—when he’d made the decision to reveal the truth about what had brought him to the colony. And try as he might to distract himself, the apprehension continued to prickle, leaving him unsettled. He wished he could be certain of her reaction. Come, man, he chided himself, trying to shake away the uninvited reflections. This is a dinner party.
Daniel pulled his thoughts to the present and glanced around the table. He realized the room had gone silent, and everyone watched him, as if waiting for an answer to a question he hadn’t heard.
He grimaced. “I beg your pardon. My mind was wandering.”
Sarah smiled, but he saw her brows pinch together as if to ask if something was bothering him.
Daniel smiled and winked to reassure her that he was well.
She gave a small nod, though her eyes were still narrowed, not completely convinced. “I was telling the party that the cook has packed dessert for us to bring along.” Her mouth twisted, and she raised her brows high as if she had a secret. “If all of you are agreeable to an adventure—I do not want to be encumbered by the faint of heart.”
He heard Molly’s quick intake of breath and turned toward her. The maid looked worried. “We’ll not be facin’ any real danger, will we, my lady?”
Sarah shrugged, the teasing look still in her eyes. “One never knows.”
“Nay to fear, miss,” Conall said. “Plenty o’ us to protect ya.”
Daniel glanced at Captain Thackeray and saw the man studying him thoughtfully. He gave Daniel an encouraging look, cuffing his shoulder as the party left the dining room and walked to the entry hall, where a maid waited with their hats and gloves.
Sarah excused herself then returned a moment later, wearing thick leather boots beneath the gown.
Daniel smiled.
The group moved outside and down the steps to where horses awaited on the packed dirt of the pathway before the house. Servants held the reins. Daniel noticed lanterns, thick blankets, and a basket attached behind various saddles. Those horses, he thought, must belong to the grooms. He also saw that two of the horses wore ladies’ saddles. Of course Sarah will ride like a lady. We are off for an adventure after all. He’d not expected the contradicting woman to behave characteristically. He reckoned she would always manage to surprise him.
Sarah mounted her horse, then she gestured for the others to do likewise. She settled into the sidesaddle, led her horse a few paces ahead, and turned in front of the company, looking over them with a critical eye. Her attitude reminded Daniel of a general inspecting her troops. Apparently, all met with her approval, and she nodded. “Shall we, then?” She grinned at Captain Thackeray.
As they’d ridden to Sarah Hills earlier that day, the captain told Daniel and Conall about the adventures Sarah had devised for them when he’d visited the farm. She’d always managed to find something new and interesting to show him, even as a young girl. Daniel smiled, thinking of the bright-eyed young girl leading the older man around and devising escapades.
Sarah led the group northwest, following the path that wound to the main road access. She reined in atop a hill and waited until the rest of the group joined her. “The new storage barn, Captain.” She pointed to a large stone building with a wooden roof that sat next to a large paddock farther down the road.
“Very nice.” The sides of his mouth turned down as he nodded, studying the structure.
“And the shearing is all finished,” Sarah said. “Some fleece has already been sent to the warehouse in Sydney Town, but I am sending the remainder into Parramatta this weekend to be delivered to your ship by barge.”
“I cannot thank you enough for what you’ve done for me, Sarah,” Captain Thackeray said.
“You are my oldest friend, sir.” Sarah’s voice grew thick. She waved a hand in the air. “But this is talk for another time. Business is hardly the purpose of our expedition.” She turned, speaking to the entirety of the group. “Here we’ll leave the road and continue over the hills.” Her gaze caught Daniel’s, and she gave a playful smile. It thrilled him to see her so excited about the outing.
She led them across grassy meadows and rocky hills toward the forest on the far side of the property. The land looked much wilder close to the mountains. Daniel glanced back over his shoulder, judging their location. He realized it was the same forest on the far edge of his property that rounded Francis Park and followed the creek along the foothills of the mountains.
When the group reached the tree line, they rode parallel to it for a time until they came to a cloth tied to a low branch, marking something that only their leader comprehended. Sarah halted, glancing up at the lowering sun. “We need to hurry if we’re to arrive by dusk,” she said, sliding off her horse. She removed the pistol from her saddlebag then slid it into a satchel she slung over her shoulder.
They left the horses in the care of grooms. As per Sarah’s instructions, the gentlemen carried the lanterns, and the two women carried the folded blankets. Conall hung the handle of the picnic basket over one arm.
She started toward the marked tree then glanced around, locating a batch of long sticks. When she handed one to Daniel, he hefted it. The stick was straight, nearly as tall as he. The wood was not heavy, and he couldn’t imagine what good it would do. It wasn’t strong enough to be a good walking stick. Perhaps it was part of the custom she and Captain Thackeray had started.
“And am I to defend all o’ ye with this twig?” Conall said, giving it a swish.
Sarah shook her head. “It’s for webs along the path. You’ll not want to walk into any. The spider bites can be deadly.” She distributed the other sticks. “And, of course quicksand. Our destination is a bit marshy. Best to be cautious.”
Daniel blinked. He studied her face, trying to tell whether she was teasing. Deadly spiders, he knew about. They were one of the first warnings he’d gotten upon disembarking onto the colony, along with caution about venomous snakes. But quicksand?
Molly gasped. She held the stick with both hands in a white-knuckled grip. Daniel didn’t think many women in the colony—convict or free—had spent as much time in the untamed areas of the outback as had Sarah.
Sarah started off through the trees, Captain Thackeray following then Daniel. Conall and Molly brought up the rear of the company.
Beneath the canopy of the trees, the birds seemed louder, and the air felt dense and cool. Daniel inhaled the smell of eucalyptus and noticed a dampness to the scent. They followed a trail Sarah herself had apparently made by tying cloth to trees. After a few hundred yards, the path became mud.
Sarah led them around the thicker patches of swampland, using her stick to test out the ground ahead when it appeared boggy.
Daniel thought it ridiculous that three adult men should walk behind as a smallish young woman carried a weapon, swept the air for deadly spiders, and tested the stability of the path.
Once, as she stopped, indicating for them to wait while she used her stick to poke the ground ahead, Captain Thackeray turned to Daniel, grinning. “What did I tell ya? Plucky as she can be.”
“I’m starting to doubt my merit as a gentleman.” Daniel spoke in a low voice. He moved the lantern to his other arm and scratched behind his ear. “I don’t enjoy following behind while she assumes the risks.”
“Aye. But she’d not thank ya for pointing it out.” The captain glanced at Sarah. “Shoving ahead and protecting her, telling her she’s not capable just because she was born a female would only raise her ire.” He turned, watching Sarah as he spoke. “But, aye, it’s difficult to hold back, when ya just wish to keep her safe.”
Sarah turned back, motioning them forward.
Captain Thackeray started to follow then turned. “One thing I’ve learned, my friend, is every person you meet has different needs, and when we wish to be a valuable part of the person’s life, we must learn them.” His mouth quirked in a wry grin. “I suppose that’s the trick, isn’t it? Caring for a person in the way they require, even when it’s not how we’d wish to.” He gave a smile and turned, continuing forward.
Daniel considered the man’s words and realized the truth contained in them. He related it to his earlier conversation with Sarah. Trust. It always seemed to come down to trust. Just as he wanted her to trust him in spite of his mistakes, he needed to do the same.
The boggy area grew into a muddy pond. Sarah pointed to where one bank was a bit higher. Mr. Thackeray held her arm as she stepped up, and at her direction, they spread the blankets on a dry-looking patch of grass.
Sarah settled herself onto a blanket, smoothing her skirts and sitting with her knees to the side.
Captain Thackeray sat beside her, looking near to bursting with anticipation. “What do you have in store for us, Sarah, my girl?
Sarah simply patted his arm. “You will have to wait and see.” She shifted, moving her legs in front of her. “Mr. Burton?”
When Daniel met her gaze, she patted the blanket on her other side, indicating with a smile for him to sit.
He did so, stretching out his legs and trying to keep his muddy boots away from her gown.
Molly and Conall sat on the other blanket.
“How did you ever find this spot, Miss Whitaker?” Daniel asked.
“You’d be surprised where sheep can get lost.” Sarah shrugged. “Although, I’ll admit I’d never actually seen this particular pond until last spring.”
“Surely you didn’t come here alone?” Daniel reminded himself of Captain Thackeray’s admonition. Sarah didn’t need to be taken care of, but blast it if he didn’t want to keep her safe.
“Not the first time. Mr. Hawkins was with me. But I have returned on my own since.” She grinned, looking at each member of the party. “You will see why in just a moment.”
Daniel glanced around the marshy area, wondering what could possibly draw her to this foul-smelling place.
“Molly, would you serve our dessert?” Sarah said.
The maid opened the basket and took out napkins and small pastries, passing them to the group.
Once they had all been served, Sarah sat back. She held a pastry in one hand and smoothed a napkin over her skirts with the other. “Now we must be quiet, or it will not emerge from its den.” She pointed to a grassy clump of earth.
“What, my lady?” Molly’s voice trembled.
“Not to worry,” Sarah said. “You are in no danger.”
Captain Thackeray sat back, looking relaxed, though the ground was far from comfortable. Daniel thought the captain was the type of person to be happy in any situation.
Daniel looked closer at the clump of ground. It was a bit up the hill, far enough away that it wouldn’t flood if the pond swelled. He thought he could see a hole, but it could have just been a patch of upturned earth. He squinted, trying to imagine what was going to emerge from the burrow.
Conall crossed his ankles and rested back on his hands. “Seems just the place fer a kelpie to lure an unsuspectin’ traveler.”
“Sergeant Stewart, you’re frightening me,” Molly whispered.
“Jes don’ follow any ghost-like horses,” he whispered back.
“Shhh,” Sarah hissed.
Daniel bit into a pastry and wanted to moan in pleasure. It had been quite a while since he’d eaten fancy desserts. He wiped the corners of his mouth with the napkin, his eyes moving between the clump of ground and the woman beside him. If it were up to him, he’d watch Sarah.
She stared at the burrow, and moments passed. Daniel’s legs were starting to ache from maintaining his position. He shifted, bending a knee and resting his forearm on it. He wished he could stretch his back. Why did every encounter with Sarah include prolonged sitting on an uncomfortable surface?
Sarah started and leaned forward, squinting. She put a hand on his arm and squeezed. “There,” she whispered.
He peered closer and saw an animal emerging. The creature was brown, covered with shiny fur. It didn’t have ears like a fox or a raccoon, and when it started scuttling across the ground toward the pond, he saw it had a bill protruding from its face. Its tail was flat and shaped like a paddle.
“Well, I’ll be,” Captain Thackeray said in a soft voice. “After all these years, all these trips to the colony, I finally get to see one.”
“What is that?” Molly asked in a whisper.
“A water mole,” Sarah responded.
Daniel noticed the creature had duck-like flippers instead of feet. He also noticed that Sarah’s hand was still on his arm, and he remained motionless in hopes that she wouldn’t realize and pull it away.
“George Shaw of the Royal Society calls it a Platypus Anatinus,” the captain said. They watched the animal reach the water’s edge and plunge into the pond. It swam about making hardly a ripple in the muddy water.
“I wonder if we could catch it. A sweet thing, isn’t it?” Molly said.
“Looks sweet,” Captain Thackeray replied. “But they’ve poison spurs on their hind feet. Best not to bother the creature.”
“We’ll hardly be able to see it any longer,” Sarah said. She moved away her hand from Daniel’s arm then stood to look over the bank. “It swims long into the night.”
Daniel frowned as he realized her statement meant she’d been out here in this boggy forest well past dark. He could think of a hundred threats that could have befallen a young woman alone, each scenario more menacing than the last.
The others stood with her.
“I could not have asked for a more perfect adventure, Sarah,” Captain Thackeray said. “I’ve read of the platypus, and of course seen stuffed specimens at curiosity shops, but to witness the animal in its natural habitat”—he grinned, his eyes twinkling in the fading light—“a perfect adventure indeed.”
Sarah smiled back. “I knew you would like it.”
“’Twas a fine outin’, Miss Whitaker,” Conall said, and Molly agreed.
Sarah’s smile grew, and even in the fading daylight, Daniel saw color on her cheeks. She picked up her stick and used it to point in the direction from whence they’d arrived. “We should hurry back before it becomes too dark.”
Within a moment, blankets were folded, lanterns lit, and the group started their return journey. The forest seemed much different in the dark. The lantern flames cast strange shadows over the trees as they passed, and the noises around them took on an ominous feel. A rustle in the undergrowth drew his attention, and Daniel stopped, raising his lantern for a better view.
“The animals grow more active in the dark. No need for concern.”
The sound of Sarah’s voice startled him, and Daniel jumped. “I’m not . . . concerned,” he said, feeling foolish. “Just, well, I heard a noise.”
Her hand slipped into his. She gave a small tug, and they continued following behind the others. Daniel was relieved that Conall and Captain Thackeray were ahead, testing for quicksand instead of Sarah.
Molly stayed close to the sergeant, likely assuming he was the best choice of a protector, should trouble arise. Daniel chuckled to himself. He’d put his money on the woman beside him.
“You’ve been quiet tonight,” Sarah said. “I hope you’re not still worried about the Pierces. Their favor is not worth troubling yourself.”
“I apologize if my company was lacking today. I suppose my mind has been rather occupied.”
“Occupied with good things?”
He smiled, thinking how the simple act of holding a lovely lady’s hand could transform a dark forest from a perilous wilderness into a pleasant nocturnal woodland. “Some are good. Some less good. Others, well, let’s just call them hopeful.”
Even though they both wore gloves, Sarah’s hand warmed his. The warmth spread throughout his entirety, giving him the assurance he sought. He was glad she didn’t pry. She must understand that he needed support but that he wanted to work out his decisions on his own.
It appeared she already knew the lesson Captain Thackeray had told him earlier. All people needed to be loved in their own way. He glanced to the side as the thought struck him. Did Sarah love him? The light from his lantern made her eyes shine, even though her face was shadowed by her bonnet. She felt affection for him, of that he could be sure.
Her actions today, the way she’d defended his position to the Pierces—surely those were an indication of something more. Daniel dropped his tense shoulders, feeling resolved. Thursday was only four days away. With their repeated teasing about the date, the engagement seemed to have taken on some sort of significance. He’d do it then. His heart jolted at the thought, but he was decided. He would tell Sarah about his past, explain how he’d changed, and make his feelings known.
The plan was simple enough in theory. So is shearing a sheep, he thought, rolling his eyes at memories of his pitiful attempts these last days. He tightened his hand around Sarah’s and figured he had four days to contemplate the various scenarios and ways it could all go wrong. For now, he’d enjoy walking hand in hand with the woman who held his heart.