Chapter Three

Five months later

The Osprey’s sails billowed, the canvas slapping in the wind as the pilot guided her through the Heads into Sydney Harbour. Kitty looked at the panorama opening up in front of her as she stood by the rail of the majestic clipper as it sped through the water. Her heart felt as if it might burst with excitement as she turned to her mother.

“I can hardly believe we’re finally here. We’ve come twelve thousand miles, from the top of the earth right down here to the bottom, but we’ve finally arrived, ready to start a new life in a new country.”

Bella took a deep breath, her fingers twisting the beads that hung at her throat. “Let us hope it’s far enough away for you to be safe.”

“Oh Mother, of course it is. Who would ever think to come looking for me in Australia? Besides,” she paused, her hand tightening on the rail, “we’re not even sure they are looking for me.”

Bella’s brow puckered. “It’s certainly very probable.”

Shaking her head to dispel the sudden flicker of fear at her mother’s words, Kitty grabbed Bella’s arm, giving it a little shake as she pointed ahead. “Forget about that for now. Look, just look at that!”

They were through the Heads now and a huge harbor spread out before them. Kitty had never seen anything to match its beauty. The blue of the sky reflected in the ocean where the waves splintered the rising sun’s slanting rays, bouncing them up to dazzle their eyes. Cotton wool clouds dotted the sky above, scudding before a light breeze. In the distance, green wooded slopes surrounded the sea, tumbling down to little bays and inlets around the coastline, with dark rocks spilling out to encircle scoops of golden sand.

Small islands popped up out of the water here and there, and everywhere there were boats, all sizes and shapes. Ferry boats crisscrossed the waters, carrying early morning passengers, while yachts and fishing boats were already out and about. Another clipper passed them heading back out to sea, its sails swelling, about to start its journey, and tied up at the wharves ahead were more ships, their sails furled.

Directly in front lay the city of Sydney. Buildings lined the foreshore and spread around it, while houses stretched up the hills behind. And over all the sun shone, bright, clear, and warm.

Kitty was relieved to see the tension had faded from Bella’s face.

“It’s certainly beautiful.” She smiled now. “You’re right, let us hope that it’s the beginning of a new life, that we can forget the past and start afresh.”

“Poor Mother.” Kitty reached across and took her hand. “I think these last years have been harder for you than for me.”

“Things haven’t been easy, I admit.” Bella drew a deep breath and shook her head. “And I could see little hope of things improving.”

“Well, that’s all behind us now.” Kitty patted Bella’s hand. “And I’m glad I did what I did,” she added fiercely. “It’s what’s given us this chance, to come here to Australia and find Robert, and start afresh.”

Bella’s fingers sought her beads again. “We must hope it never catches up with you.” Her voice shook. “I still have sleepless nights thinking about the consequences, if it does.”

Kitty took her hand again as a little knot of anxiety twisted inside her. “It’s all right,” she insisted. “We’ll be safe here.”

“I hope so. Thank goodness we were able to leave London so quickly. If we hadn’t…” Her voice trailed away as she took a deep breath and shook her head wordlessly.

“Don’t even think about that…it’s all behind us now. We’re about to start a new life.” Kitty squeezed Bella’s hand before releasing it, her optimism returning. “And Mother, while we’re certainly not wealthy, we have enough money now to be able to buy the necessities of life, and even a few luxuries. Like some new clothes.” Stepping back she studied Bella, thinking how elegant her mother looked in her soft blue dress with white lace trimming on the bodice. Her dark hair, piled high, emphasized her even features. “You always look lovely, but it’s years since we’ve had anything new.”

Bella smiled and, reaching up, tucked back one of Kitty’s curls that had escaped in the breeze, then patted her cheek gently. “Well, this dress has always been a good stand-by, but I know it’s old. And as for you, you’re so beautiful you look good in anything, but particularly so in that red dress. You must wear the beautiful hat you had made to go with it.”

“Ah yes, that was when we were affluent.” Kitty sighed, reflecting. Money. It all came down to money, didn’t it? With it you could have what you wanted…without it you were at the mercy of others. She clenched her fists so tightly the nails dug into her palms, determined they would become affluent again in this new country. She would do whatever was necessary to get enough money so they would never be poor again. Her mother would never have to suffer again as she had these past few years. Kitty set her lips firmly. “Don’t worry Mother. We’ll be affluent again, I promise you.”

Bella smiled at her. “As long as you’re safe. That’s more important.” She paused for a moment before she went on. “Kitty, I’ve been thinking…about William Barron. He’s been most attentive to you on the journey. He’s obviously very taken with you, has he mentioned marriage?”

“No. I keep heading him off whenever I think he might.”

“So you think he will?”

“I think it’s possible.”

“And if he does, will you accept him?”

Kitty sighed. “He’s very attentive, I know, and I suppose he’s rather sweet really, in a hang dog sort of way, but I don’t want to be married to him, to have to spend the rest of my life with him…”

Bella interrupted her. “My dear, I know that type. Once you were married you wouldn’t have to put up with spending all your time with him, he would be at his club, or in his library.”

“He thinks reading is a waste of time.”

“Oh. Well then, hunting, or about the estate.”

“He would still be my husband, and I don’t love him.”

“Love isn’t everything in marriage. Once babies come you would be content.”

“Do you think that’s all I have to look forward to, marriage and babies? Surely there’s more in life than that.”

“It’s what most girls look forward to.”

“Perhaps if our lives hadn’t changed the way they did, I’d have been content with that, too, but now I don’t know I want to marry anyone. I’ve been talking to many of the colonials who are returning home, and Australia sounds an exciting place. It seems not everyone follows the same old patterns out here. I don’t want to be some man’s chattel. I want to be independent. I want to lead my life the way I want…not bending to a man’s wishes all the time.”

“Kitty, you’re a woman. That’s the way it is for us. How do you think you’re going to live? The money won’t last forever, and as for your brother Robert, we don’t know what his situation is. First we have to find him.”

“We’ll find him. And when we do, I’ve worked it all out. I’ll dispose of the rest of our diamonds, and we’ll buy a business, with Robert. Robert can run it and we’ll both help.” She paused, her lips tightening. “I’m afraid Robert’s hopes of being a lawyer died with Father, but at least now we can help him to create a good life in the new country. And it’ll be fun to be involved in a business.”

“Kitty, aren’t you forgetting the danger you could be in? You might not be safe, even out here. But if you were married to William no one would dare accuse you, wherever you were, even back in England. You’d be under the protection of the Barron name, with Sir Alexander Barron as your father-in-law. They’re an important family. You’d be safe.”

Kitty took a deep breath, seeking reassurance. “But it might never happen. Perhaps I was never suspected when the diamonds went missing. And we’re twelve thousand miles away. I’m sure we’ll be safe in Australia.”

“That might be so, but at least think about William. Promise me you’ll at least think about him, don’t say ‘no’ without some thought.”

“All right. He might never ask me, but if he does, I promise I’ll think about it. But I wouldn’t make any decision until we see Robert.”

“Very well, I agree with that. I must say I am worried about him, it’s so long since we last heard from him.” An extra strong gust of wind tugged at their skirts. Bella moved away from the rail. “Now let’s go inside. I could do with a cup of tea, and it’ll be breakfast time soon.”

“You go in. I want to stay here a bit longer, I’m enjoying the sights.”

****

Kitty leaned against the rail staring out over the harbor, enjoying the sight. When she looked up and saw a sandy-haired man with a smooth, pink face approaching her, she was tempted to rush away, but it was too late.

Kitty found William pompous and boring. Having enjoyed interesting conversations as a young woman with her father, who encouraged her to think for herself and form opinions of her own, and to discuss them with others, she tried to draw William into serious discussions when they had been thrown together in the confines of the ship. But he always shied away, obviously believing it neither necessary nor desirable for young ladies to concern themselves with such things, an attitude she found annoying. She really didn’t want to talk to him on this exciting morning, but he knew she had seen him, so she forced a smile as he stood beside her.

“Good morning, Miss Morland, I’m so pleased to have caught you early, we have time for a little talk now, before the hustle and bustle of disembarking.”

“I still have some packing to do. I should go back to my cabin.”

“Please.” He cleared his throat. “I have something important I wish to speak to you about.”

“Very well, but I really mustn’t be too long.”

“Of course, I understand.”

“Isn’t it exciting to be in Sydney? I can’t wait to begin our new life here.”

“Have you thought about when you’ll return to England?”

Kitty turned to him in astonishment. “I don’t think I’ll ever return. I’ve told you, we’ll join Robert and we plan staying here permanently.”

“Perhaps I can persuade you to return.” He grasped her hand. “Miss Morland…Kitty, have you not perceived my feelings for you?”

Kitty felt something near to panic; she didn’t want to hear his proposal, now they were finally here. The future promised too much excitement. She pretended surprise. “What do you mean, Mr. Barron?”

“Kitty, I’m overwhelmed with love for you. Surely you’ve realized, surely I haven’t been able to conceal my feelings from you?”

“Why, no, I had no idea.”

“I…I’ve had eyes for no other since I saw you that first night.” His pressure on her hand tightened. “Kitty, dare I hope you may reciprocate my feelings, that you may consider…?” He paused to draw a breath, then brought out the words in a rush. “Kitty, will you make me the happiest man alive and agree to become my wife?”

Kitty bit her lip. Her promise to Bella meant she couldn’t refuse him outright, as she wished. “William, this is so unexpected. I had no idea of your feelings. I really don’t know what to say. I’ll have to give it some thought. You see, I have my mother to think of. We’ve so looked forward to settling here with my brother, I couldn’t abandon her when we’re just arriving. She depends on me for comfort, you see, now that my father is no longer with us, after we lost him to his sudden illness.”

“Of course, I can understand that. But I’m sure she wouldn’t wish to stand in the way of your happiness.”

“I believe I couldn’t be happy if I thought of her away over the other side of the world and fretting for my presence.”

“Perhaps she could come with us and we could find a house nearby for her?”

“You mean, on your estate in Buckinghamshire?”

“Er…yes, yes, of course.”

Surprised, Kitty thought about this. She would surely be safe, Arnold would hesitate to accuse her if she was part of the influential Barron family, and her mother would have the comfort she’d been used to. She supposed she should at least consider it.

“This has come as such a surprise; I’m not sure what to say.”

“You needn’t give me an answer now; take some time to think about it. I don’t wish to rush you. We’ll be staying here for some time while we visit my sister Anne and her husband. I understand your concern for your mother, being the sweet person you are.”

“You are understanding, William. I’ll try not to keep you waiting too long. And now I must go and finish my packing.”

“I’ll be in a fever of impatience until I hear you say ‘yes’. I’ll see you again before we go ashore.”

Kitty swallowed. “I’ll need longer than that.”

His face fell. “I should have spoken earlier.” He looked around. They were alone on the deck. “I’ll have to wait but, Kitty, will you…will you allow me to kiss you.”

She decided she owed him that. “Yes.”

He leaned across and kissed her solemnly on the cheek.

****

It was another hour of smooth sailing on the calm waters of the harbor before the shouts of the sailors handling the lines told them they were ready to tie up at the quay. Immediately, all was hustle and bustle, as preparations were made to disembark. All about them people were laughing and waving to friends and relatives waiting on the quay below.

Kitty took Bella by the arm. “Let’s go down to the cabin and get our things. We know Robert won’t be waiting for us, seeing we had no time to let him know we were coming. The sooner we go ashore the better. We’re in a strange city; we have to find our way around.”

“Mr. van Mayen recommends that we stay at Petty’s Hotel.”

“Mr. van Mayen, he’s the passenger who came on board in Cape Town, isn’t he? Has he been to Sydney before?”

“Yes, I had a few words with him yesterday, and he told me he travels extensively.”

After disembarking, they stood by their trunk on the quay while people milled all around. Kitty saw William and his parents greeted by a young matron, who looked like a younger version of his mother, and a large man with a ruddy complexion and fair hair.

“There are the Barrons,” she murmured as she watched them walk over to a carriage waiting nearby. “That must be William’s sister and her husband that they’ve come out to visit. She looks just like his mother. I must say I’ll be pleased to see the back of William.”

“Kitty, don’t talk so. He’s a very nice young man.”

“I know you think so, Mother. Now, more important, I wonder where Petty’s Hotel is?”

“Mr. van Mayen told me it’s in the city, but I don’t know exactly where. We must find a cab.”

At that moment, a short, stocky, man with a lined face came hurrying over to them. “Has your son arrived to meet you, Mrs. Morland?” he asked Bella, his voice betraying an accent that was neither English nor Australian.

“No, I’m afraid not Mr. van Mayen.”

“Then you must allow me to call a cab for you. Are you going to Petty’s Hotel?”

“Yes, we are.”

“I, too, am staying there, while the ship is in port, but I’m being collected by a friend, who will be here at any moment.” He scanned the crowd as he finished speaking. “Ah, here he comes now,” he said, raising his hand to attract the attention of a man who had just stepped down from a cab nearby. “Cavanagh, over here,” he called.

The man turned toward them, a smile creasing his face.

Kitty felt as if the ground was slipping from beneath her as she saw that the newcomer was the stranger who had danced with her on the night of the Arnolds’ ball. Gripping Bella’s arm tightly she watched with a hammering heart as he turned and spoke to the driver. Would he recognize her? Although she still remembered him vividly, the last person Kitty needed to meet again was someone who could connect her to the Arnolds. She shivered with apprehension as he strode toward their group, holding out his hand to Jan van Mayen.

After they greeted each other, van Mayen turned. “Ladies, allow me to introduce Rufe Cavanagh, a citizen of this great country. Cavanagh, this is Mrs. Morland and her daughter, my fellow passengers.”

“At your service, Mrs. Morland, Miss Morland.”

As he raised his hat to them, Kitty waited for him to recall their meeting, but there was no sign of recognition on his face.

“And are you ladies here visiting?” he asked.

“No, Mr. Cavanagh,” Bella replied. “We’ve come here to join my son Robert, who is already established here.”

“Then, I hope you’re going to enjoy living here.”

As he flashed them a smile, Kitty noticed his eyes on her. He seemed to note every detail about her in one sweeping glance, and she saw a slight pucker on his forehead, but in an instant it was gone, and he turned his attention back to her mother.

“I’m sure we will,” Bella was saying.

Swallowing a constriction in her throat, Kitty added a polite response as she tried to still her beating heart. It seemed as if he didn’t remember her. She knew she had looked different in her plain governess’s dress and with her hair pulled back in a bun. And the light had been dim in the gallery. She felt the tension in her body ease a little. Perhaps she was safe from discovery.

“The ladies will be staying at Petty’s Hotel,” Mr. van Mayen told Rufe. “I was just about to find a cab for them.”

“Then they must take ours, we’ll soon find another.”

“That is really very kind of you.” Bella smiled.

“Not at all,” he replied, turning and signaling the driver, who jumped down and came over to help with the luggage.

At that moment, William hurried up to them. After greeting them and being introduced to Rufe, William held out his hand toward Kitty. “I hope I can have a word with you before you go, Kitty.”

Kitty shook her head. “Oh, not now, William, we’re just about to leave.”

“Please, Kitty, just a word.”

Stepping a short distance away from the others, she remonstrated with him. “Really, William, I can’t talk now. Where are you staying?”

“At the Royal Hotel, but I had hoped…that is…have you…” he stammered.

“No, I haven’t. I’m sorry, but I told you, I need some time. Everything is so chaotic at the moment. We’ll be at Petty’s Hotel. I’ll send you a note and tell you when you can call on us.”

He stepped aside, disappointment clouding his face. “Very well, Kitty. Please make it soon. I’ll count the hours until we meet again.” Taking her hand, he raised it to his lips.

Kitty removed her hand from his with a nod and turned away. Bella and Mr. van Mayen had moved over by the cab where they stood engrossed in conversation, but Rufe still waited, looking down at her with a flicker of a smile on his face, his eyes twinkling.

“An old friend, Miss Morland?” he asked.

“No, Mr. Barron and I met on board the ship.”

“Then I see you’ve made a conquest.” He laughed.

Kitty stiffened. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“It’s obvious that young Barron has fallen for your charms in a big way.”

“I think you are very impolite, Mr. Cavanagh.”

He laughed again. “Forgive me, but it’s not every day we see a gentleman kiss a lady’s hand in Australia. We’re less gallant than those from the land of our forebears, I’m afraid.”

Kitty lifted her chin. “Surely civility is not frowned upon in the Antipodes?”

“You’ll probably find us boorish and backward. I guess most of us have been too busy trying to tame the wilderness to have much time left over for the delicate social graces.”

“And which parts of the wilderness have you been taming, Mr. Cavanagh?”

“I go here and there, wherever my business takes me.”

Kitty forgot her annoyance as she became interested. “So, are you a merchant?”

“Of sorts.”

“You must know a great deal about business then?”

“As well as most, I suppose.”

“Then perhaps you can tell me where you think would be a good place to start a business?”

His brows rose. “Are you thinking of going into business?”

“I might be.”

“What type of business?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Have you been in business before?”

“No, not really.”

Rufe’s eyes narrowed. “Aren’t you a little young and inexperienced to be thinking of going into business? Particularly in a country you don’t know? Besides, I daresay you’ll be married before you have time to set up a business.”

Kitty stiffened. He was insufferable. Why had she thought him so attractive? Coldly, she answered him. “Why do all men assume every woman is just waiting around to marry the first man who comes along?”

Rufe laughed. “Probably because it’s usually true.”

“Well, I can assure you it’s not so in my case. I have no intention of marrying anyone.”

His lips quirked. “My dear Miss Morland, with your looks, I doubt you’ll last six months. In fact, from the way young Barron was gazing at you a few moments ago, it might be very soon.”

Kitty tossed her head. “Our talk has been most illuminating, Mr. Cavanagh. I’m sure you’ve given me an insight into the charms of Australian men. Perhaps I should now look for a cab.”

“There’s a perfectly good one waiting for you now. With your mother already waiting alongside it for you, with my friend Jan.”

With tight lips, Kitty walked across to join Bella.

“I’m sure you’ll be most comfortable at Petty’s,” Rufe told them as he and Jan saw them and their luggage safely inside. “I’m staying there myself, so I hope we’ll meet again,” he added as he tipped his hat before moving back as the driver climbed up to his seat.

“What a charming man,” Bella remarked as they settled themselves in the cab.

“Hmm, perhaps,” Kitty muttered, knowing that, in spite of his insufferable manners, she would like to get to know him. But she could not run the risk of him remembering her; the danger was too great. “And now, we have our first chance to see what Sydney is like,” she added, leaning forward in her seat.

****

The two women peered from the cab as it made its way from the quay, anxious for their first sight of the city at close quarters.

“It’s busy,” Kitty exclaimed. “I didn’t expect the streets to be so crowded.”

“It’s very much like a city in England. Look at the buildings. And the carriages. We could think we’re back home.”

“Look, there’s a drapery store. Farmers and Company,” Kitty read from the façade. “We’ll come back here when we’re unpacked and buy some lighter clothing. It’s so hot. Most of the women are wearing very light dresses, I see. Apart from that, it all looks very English.”

“Indeed, we could easily be back home. I must say I’m pleasantly surprised.”

“This is home now,” Kitty reminded her gently.

“Of course.” Bella settled back in her seat. “Well, it all looks very civilized.”

“Oh, look, there’s a park, and lots of people strolling through it. I see most of the women are carrying parasols to keep the sun off.”

“Very wise. We’ll have to do the same.”

“Oh, there’s another big store. Look at all the goods in the windows. We’ll have great fun doing some shopping here.”

“Our first job is to find Robert.”

“Of course, I’m not forgetting, but this is so exciting. I think I’m going to like living in Sydney.”

After unpacking some clothes and freshening up they took a cab to Bourke Street in Surry Hills, to the address they had for Robert. After asking the cab to wait they mounted the steps to a large terrace house.

The young woman who answered their knock had a small child clinging to her skirts.

“Robert Morland?” she said in answer to Bella’s query. “Yes, I remember him, a nice young gentleman. But he left quite a long time ago.”

“Do you know where he’s gone?” asked Bella anxiously.

“No. He told us he was going to look for gold with another young gentleman who came here sometimes to see him.”

Bella frowned. “Do you know where they were going to look for the gold?”

“Not really. I remember he talked a lot about Queensland, but I’m not sure if that’s where he was going or not.”

“Do you know who the other man was?” asked Kitty.

“No, I’m sorry. I don’t think I ever heard his name. If I did, I don’t remember it. He was a friend, that’s all I know.”

“Do you know where he lived?”

“No, I’m sorry.”

“Is there anything you can think of that might help us to find him?” Kitty persisted.

“No, I’m really sorry, but I can’t think of anything.”

Bella sighed. “Oh dear. We’re staying at Petty’s Hotel. If you should hear anything of him, would you be kind enough to let me know?”

“Yes, I will. I do hope you find him. He’s such a nice young man.”

“Thank you. I hope so, too. Good day.”

“So where to now? Back to the hotel?” asked Kitty as they turned and walked down the steps.

“Yes, for the moment.”

****

Back in their hotel room, Bella went straight to the chest of drawers and took out a small bag from which she extracted some letters. Selecting one she carried it to a chair, sat down, and started reading.

“Ah. Here it is. I knew Robert told me the name of the firm he was working for here. As you know, he was a clerk in a lawyer’s office. It was Messrs Gordon, Fairfield and Hargreaves.”

“And does he say where they are?”

“Yes, in Pitt Street.”

“Then let’s go there straightaway and see if they know anything.”

****

When the young man in the front office of the lawyer’s rooms learned their identity, he asked them to wait, and returned in a few moments with a fussy-looking little man who regarded them through gold-rimmed glasses.

“I’m Horace Samuels, the chief clerk here. Please come through.” He ushered them into his office and offered them chairs, then sat behind his desk. “I believe you’re looking for your son Robert, is that so?”

Bella clutched her reticule on her lap. “Yes, we’ve been to the lodgings where he was living, but he no longer lives longer there, and I’m hoping you might be able to help us to locate him.”

He pursed his lips. “I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to help you. I really have no idea where he might be now.”

Bella’s hands clutched the reticule tighter. “Do you know where he was going when he left here?”

“I only know that he and another young clerk here decided they would leave their positions and go north looking for gold.” He sniffed. “A most foolhardy undertaking, I’m afraid.”

Kitty smiled sweetly at him. “Do you know where they were going?”

“I believe they were going north, more than that I can’t tell you.”

“Have you heard from him since he left?”

“No.” He picked up a pen and tapped it on the desk. “I made my displeasure known at the time. For two of them to leave at the same time like that seriously inconvenienced us, so I’m not surprised to hear nothing from either of them.”

“I see.” Kitty made her voice conciliatory. “I can see that would’ve been a problem for you. Is it possible you can tell us the name of the other young man?”

He seemed somewhat mollified by her reply. “Yes. It was Matthew Guilford.”

Kitty smiled at him again. “I wonder if you know where he lived?”

“I can find his address for you. I believe he lived with his sister and her husband, somewhere in Surry Hills.”

“Oh, that’s where Robert was living.”

“Yes, I believe they were good friends.” Opening a drawer in his desk, he took out a book and turned the pages, running his finger down the neatly written contents of each one. “Yes, here it is. Matthew Guilford. High Holborn Street, Surry Hills. His sister’s name is Mrs. Nash. I’ll write the address down for you.”

Taking a slip of paper, he copied the address and handed it to Kitty. “Here you are then. I hope this might be of help to you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Samuels. We’re most grateful for your help.” They all rose as she took the paper. “We’ll go there immediately.”

****

When they reached their destination, Bella instructed the cab to wait, but this time there was no response to their knock. They stood back and regarded the house, another terrace, but there was no sign of life.

“Nobody at home,” Kitty said. “We’d best come back tomorrow.”

Bella sighed. “Yes, I’m afraid so.”

“Then let’s go shopping. I’m so hot; I hope we won’t have to wear these heavy clothes for another day in this heat.”

“Yes, I agree it’s most uncomfortable. Where to, then?”

“To Farmers and Company,” Kitty told the driver as he held the door for them.

It was such a pleasure to be able to afford new clothes again that they put aside their worries over Robert for a while. They tried on a selection of light, summery muslin dresses. Kitty chose one in apple green and another, in deep rose, which set off her golden coloring to perfection. Bella chose the more sedate colors of deep blue and burgundy, as being more suitable for a mature lady. Then Kitty decided they needed a taffeta dress each for evening, Kitty’s a deep ruby red, and Bella’s a soft dove gray.

And, of course, they had to have hats and shoes to complement the dresses, undergarments, and a parasol each for when out walking. Kitty laughed with delight as she twirled and pirouetted before the mirror.

They needed two juniors following them to carry all their parcels to a cab. Back at their hotel room, Bella sank into a chair, tired after the strenuous day, but Kitty tried everything on once more, relishing the look and feel of the new clothes.

****

Jan van Mayen approached them as they sat in the hotel lounge that afternoon after taking tea.

“We meet again so soon,” he greeted them. “May I join you for a little?”

“Of course, please sit down,” Bella invited him.

“I hope you ladies are recovering from the journey. You must be glad to be on land again.”

“I must admit I’m pleased to have left the rocking of the ship behind,” Bella told him. “But apart from that I enjoyed the journey; it was quite a holiday.”

“I’m pleased to hear that. You know, Mrs. Morland, I’ve been pondering something.”

“Oh, and what is that?”

“I’ve been wondering if you are related to Mr. Charles Morland, whom I met during a visit to England a few years ago. He resided in Hampstead, I believe.”

“That’s my late husband.”

“Really? I’m so sorry. I remember him as a charming man. I’m unhappy to hear of his passing. Please accept my condolences.”

“Thank you.”

“I believe you said you’re planning on staying here in Sydney?”

“Yes. My son Robert is here and we’ll be joining him.”

“That’s good, have you met up with him yet?”

“No, he’s away from Sydney at the moment. And you, Mr. van Mayen? Do you visit Sydney often?”

“Yes. My home is in Cape Town, but I often visit Sydney. I have some business here.”

“And will you be staying long?”

“No, I need to conclude my business quickly. I’m not leaving the Osprey here in Sydney. I’ll be sailing with her, up to Brisbane.”

“That’s a very quick visit. And what business are you in, Mr. van Mayen?”

“I’m a diamond merchant.”

Kitty went cold at his words. A diamond merchant. Could he possibly know George Arnold? Had he, perhaps, delivered those diamonds? Would he know anything of the theft? Was he regarding her with interest? She swallowed and forced herself to sit calmly.

“You must lead an interesting life; do you travel to visit clients often?” Bella asked, her voice betraying no strain.

“Sometimes, and sometimes my clients visit me. I was in England recently to deliver some diamonds that I didn’t wish to entrust to a messenger, and to make some enquiries into a certain matter. And then I found it necessary to come on to Sydney. It means, sadly, I must be away from home for a long time, but that’s business. As to it being interesting”—he shrugged—“it’s a business like any other.”

“But surely it’s a glamorous world?” Kitty asked, managing to keep her voice level. “One associates diamonds with beautiful women and lavish living.”

“I’m afraid that’s not the case,” he replied with a small laugh. “I only wish it were so. No, there’s only one aspect that sets it aside from any other business.”

“And what is that?”

“The danger of theft is always present. One must always be alert for it. Diamonds excite avarice more than any other commodity, except, perhaps, gold.”

Kitty’s heart jumped, but she forced herself to speak lightly. “How interesting. You must need to be always on your guard.”

“How true.” He rose to his feet. “And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some letters to write. I look forward to seeing you again.”

As Kitty watched him walk away, she wondered if one of his letters would be to George Arnold, disclosing their presence.

****

It was later that night, after Rufe Cavanagh and Jan van Mayen dined together, that Rufe suggested they retire to his suite to enjoy a glass of port.

“It’s better to be where it’s private,” Jan agreed as Rufe opened the door into his room. “Now we’re alone we can compare notes. Have you discovered anything more about who could be behind the gem robberies?”

“Enough to make me sure the trail leads back to London, and to suspect that George Arnold is involved in some way. His name crops up too often for coincidence, I believe.”

Jan nodded. “That’s my belief. Were you able to learn anything else?”

“Unfortunately, no. How about you? Were you able to discover anything more in London?”

“Not really. As you know, I decided to make it known that I’d deliver the last shipment myself, hoping to provoke an attempt to relieve me of it, for which I was well prepared.” He patted his jacket. “My little pistol goes everywhere with me, and of course I took the precaution of sending the main shipment in secret by the usual means. What I carried myself were gems of lesser value. But no one took the bait.”

“The fact that he operates on an irregular basis makes it more difficult to find him. We have no way of knowing when or where he will act next.”

“I don’t feel good at having involved you. If they know you’re trying to find them you will also need to be on guard. It could become dangerous.”

Rufe shrugged. “I would have become involved anyway when my consignment of diamonds from Two Mile Flat disappeared. Seeing the local police made no progress, I had to take a hand myself. Whoever our man is, he seems prepared to operate in several countries. If it’s the same person.”

Jan nodded. “What I have learned is that he sets up agents wherever there are valuable gems. It was probably talk of the last discovery in the Bingara and Copeton areas that brought him to Australia. Incidentally, I find it interesting that the robberies have become more prevalent in Australia since Thomas Arnold set up his business. The word in London is that he was financed by his cousin George.’

“Ah.” Rufe narrowed his eyes. “Interesting indeed. Perhaps another link to friend George?”

“Perhaps. By the way, I heard an interesting story about him before I left London. It concerned Charles Morland, the late husband of Mrs. Morland,” Jan’s mouth quirked. “You know, the lady with the oh-so-pretty daughter that you were admiring down at the quay?”

Rufe lifted a brow, deciding to ignore the jibe, knowing he had indeed found her attractive, and intended to make sure he saw her again. “And what was the story?”

Jan related how Arnold’s scheme had ruined Kitty’s father, and resulted in his death.

“Poor Mrs. Morland. That’s tragic. Do you believe the story of the shipment being waylaid and stolen?”

Jan shrugged. “As you know, it’s possible. Who knows?”

“I wonder if Mrs. Morland and her daughter know anything of Arnold that could help us?” Rufe frowned. “Whoever our man is, whether it’s Arnold or not, when he finds out you’re in Australia looking around the latest fields, perhaps he’ll decide to make another move.”

“It’s all we can hope for. And if he does, we’ll be ready for him.”