Free Hearts of Gold by Janet Woods Page A

medicinal brandy instead.’
    She gave him a dark look. ‘What sort of doctor did you go to . . . a witch doctor?’
    ‘One who knows the nature of men.’
    She snorted. ‘You’re incorrigible, John Kern. Do I have to do any lessons today? I thought I might walk around town and look at the shops, so I can write about Fremantle in my journal. I thought the railway station was rather grand, and I thought I might go over to Cliff Street and make a sketch of it.’
    ‘Better still, I’ll buy you a postcard. My dear, you’re seventeen, and have learned all you needed to have of a formal education months ago. You’re far from stupid. Just keep your eyes and ears open and your reading and writing up, since it will broaden you even more and give you something to discuss with others. Now you need to learn to be a lady . . . and don’t make that ugly face at me. It makes you resemble a prune. We’re not on the diggings now, and although you’re not entirely devoid of manners, better will be expected of you if you wish to function in polite society and marry well.’
    ‘I could marry you. Then I wouldn’t have to go to that stupid school, or learn any manners. And I wouldn’t have to leave you – not ever.’
    He looked taken aback for a moment, then stuttered, ‘On the first score, if I ever decided to settle down I’d certainly expect my wife to be socially acceptable. Secondly . . .’ He shrugged when he realized what she was about. ‘I know that you’re scared, Sarry.’
    ‘But I’ll miss you,’ she wailed.
    ‘And I’ll miss you.’ He took her by the shoulders and gazed into her eyes. ‘I’ve never known you to lack courage. Do this for me, Sarry girl. It will only be for a year, then I’ll join you in England.’
    ‘Why won’t you come with me now?’
    His eyes flickered away, then came back to her. They had a slightly yellow tinge to them. ‘I’m going to Melbourne first. I have some business to finalize. I’m sending my trunk with you to save me lugging it around.’ He kissed her cheek and let her go.
    ‘I could come with you to Melbourne, then we could go to England together.’
    ‘Enough, girl! When I took you in I didn’t give you permission to run my life. I’m going to book your ticket on a clipper, and I’ve found you a travelling companion who will act as your chaperone. We’re to have tea with her later, so you can meet. You can practise your manners on her if you can be bothered to display that you have some . . . and you can take that sulky look off your face and accept the inevitable.’
    ‘Sorry, I was worried about you.’
    ‘Don’t be, my dear. I’ve lived a long time and I know what I’m about.’
    Still smarting from the sharp reminder of her status, she murmured, close to tears, ‘I don’t need a chaperone.’
    He took her by the shoulders, his voice softer. ‘Remember what happened in the goldfields. A girl your age can’t be too careful. But it works two ways. Mrs Kent is nervous of travelling alone. She’s a mature lady, a widow who has lost her husband and is returning to live with her relatives in England. She has a pleasant nature, and you’ll be doing her a favour, since having you to look after will help take her mind off her own troubles.’
    It took all of John’s will to hide his pain from Sarry as he escorted her around the busy little town, with its many fine buildings. Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee was being celebrated. Here and there they saw the occasional window display with the queen looking out at them surrounded by some dusty-looking bunting.
    ‘Queen Victoria looks like a cross patch,’ Sarette murmured.
    ‘She wasn’t much older than you when she took the throne, and has been ruling over the British Empire for sixty years.’
    Sarette’s eyes widened in the way they always did when she was impressed by something. And it happened often as she examined the goods displayed in every shop, and asked her questions.
    ‘Why is there a