The overlanders, p.14
The Overlanders, page 14
‘Look out Peter, she is giving yer the evil look. Looks like yer will be busy keeping an eye on yer sister while I, on the other hand, will have to fend off lots of young ladies.’ Andrew laughed.
‘Hold on, she can look after herself. I am going to be too busy with another task I have in mind.’ Both Andrew and Sarah glanced at Peter and then at each other. Sarah shrugged her shoulders and smiled but she had an idea what he meant.
‘No more to be said. I am going get ready for dinner, so off you both go. Put those things over there, thanks.’ She gestured to Peter with her hand to place the purse and shoes on the bed and the men left the room to get ready for their meal.
After dinner and to Sarah’s trepidation Andrew in the presence of Peter redressed her wound. The wound looked clean so he decided to leave it until the next night to change it again.
The morning dawned, revealing a cold, windy day. After getting up for breakfast, Sarah decided to sit by the fire in the parlour and sew. Her back was sore and she felt like resting all day with her feet up in front of the fire, with tea and scones at ten. With sewing in hand, she made her way down to claim her spot.
Andrew and Peter were resting in their room, both lying on their beds reading, when there came a knock at the door. Andrew looked up as Peter rose and went to open it. There stood a short portly gentleman.
‘May I help you, Sir?’ Peter asked.
‘Yes you may be able to. I am looking for a Captain Mackenzie or a Mr. Paterson?’
‘I am Peter Paterson.’
‘My name is Elsdon, Ian Elsdon; I understand you are looking for information regarding farming in New Zealand.’
Andrew put down his book and sat up, swinging his feet over the side of his bed as he did so.
‘Come in, Sir.’ Rising, Andrew introduced himself. ‘Would yer like to sit down?’ Peter offered the gentleman a seat, while the other men sat on their beds.
‘I am travelling to Taupo, then onto Wellington via the East Coast. I have been inspecting the country with a view to settling here. I came here two years ago due to my poor health but now I am completely rested. It is a great country for good clean air. I understand you are looking for land to settle on but I am afraid nearly all of it has been taken up. The settlers have purchased land, and then rented it, so as to make it difficult for someone to buy them out. The Wairarapa Valley, which is to the east of Wellington, has also been bought up. There are good pieces of land between Whanganui and Taranaki, but it is in the hands of a turbulent set of natives who definitely will not sell any of it. The Waikato and Waipu districts are of first-rate quality, but they are covered in fern which would be too expensive to clear and they are quite cold.’ The gentleman stopped and pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket, blew his nose, then wiped it and put the cloth back in his pocket before continuing again. ‘Now, where was I? The middle Island is much the same. There is no land available within sixty miles of Nelson and then there are only small patches of land left in Canterbury. All the land is good, but taken up. Anything left is all hill country.’
‘It does not leave much does it.’ said Peter.
‘No, but if you travel further south to Otago, they say there is a good amount still for the taking.’
The men talked briefly, asking more about the land, including prices of stock and equipment.
‘Gentleman, I must be off. I hope this gives you an idea of what you are up against.’
‘Thank yer for yer time, Sir, it was good of yer.’ said Andrew. Peter rose and opened the door, showing the gentleman out. Back in the room, Peter addressed Andrew:
‘Are you still keen for us to tag along? Looks like we will have to go across to the Middle Island and head for Otago.’
‘Aye yer both welcome. I will enjoy the company.... Yer know, to get a decent station we may have to join forces.’
‘What do you mean? Like a partnership?’ Peter asked.
‘If yer willing.’
‘Sounds worth considering. I am not good on the farming side.’
‘Aye, but yer know the law, which will be handy.’
‘We will see how we go and I will seriously consider your offer.’
‘What time is it?’
‘About ten o’clock.’
‘What the....’ The house trembled, gently first, but in a few seconds, the shaking increased. The room oscillated with the motion reminding Peter of the ship. The movement went on for a few more minutes, then stopped.
‘You did say we will have to get used to this.’ commented Peter as his white face returned to pink again.
At twelve o’clock, the two men made their way down to lunch. Peter knocked on Sarah’s door and, getting no reply, assumed she was already down stairs. The dining room was not open so the two went into the parlour. Andrew knocked his pipe on the edge of the mantle but someone caught his eye. Sarah was sound asleep in the chair by the fire; her sewing had fallen out of her hand onto the floor. Andrew signed to Peter, who looked at her as he spoke:
‘We know what she has been doing all morning.’ With no expression on his face, Andrew studied Sarah. His heart picked up speed and he found it hard to breathe. Peter knelt down and gently shook Sarah on her shoulder, picking up her sewing as he did so.
‘Hey, wake up sleepy head.’ Sarah stirred and looked up into her brother’s eyes.
‘What time is it?’ she asked as she yawned.
‘Time for lunch.’ Peter replied, handing her the tablecloth she was embroidering.
‘What have you two been doing all morning?’ Sarah asked as she glanced at Andrew and back to Peter.
‘A gentleman called to give us information on land availability, but that is another story. Did you feel the earthquake?’
‘This morning?’ Peter nodded. ‘No, I must have been asleep,’ Sarah replied. The sound of the dinner bell rang out.
‘Up you get, I will go and get a table.’ Peter turned and disappeared out of the parlour. Sarah felt stiff, as she must have been in the same position for a while.
‘Do you need a hand?’ Sarah looked up to see Andrew holding out his hand to her.
‘No, no, I can manage, just stiff.’ She went to stand, taking longer than she wanted to. Her back felt strange. Putting weight on her legs, she stumbled and felt Andrews arm around her as she began to fall. Steadying herself, she looked up at him. Their faces were only inches away. She wanted him to kiss her.
‘You seem to be making a habit of rescuing me.’ she whispered.
‘I suppose I am.’ Sarah felt his breath on her face. Oh how she wanted his lips to meet hers.
‘I am fine, we better get into lunch.’ Andrew stood back and let Sarah go first. He paused as he watched her leave the room, feeling undecided about to what to do.
The rest of the day was like the morning as the weather closed in. The trio stayed in the hotel, the men smoking their pipes and reading and Sarah finishing her sewing. They did not say much; they did not need to. They were content in each other’s company. However Sarah was dreading her dressing being changed.
Chapter Five
Racing, Dancing, and Whisky
Race day arrived and to Sarah’s amazement, the day was fine without a cloud in the sky. It was hard to recognize this as the same town. Ben would be collecting them at ten to take them to meet the rest of the Turners. The races were held on one side of the river and the town appeared to be split in two, the people of higher standing on one side, everyone else on the other. Blankets were placed on the grass and baskets appeared, full of all sorts of goodies. Maoris and Europeans lined the river, drinking, chatting, and enjoying themselves. There were not many races, but bets were made. It did not matter who won, it was an excuse for everyone to get together and enjoy themselves.
After the races, the hampers were opened and the rest of the day was spent relaxing, eating and drinking. Sarah enjoyed herself; everyone was kind, and Nancy was lovely. Peter gave her his full attention, talking about everything and anything. When Peter did leave her, he was never away long and at one time, Sarah was sure she saw the pair sneak away.
Sarah’s problem was trying to converse with people other than Ben, who stood around waiting to pounce. Andrew had not made any bets, but he did enjoy himself. His constant companion was Beth. Peter jokingly accused him of cradle snatching but Andrew was not amused by his comment. All in all, a good time was had and soon it was time to go back for supper and a rest before the dance. Sarah’s back and shoulder continued to ache, but she was enjoying herself so much she put up with the niggling pain.
Entering her room, she changed and went downstairs for a meal, after which it was time to rest and get ready for the dance. Sarah had arranged with Peter to come and help with her dress and corset at seven.
‘What do you think?’ Sarah twirled around after Peter had finished.
‘Although you are my sister, I must admit you look wonderful. I would be pleased to escort you to the ball, madam.’ He kissed her on the hand and wondered what Andrew would say when he saw her.
‘I will give you a call when Nancy arrives.’ Peter called as he left.
They had arranged for Nancy to come with Ben to the hotel before the dance so she could be escorted to the dance by Peter. Ten minutes later, Peter tapped on the door.
‘You ready, Sarah?’
‘Yes almost. Go on, I will be down soon.’ A few minutes later, Sarah entered the bar. Andrew was about to have a drink, with the glass poised at his lips just as she entered. She looked beautiful and he felt his body getting hot, and his pulse quickening. A certain part of his anatomy was not behaving itself. One minute, he wanted her then the next, the thought this may be a mistake. Each day, he became more confused.
‘A bit of all right is our Sarah, when she is dressed for courting. You still not interested?’ Andrew gave Peter a stare.
‘What do you mean by that comment?’ Andrew said angrily. Peter knew he had hit a nerve and backed off.
‘Only joking, dear chap, only joking.’ But as Andrew stared back at him, Peter knew it was not a joke at all.
‘See you at the dance.’ Andrew placed his whisky glass down heavily on the table, nodded, smiled at Sarah and walked out of the room. Sarah felt slightly upset that he had not talked to her.
The Regimental Band started playing the first dance and Sarah danced with Ben. He was not the most accomplished dancer and Sarah found herself the victim of his feet on several occasions. As the night went on she noticed Ben was drinking heavily and his hands wandered where they should not be. Relieved she managed to prize Peter away from Nancy for one of the dances and then there were the Scottish jigs and reels to come. If she planned it right, she only had to dance with Benjamin one more time.
On one occasion, she managed to position herself away from him only to look up and realise Andrew would be her next partner.
As the first set was over, she moved on to her next partner, with Andrew being the next one. Before she knew it, it was time to move on; her throat felt dry, her hands sweated. ‘Oh, please do not let me forget a step.’
Around she went, moving up to the next man and finally she was face to face with Andrew. Andrew smiled at his last partner, the lady moved on and now, realizing it was Sarah who was next, he made sure he paid full attention to her. If he danced with her, he may as well enjoy it. Sarah made the most of it, as after a few glasses of punch, she felt confident. She looked beautiful, and knew it. Smiling she moved her gaze slowly over him, then back to his face again.
Around they went in fours, then sixes and came back together again. Sarah placed her hands up by her shoulders and Andrew arm came around her back of her neck and held her right hand. Her left hand he took in his and they danced around in a figure of eight. Sarah felt the closeness of his body, and she was sure he held her closer than he needed to. Andrew could not take his eyes off her. He grinned, moving until they were only inches away, her hips brushing his. Andrew’s face appeared serious causing Sarah’s stomach to fluttering. At last, she could move away to the next person in line. Sarah felt hot and bothered and she did not think it was because of the dancing. Andrew noticed the subtle flush of her skin, and his heart beat faster once more, as it always did whenever she was close.
The reel was over and as Sarah was escorted to the side, Ben appeared like magic beside her.
‘Would you like a drink?’ he asked.
‘Yes, that would be nice, thank you.’ Anything to get rid of him, he was a pain, the drink was effecting him and he was making a nuisance of himself. Looking around the room, she noticed Peter talking to Nancy, Andrew had several young ladies standing beside him and Beth was hanging on to his arm, introducing him to all her friends. Sarah admitted Andrew was being patient with her.
The dinner bell went and they all went in for supper. Andrew felt weary, his knee throbbed with pain and he did not like the dancing, especially the English waltz. There were a couple of Scottish jigs he enjoyed but he was weary of the women buzzing around him like bees. Andrew confessed to himself that he only wanted to dance with one woman. He had tried to keep away from Sarah but wherever he looked, she was there. He did not want anything to eat, so made his way to the small balcony to get some fresh air. The music faded, the air felt slightly damp and taking a big breath, he smelt the honeysuckle as he did so. He leaned up against the wall and lit his pipe.
The dance hall was hot and smoky, and Ben was busy trying to impress Sarah. She did not like him at all and only came to the dance with him because of Iris. Now, she wanted to get away from him. Sarah remembered the small balcony she’d seen earlier and headed straight for it, looking back, hoping no one had seen her. The sound of the people diminished as she entered the balcony, and the smell of a honeysuckle flowers was divine. She picked a small bunch and was about to take a sniff, when she heard a sound behind her. Swinging around, she came face to face with Ben, and her heart sunk.
‘Trying to get away from me, are you?’ He laughed as he grabbed her around the waist. Sarah gasped as his hand touched her lower back.
‘I needed fresh air. It is lovely out here, and the room was hot and stuffy.’
‘I will stay and keep you company.’
‘No, it is all right you go back and enjoy the dance.’ She tried to push him away.
‘Oh, but I would prefer to be with you.’ He pulled her towards him. Sarah struggled. ‘Oh, give me a kiss, go on; you know you want me to’. He tugged her closer, causing her intense pain on her wound, and making her eyes water.
‘I certainly do not! Now leave me alone Mr. Turner, please!’ Her voice trembled as Sarah struggled once more trying to push him away, fearful of his attention.
‘Mr. Turner, is it? I thought we were on better terms than that.’ His wet lips met hers, his breath was terrible, smelling of stale tobacco and whisky. She tried to shove him away, pulling her mouth away, twisting her face away from him.
‘Please Ben, would you leave me alone!’ she said close to tears.
Unable to move him away, she slapped him across the face. He broke his hold and stepped back rubbing his jaw.
‘You bitch, bit of a tease aren’t you? Or is it because you wear trousers, you think you are a man.’ Ben appeared smug. Sarah’s face flushed with embarrassment. Never had anyone spoken to her like this before. She felt her heart pounding in her throat and she found it difficult to catch her breath. Bringing her hand up across her chest, a sense of fear took hold of her and she shook. As he took a step towards her, an angry voice rang out:
‘The lassie said she wants be left alone!’
Ben swung around to see Andrew leaning against the wall holding his pipe. Still rubbing his face, Ben eyed Andrew with disgust.
‘I said the lassie would rather be alone. I think yer better get back inside.’ Andrew straightened up and moved towards Sarah, and reaching out, he took her by the arm and pulled her gently to him, positioning himself between them. He did not have to repeat himself again.
‘You can have her, that is, if she wants a man.’ Ben said with a smirk on his face. Turning, but still eyeing Andrew, he left the balcony.
Sarah felt sick; this was the last thing she had wanted to happen, especially in front of Andrew. Andrew was once again coming to her rescue. He must think she was stupid to get into such a situation. Sarah wanted to cry but blinked the tears away, putting her shaking hand across her mouth. Lowering her hand, she spoke:
‘Thank you, but I am sure I could have handled the situation.’ For some silly reason, Sarah felt more annoyed with Andrew than she did with Ben.
‘Yes, Sarah, I am sure yer could have.’ Andrew replied in a knowingly way as their eyes met. Sarah felt his hand on her arm, but he then let her go. Adjusting her skirt, blinking away her of tears she took a deep breath. Once more, she glanced at Andrew before she walked back into the hall, pausing as she opened the door.
‘I think I better go. I will ask Peter to take me back to our lodgings. Good night, Andrew.’ Sarah turned and re-entered the room to find Peter to take her home.
Glancing around the room, to her dismay she found Peter in deep conversation with Nancy.
‘I think yer Peter is busy hunting. It seems a shame to disturb him.’
Sarah turned to find Andrew right in front of her.
‘I suppose it is.’ Sarah tried to think what to do next.
‘I am off myself; I can escort yer back to the hotel if it is not such a terrible thought.’
‘I, I do not have much of a choice. I do not want to walk home on my own.’
Andrew glanced up and saw Peter looking in their direction and indicated he was taking Sarah home. Peter nodded and turned back to Nancy. Taking Sarah by the arm, Andrew led her towards the door.
‘One moment, I have to collect my wrap. I will meet you outside.’ She was upset at what had happened with Ben and she needed a moment to compose herself for the walk home. As she passed Iris, Sarah made her farewells. Andrew picked up his hat at the door and went outside, to wait for Sarah and then the two walked back in the direction of the hotel.
