The overlanders, p.16
The Overlanders, page 16
‘Let me write to you and when I am set up, I will send for you.’
‘That would be lovely.’ They stood looking at each other. Peter lifted his hand and traced the angle of her jaw and neck, bending his head he gave her a long kiss on her lips. Nancy had never been kissed in this way with so much passion. Her heart beat increased, and she was surprised by the sensation rippling through her body which caused her to freeze for few seconds before she responded.
‘Peter, I have only known you for a couple of days but I feel I have known you for years. I will be waiting for every letter you write and I promise to write to you too.’
‘When I am set up, will you come to me?’ Peter asked.
‘If you still want me, you know I will come.’
‘You do realise it could be a year, or maybe two.’ Nancy paused before she answered. Peter saw tears in her eyes.
‘Yes, I do. I am prepared to wait. I would wait for an eternity if I had to.’ A hair had dropped over her forehead. He reached up and brushed it aside. His hand paused for a short time, then he moved it across her cheek and down to her throat. Once more, he leant forwards and kissed her again. His hands explored her body, moving across her breasts, and down her back to her hips, then to her waist again. Nancy found this uncomfortable but pleasant. It made her wish he would continue but he did not. Leaning forward, they rested their foreheads on each other’s. Peter kissed her nose and whispered:
‘We must get back, your mother will be wondering where you are.’
‘Yes I suppose we must.’ There were more tears in her eyes, she blinked to stop them but one escaped down her cheeks. Peter wiped it away and kissed her as though to kiss the tears away. He lifted his head up to smile at her. Nancy looked down, unable to look at him in case she cried once more. Bringing his hand up, he lifted up her chin with his index finger.
‘Come on, we better go. Can I call tomorrow?’ Peter asked.
‘Why of course, that would be wonderful.’ Peter gave her one last kiss on the forehead and as they both turned, Charles opened the door, looking none too happy.
‘Nancy, there you are. Time to go young lady.’ He glared at Peter.
‘We were just on our way, dear brother.’ Peter took her by the arm and escorted her to the carriage.
After they left, Peter walked back to the hotel. The air was cool and a fresh breeze came off the sea. He put his hands in his pockets but could not get Nancy out of his head. He wanted her for his bride, he wanted to make love to her, he wanted her to have his children. No way to could do any of these things at the moment. He also could also not see her on a farm in the middle of nowhere. He must write whenever he could and hoped she would write to him. In time, he hoped she would be his. Yes, she will be his!
Right now, Peter wanted any female company urgently but he would not dare to seek it here. Whanganui was so small, information might get back to Nancy; he did not want that to happen, so with this in mind, he returned to his room.
Andrew settled as the whisky made his mind spin. Finally he fell into a restless, light, sleep ........ Smoke, noise, men screaming, his chest about to burst, he could not breathe...Young Barton was on the ground, they would have him in a minute. No, you do not. The sabre entered the assailant’s back, the sword stuck. Andrew kicked the man off his sword; Barton was now safe. There was an expression of terror still on the boy’s face. Andrew held out his hand to help the sixteen-year-old up.
‘Thanks Captain. Look out behind you!’ the boy screamed. Turning, he managed in time to fend off his attacker by hitting him with the back of his sword, so down he went. He felt a sharp pain in left shoulder, it felt like an explosion, his arm was useless. There was a smell of blood and gunpowder. Looking down at his shoulder at his arm, he saw blood oozing from a wound. His shoulder would not move but at least he could move it from the elbow. ‘No bloody use, the pain was too much.’ Through the dark hole in his tunic, he felt sticky blood oozing down his arm and chest. Then he felt a hot, burning pain in left calf, and his leg gave way causing him crashed to the ground, face down in the dirt. Rolling over, he freed his good arm too late, as a blade came down across his belly. He saw a surprised expression on his assailant’s face as his body fell on top of him, smothering him. He wanted to scream, but no sound came. Then he felt the weight of the body was being lifted off him. A shadow of a dark man stood above him in the darkness...
Andrew sat up and swung his feet over the bed. Sweat poured off his body, he could not breathe.
‘Andrew are you all right?’ Peter’s voice was in the distance. Andrew tried to re-orientate himself. Breathing heavily, he looked around. The room was dark and quiet.
‘Andrew, are you all right?’ Peter repeated. Andrew realizing where he was, relaxed.
‘I am fine. I have had a bad dream.’ The young lieutenant had stirred memories that were best forgotten. Peter got up, wrapped a towel around his waist, he came over and sat on the side of Andrew’s bed.
‘Bad one, was it? Do you want a drink?’
‘No thanks, have not had one of those dreams for ages. What time is it?’ Peter picked up the fob watch from the bedside table, and using the light from the moon coming through the curtains, looked at it.
‘Quarter past four.’ Andrew was breathless. Stripping off his sweat sodden shirt, he threw it onto the floor.
‘You go back to bed, Peter, I will be fine.’
Peter rose, patting Andrew’s shoulder reassuringly. He felt how sweaty he was, and saw Andrew’s scarred body.
‘I will see you in the morning.’ Peter said as he went back to his bed. Settling back on his bed once more, Andrew threw a blanket over himself. He felt too frightened to go to sleep in case the memories returned. His mind drifted back to Sarah, her face, the feel of her skin under his touch and her lavender perfume. She had no time for him it seemed and he was confused. Should he go after her or back off? He tried to convince himself, it was hopeless, it was not the right time. Oh, but he could dream. His thoughts were his own, no one knew about them. He could imagine making love, tasting, smelling, and kissing her.
Peter flicked back the covers of his bed and reaching for his long johns, he put them on.
‘Yer were late coming in last night?’ Andrew commented.
‘Hmm, had some thinking to do. How are you? How is Sarah?’
‘I am fine. Dug another piece of wood out of her back, hopefully she will not have any more problems but I will see to it again this morning to double check.’
‘Do you want me to chaperone?’ Peter asked.
‘No need for that as I have Mrs. Garland coming up.’
Lighting his pipe, Andrew drew in and slowly expelled the smoke into the air.
‘What are yer thinking about doing today?’ Andrew asked.
‘Nothing much, perhaps purchasing supplies for the next leg of our trip.’
‘A likely story.’ Andrew said with a smile on his face.
‘I was thinking about Nancy. Seems to be a nice young lady and I may think seriously about writing when we leave.’ Peter changed the subject as he stood up to dress.
‘What time is it?’ Andrew asked.
‘Quarter after eight.’
‘I will see Sarah at nine. Yer seem to trust me with her.’
‘Have up to now. I am sure you will be a perfect gentleman. Of course, Mrs. Garland will help.’
‘What do yer mean by that?
‘Nothing, nothing at all.’
‘Peter, out with it.’
‘I think you may have more feelings for her than you want to admit and I am sure you have enough respect for her not to do anything that would be inappropriate. Am I correct?’
Andrew puffed on his pipe and blew the smoke, into the air. The two looked at each other. Andrew shook his head and laughed.
‘Peter, do go to breakfast.’ Andrew was not prepared to commit himself one way or another. Peter smiled at his friend. He had known him for a only month but felt he was a man he could trust with Sarah. God forbid if anything should happen to him, she would have to rely on him.
‘I will see you at breakfast, I am starving.’ With that comment, Peter left the room.
There was a knock on the door. Sarah was already out of bed and half dressed.
‘Is that you Peter?’
‘No, it is Andrew.’ Sarah’s head spun as her heart skipped a beat.
‘One moment, please.’ She finished dressing and straightened her hair. Opening the door, she saw Andrew.
‘I would like to check yer back.’
‘But I am already dressed, and it is fine.’ She looked up at Andrew, who looked tired. He did not move. Andrew was not going to take no for an answer.
‘I need to check it.’ The way he spoke made her think again; it was clear he was not going away. It slightly irritated Sarah. ‘He’s a typical bossy male.’ she thought, nevertheless, she stood back to let him in, closing the door behind him.
‘Leave it open.’ he ordered.
‘Turn your back and I will get ready.’
‘We will have to wait. Mrs. Garland will be up soon.’ Sarah nodded as Andrew checked his equipment and collected the bowl.
Allison arrived, carrying a jug of hot water and closed the door. Andrew turned around and washed his hands while Sarah undid her buttons, took off her dress and petticoat then lay down on the bed as Allison pulled a blanket up over her legs and bottom to the level of the bandage.
‘All ready.’ said Mrs. Garland. Andrew sat on the bed; gently he lifted Sarah’s camisole higher and moved the blanket down, tucking it around her hips.
‘Lift up.’ Sarah raised herself to allow him to remove the bandage. Sarah felt him close, his hands touching her back and the faint smell of his tobacco. He paused to look at the wound. His breath on her back caused a pleasant shiver.
‘It is looking good, but needs a clean.’ She closed her eyes and clenched her fists in anticipation. His hands rested on her skin. Seeing Sarah’s clenched hand as he picked up the lotion and cotton wool, he placed his on top of it. Leaning forwards, until his mouth was level with her ear, he spoke quietly.
‘Hey, it is not going to be as bad as last night. But I do have to clean it.’
Sarah unclenched her hand and grabbed hold of Andrew’s. He gave her hand another squeeze, then pulled it away. Gently, he completed his chore, replaced the dressing, and completed bandaging the wound. Andrew found it hard to concentrate with Allison in the room. He must remember to ask Peter to chaperone this next time. He pulled Sarah’s camisole down and moved the blanket up further.
‘Yer can roll over now.’ Sarah was dressed in nothing but her camisole, and her bodice was low cut, thin and clinging. Her heart beat faster, but feeling brave, she carefully rolled over. Andrew sat on the bed, one hand extended across her body and resting on the mattress beside her. She looked at him as she held the blanket over her chest. Andrew studied her face.
‘How does it feel?’ he asked. Sarah nervously looked into his eyes. The touch of his hand on her hip and his sitting close caused her to tingle with excitement.
‘It stings, but it is not throbbing like before.’ Allison moved around the room retrieving the used cotton wool and bowl. She had noticed the connection between the two and regarded it endearing and saw why the Captain needed a chaperone. The pair may not know it, but she felt they would be together in the end. Deliberately, she looked away; she should not have but why not?
‘That is good.’ he said quietly, as he glanced to see what Allison was doing. There was a moment of silence, then he looked back at Sarah. Both wanted to speak, but neither found the words. Her throat was dry. Swallowing hard, she said:
‘We better get down to breakfast. Peter is waiting for us.’ As she spoke she raised herself up, coming inches away from Andrew’s face. Again there was a pause, with both staring at each other. Sarah felt he wanted to kiss her and realized she wanted to kiss him too. ‘Oh, God, why doesn’t he kiss me?’ Forgetting for a few moments that Allison was in the room, her eyes searched his face for an answer. Slightly breathlessly, Andrew whispered:
‘Yes, we better go. Peter will be wondering where we are.’ Allison coughed, Andrew got off the bed as if he was guilty of something.
‘Shall I wait?’ he asked.
‘No, no, you go on, I will be there directly.’
‘Thank you, Mrs. Garland.’ he said as he went out. Allison smiled at Sarah.
‘I will see you at breakfast, my dear,’ she said and with bowl in hand, she disappeared out the room, closing the door behind her.
Sarah felt hot. Throwing herself back on the pillow, her heart beat faster. She was angry as she imagined what may have happened if Andrew had taken her in his arms and kissed her. She would have responded, placing her arms around his neck, allowing him to kiss lips and neck. Sarah felt tears in her eyes. Opening them, she wiped the wetness away. ‘Damn that man.’ Getting off the bed, she dressed and tidied herself up. She felt suddenly deflated.
Andrew too felt angry with himself. He certainly had wanted to kiss her, but it was not the right time and as it was not proper either, he had had to get out of the room fast. Sarah was slowly making a permanent imprint on his heart and he did not know what to do next. His feelings for her did not make sense. He would have to rethink the situation, yet again.
As Sarah approached the table for breakfast, the two men rose slightly from their seats.
‘Good morning, Peter. What time did you get in last night?’
‘Not very late.’ Andrew glanced at Peter and smiled which did not go unnoticed by Sarah. Sarah sat down; Peter had already had his breakfast.
‘Could I have a coddled egg, toast, and a pot of tea please, Mrs. Garland.’ Allison nodded and hurried back to the kitchen.
‘What is on the agenda today?’ Sarah asked Peter.
‘Mack wants to go and see the Reverend Taylor about guides. He thinks he can find some for a good price. We have to get supplies. I thought you and I could go shopping this morning.’
‘Oh, I want to return Nancy’s dress and say good-bye to the Turners in the afternoon.’ Sarah felt a small kick under the table.
‘Remember, I have to check yer back this afternoon Sarah. We could meet Peter there later on.’ He gave her a meaningful look as he spoke.
‘Oh, yes you did say that, Andrew, I remember now.’ Peter stood up and pushed in his chair.
‘Well good people, that is settled then. I will see you in about thirty minutes and we will get the supplies. Could you book us in for lunch as well please Sarah?’
‘What about dinner?’
‘May as well. Andrew are you joining us for lunch?’ Andrew nodded.
‘Yes, I need an excuse to get away.’
‘Listen to you, frightened of the girls fussing over yer, Andrew!’
‘Right I will see you soon.’ Peter said as he left the two alone.
‘What was that all about with you kicking me under the table?’
‘Sarah, yer can be slow sometimes. Yes, he got in late last night and who do yer think he was with Nancy, of course.’
‘She is too young for him.’
‘Nineteen, I believe.’
‘But Peter’s twenty-six, that’s a seven years difference.’
‘Sarah, it’s the norm to have the husband some years older than the wife. I have acquaintances who have married women ten years their junior.’
‘Cradle snatchers!’ she snapped.
‘Sarah, I cannot see anything wrong with it. It is the way it is.’
‘Well, I suppose you are right.’
‘Anyway, the last thing he wants is his little sister cramping his style.’
Allison appeared just then to give Sarah her eggs. As Sarah breakfasted, they sat in companionable silence.
‘Did yer enjoy the dance last night?’
‘It was fine until the incident with Ben, but the less said about him the better.’
‘I wish to apologize for this morning.’ Sarah knew exactly what he was referring to.
‘What ever do you mean?’ She felt herself blush. Andrew studied her face and said:
‘Oh nothing, my mistake... Right, any tea left in the pot?’ Sarah poured Andrew another cup and the two sat together, leaving many things unsaid.
Peter in the meantime walked up to the Turner’s house and knocked on the door. Several moments later, Iris Turner opened the door to him.
‘Peter, what a pleasant surprise, you’ve come to see Nancy, if I am not mistaken.’ Peter smiled as she showed him into the front room.
‘I have come to have a word with you first, if I may.’ Iris turned to face the young gentleman as he stood hesitantly in her parlour.
‘Have you now, and what do you want to speak to me about?’ Iris knew what he wanted.
‘I have come to ask for your permission to court Nancy. I want to marry her, but not at the moment. I would like to be settled first and then I feel I will have something to offer her.’
‘I see, you are asking for my permission to correspond with her?’
‘Yes, I would like your permission before I see her this morning. If the answer is no, I will leave straight away.’
‘You are leaving the day after tomorrow are you not? We may not see you for months or even years. How do you think you will manage to keep the relationship going?’ Iris looked at him sternly.
‘I have briefly discussed this with Nancy. She is fully aware that it could be sometime before we can marry. She is prepared to wait.’ Iris moved towards the window and looked out.
‘What would happen if your plans for the farm do not work out?’
‘I am a qualified Solicitor and would go back to that. I also have a yearly income. My grandmother left both Sarah and I with a large trust.’
‘I see. If you came this morning to ask to marry her, I would have said no, but as you are prepared to wait, I suppose I can have no objection. You must remember you may have a lot of competition and it is up to you to keep the relationship intact. I will go with what Nancy wishes. Do you understand?’ She turned to face Peter once more. He nodded. ‘Well, time will tell young man. We will see how it goes. You have my blessing.’ Peter smiled at the older woman.
