Wild Affection

In New South Wales, Australia, September 1782

"Don't tell me who to marry, Dare," Robin charged, scowling at his friend.

"It's for your own good," Dare returned, annoyed that Robin would think he'd

offer unsound advice. "Serena is a beautiful woman, but she's not for you."

"You've already taken the only woman worth having in New South Wales,"

Robin contended sourly.

Dare Penrod did not take offense at Robin Fletcher's startling words. He was

well aware of his friend's love for Casey O'Cain Penrod, Dare's cherished wife.

Nor was Dare jealous, for no man could wish for a better friend than Robin

Fletcher. Robin had forfeited his own freedom and lost everything he had

sweated and toiled for in order to help Casey. On several occasions Dare and his

father, Roy, had petitioned Governor Macquarie for Robin's freedom, but the

long-anticipated pardon had yet to be granted.

"If you plan on marrying Serena for her money, I've told you time and again I'd

gladly give you whatever you need."

"Bloody hell, Dare, I'm not looking for a handout." Absently Robin ruffled his

sandy brown hair with a callused hand, his vivid blue eyes troubled. "Once I'm

pardoned I'll settle on the thirty acres allotted to me by law and try to forget

about the land I was stripped of when I lost my freedom. Serena's money will

allow me to buy more land and sheep and plant crops."

They were seated in the den of the comfortable new home Dare had built for

Casey when they returned from England. With the money Dare had inherited

from his English grandfather he'd purchased a large tract of land on the

Hawkesbury River and now owned a prosperous sheep farm that surpassed any

in New South Wales, including his father's.

"I'm not going to argue with you, Robin," Dare sighed. "Just remember I'm

willing to help you in any way I can."

Superbly fit and aggressively handsome, Dare Penrod rested his slate gray eyes

pensively on his friend. Nearly the same height as Dare, Robin was lean and

sinewy; his sandy brown hair shot with streaks bleached blond by the brutal sun.

Robin's

quickly intelligent blue eyes, which used to twinkle with good humor and

warmth, were now somber. Thick, ropy muscles corded his tanned torso and

broad chest, rippling down his back as he clenched and unclenched his fists. The

months spent toiling in the coal mines had changed Robin Fletcher from a fun-

loving, easygoing man into a man who had been cheated out of all the pleasures

of life. A smile no longer came easily to his lips, and his bright blue eyes held a

glimpse of the pain and disillusionment life had dealt him.

Convicted of poaching and transported to New South Wales, Robin Fletcher had

earned his freedom once and lost it when, as a favor to Casey, he aided an

escaped convict wounded by the "Rum Corps" during a daring escape. As a

result he'd been sent to toil in the coal mines. Later Robin was given a "ticket of

leave" to work where he wanted for whomever he pleased.

"Thanks mate."

The corners of Robin's mouth tilted into a rare smile despite his somber mood.

The past few years hadn't been kind to Robin. He'd lost his land and his freedom;

he'd had to watch the woman he loved marry his best friend and bear his

children. He had learned to live with life's disappointments, for time had a way

of healing grievous wounds. But it had also robbed him of warmth and humor,

and replaced it with a hard-edged, cynical bitterness.

"I've always known I could count on the Penrods." Robin's words implied that

the subject was closed.

"The McKenzies are due to arrive any day now," Dare said, honoring Robin's

unspoken request. If Robin didn't want to talk about Serena Lynch, that was fine

with him.

"I know," Robin replied thoughtfully. "They'll be pleased at how well you've

taken care of McKenzie station for them."

"Lord knows I have my hands full with my own farm, but I didn't have the heart

to refuse when Thad asked me to look after the place in his absence. Since I was

married to his daughter, Mercy, he more or less expected it of me. I fully

expected him to return one day."

"Mercy's death was hard on Thad," Robin said slowly.

"Aye, but if it wasn't for your taking over management of McKenzie station

when it became burdensome for me, the place wouldn't be in such good shape

today."

"What do you suppose William McKenzie and his daughter are like?"

"We'll find out soon enough," Dare said. "I'm hoping you'll meet them in Sydney

in my stead. There's always so much to do at shearing time."

"Thought I'd take the dray to Sydney tomorrow and wait until their ship arrives."

"Good idea. I'll give you the key to Casey's house in town so you'll have a place

to stay."

"Did I hear my name mentioned?"

Pert, red-headed Casey O'Cain Penrod lit up the room with her vibrant beauty.

Robin was struck anew by his loss and his friend's good fortune.

"I'm not interrupting, am I?"

"Never!" Dare refuted, rising and slipping an arm around her slim waist.

Despite two children three-and-a-half-year-old Brandon and Lucy, nearly two

Casey remained reed slim, supple and sweetly fashioned. Robin turned away as

Dare planted a kiss on her freckled nose, unwilling to intrude upon so private a

moment. Whenever Dare and Casey were together it was as if no one existed but

the two of them. If their love were a beacon it would light the world. Robin

envied the closeness they shared, and knew he'd never be so fortunate as to find

a woman like Casey. He supposed there would always be a part of him that loved

her.

"What were you two discussing so seriously?" Casey asked, smiling at Robin in

genuine welcome.

"Serena Lynch," Dare said sourly. "And Robin's pardon, which is taking longer

than any of us would like. I don't know why Governor Macquarie is moving so

slowly on this."

"Give him time," Casey advised. "The governor has worked wonders since the

Rum Corps was disbanded and sent back to England. When are the McKenzies

due to arrive?" she asked Robin.

"I'm going to Sydney tomorrow to wait for their ship. Word has it that the

Southern Star will arrive at any time."

"You don't know how much I appreciate your going in my stead," Dare repeated.

"My leaving now would create a hardship."

"I don't mind," Robin said. "It sure beats the coal mines. Besides, I've enjoyed

managing McKenzie station. I'll miss it when Thad's brother takes over the

reins."

"He'll need help, Robin. As a 'ticket of leave' man you can work for whom you

please," Dare reminded him.

"I hope to have my own farm before long," Robin replied. His voice betrayed

some of the anguish and frustration he felt at having been stripped of everything

he owned by Lieutenant Governor Johnson after Governor Bligh had been

ousted from power.

"And a wife?" Casey teased.

Robin searched her lovely upturned face. Serena was beautiful, but she couldn't

compare with Casey's radiant beauty. "Perhaps," he said evasively.

Suddenly Brandon Penrod burst into the room with the fury of a whirling

tornado. Hard on his heels was a tiny replica of Casey. Dainty and ladylike, Lucy

Penrod was the exact opposite of her boisterous brother.

Robin was a favorite of the children, and it was some time before he could take

his leave. When he did he carried the hope that one day he would find just one-

tenth of the happiness shared by Dare and Casey.

When the Southern Star sailed into Sydney Cove a few days later, Robin was on

the quay as the passengers debarked. It was a typical spring day, warm and

breezy. Dressed in flannel shirt open at the neck, moleskin trousers, and wide-

brimmed hat, Robin carefully scrutinized the passengers as they walked down

the gangplank. There weren't many. Several men, quite possibly speculators,

several families with children, a few husbands and wives, most young, and of

course, more convicts. The wretched creatures, ill-clothed and pale, looked

dazed and sick as they were prodded down the gangplank. Robin shuddered,

remembering well the hopelessness he'd felt when he first set foot in New South

Wales.

The stream of passengers had all but stopped, and Robin frowned, wondering

what had happened to the McKenzies. According to the letter Dare had received

a few weeks ago, the McKenzies were sailing on the Southern Star. Had they

decided to take another ship? Robin wondered. His thoughts strayed for a

moment, then skidded to a halt as a beautiful but somewhat distraught young

woman appeared at the railing.

She was tall and reed slender; wispy tendrils of jet black hair had worked loose

from the rather prim bun fastened at her nape and blew about her memorable

heart-shaped face. She clutched the rail, unaware of the beguiling picture she

made with the breeze molding her dress against her lush curves. Robin stared

appreciatively at long slim legs and full breasts suddenly thrust upward as she

lifted her arms to shield her eyes against the merciless glare of the sun.

Kathryn McKenzie searched the quay anxiously. Thad McKenzie had spoken

glowingly of poor Mercy's husband, Dare Penrod, and Kate hoped the letter

telling of Thad's death and their intention of sailing to New South Wales aboard

the Southern Star had reached him in time. Having someone meet them certainly

would be a comfort, especially since her father was so desperately ill.

By some miracle William McKenzie still lived, barely. Reduced to mere skin and

bones by his illness, William clung stubbornly to life. It was almost as if he

refused to die until his beloved daughter's future was settled. His fear of leaving

Kate alone and unprotected on a convict island had given William the strength to

prolong his stay on earth, though the effort cost him dearly and he suffered

untold anguish.

Kate's eyes swept the quay, then came to rest on the tall, sandy-haired man

staring up at the ship. The upward tilt of his head pulled taut the olive skin of his

powerfully virile face. Broad shouldered and slim-hipped, he stood with legs

apart, arms folded across his massive chest. Kate wondered if the man could be

Dare Penrod, her dead cousin's husband, and called out his name, gesturing

wildly. The wind ripped the words from her mouth and blew them away before

they could reach the man's ears.

Robin started up the gangplank. Clutching the rail, Kate waited, finding much

about him to admire. He moved with the rolling gait and confidence of a man

accustomed to vigorous exercise. His deep tan hinted at long hours spent beneath

the broiling sun, and his rippling muscles suggested that he was no stranger to

hard work. Once again Kate wondered if the man was Dare Penrod.

Her next thought came hard on the heels of her first. Had he remarried? Kate

couldn't recall when she had seen a man as intriguing as the sandy haired

stranger walking toward her.

Robin's steps faltered as he got his first good look at the woman standing at the

ship's rail. He gazed into her eyes and felt himself drowning in a sea of violets.

The shock sent his pulses racing wildly.

"Are you Dare Penrod?"

Her voice was as softly hypnotic as her eyes, but Robin somehow found the wits

to reply.

"I'm Robin Fletcher. Are you Miss McKenzie?"

"Aye. Where is Dare Penrod?" Kate asked sharply. "I hoped he'd be on hand to

meet our ship." Her voice edged up a notch, giving Robin the impression that

she hovered on the brink of hysteria.

"I'm here in Dare's stead," Robin informed her. "Where is your father?" Robin

thought it strange that William McKenzie was absent, and he frowned as he

searched the deck behind Kate.

Kate's full lips quivered, but she'd held up thus far under the burden of her

father's illness and wasn't going to crumble now. The future of McKenzie station

depended on her strength and courage to cope with any adversity. At least until

her father recovered enough to manage his own affairs. She refused to consider

the possibility that William McKenzie might never recover.

"Father is ill desperately ill," Kate said, swallowing the lump rising in her throat.

"Thank God you've come. I don't think I could have gotten him off the ship

alone."

"I've been in Sydney several days waiting for the Southern Star to arrive," Robin

informed her. "I've brought the dray for your trunks; we can make a place for

your father to lie down."

Relief churned in Kate. She was grateful to transfer temporary responsibility to

this capable man, whoever he was. There would be time enough after her father

was made comfortable to learn who and what Robin Fletcher was. If Dare

Penrod trusted him, she could do no less.

"Father is still in his cabin. I'll take you to him." Kate whirled, treating Robin to

the sight of trim ankles beneath a froth of white petticoats. Gathering his wits, he

hurried after her.

The cabin was small, dim, and smelled of sickness. Adjusting his eyes to the

reduced light, Robin searched the cramped room for William McKenzie and

found him reclining on the bunk. He was fully dressed, the clothes hanging

loosely on his wasted frame. Robin was appalled at the condition of the man, and

when William started to wheeze and cough, Robin realized something that Kate

had refused to acknowledge. William McKenzie was dying. Robin approached

the sick man and knelt beside him.

"I'm Robin Fletcher, sir. I've come to take you to McKenzie station. Welcome to

New South Wales."

William managed a weak smile. "Thank you, son." His voice was thin and

labored, the effort sending him into another spasm of coughing. "I see you've

already met my daughter Kate."

"Kathryn," Kate corrected as she offered Robin a cool hand. "Kathryn Molly

McKenzie."

"Pleased to meet you, Kathryn Molly McKenzie," Robin drawled with a hint of

amusement. Something told him there was more to Miss McKenzie than a

beautiful face and well-turned figure.

Obviously she wasn't a young girl in the first blush of youth, and there was no

indication that she was a widow. She was wonderfully mature and poised, and

Robin couldn't remember being so fascinated by a woman since that day he first

set eyes on Casey O'Cain. Kate's small slim hand was nearly swallowed by

Robin's larger one, and he hung on to it a moment longer than courtesy

demanded. A warm flush worked up his wrist, spreading through his entire body.

Kate frowned, feeling some of those same vibrations and becoming confused by

them.

Reluctantly Robin dropped her hand and turned back to William. "Are you able

to walk, Mr. McKenzie?"

"I don't know," William gasped.

"No matter." Robin grinned, trying to hide his dismay over William's pitiful

condition. Then he bent and lifted the emaciated man in his arms as if he were

weightless. "Lead the way, Miss McKenzie. I'll follow with your father and then

arrange to have your trunks carried off the ship."

"I feel so helpless," William sighed.

"No need, Mr. McKenzie, you'll be on your feet again in no time," Robin said

cheerfully. In his heart he knew William McKenzie would be lucky to live long

enough to see McKenzie station.

"Be careful," Kate said anxiously as Robin carried William down the gangplank

and settled him in the bed of the dray. With blankets he'd thoughtfully brought

along, Robin helped to make him more comfortable, hoping he'd be able to

withstand the rigors of the trip to McKenzie station.

Robin left them to see to their trunks, and when he returned Kate was already

seated in the wagon bed next to her father.

"You'll be more comfortable up here on the seat, Miss McKenzie," Robin

advised. "We'll need room for your trunks in the back with your father."

At first Kate thought to protest, but when the trunks arrived she realized Robin

had spoken the truth. After murmuring a few soothing words to her father, she

climbed onto the seat next to Robin. Then the lumbering vehicle jerked to a start.

Kate grasped the seat and hung on, glancing worriedly back at her father wedged

in between two trunks.

"Sorry, Miss McKenzie, these bullocks aren't the most graceful creatures."

"Are there no horses here in New South Wales?" Kate remarked dryly, unaware

of how close to the truth she came.

"Very few," admitted Robin. "Bullocks are far more practical. Some of the more

prosperous farmers own horses, and of course, Governor Macquarie."

"Didn't Uncle Thad own horses?"

"There are two excellent horses at McKenzie station, but I hated to hitch them to

the dray when bullocks would do just as well."

Robin turned down George Street, and Kate stared in horror at the gallows and

whipping post prominently displayed in the center of the block.

"Dodo they still use those?"

"Upon occasion," Robin allowed. "Convicts outnumber settlers three to one. But

Governor Macquarie has done wonders since his arrival in 1809. His first act

was to disband the Rum Corps and establish legal tender instead of rum in

exchange for goods."

He pointed out a newly constructed building. "That's the new hospital. Around

the corner is St. James Church, still unfinished but coming along nicely with the

help of convict labor. Rumor has it that Macquarie intends to appoint an ex¬

convict as magistrate. The exclusionists and 'pure merinos' are up in arms over

the prospect, but I reckon Macquarie will have his way. It's about time, if you

ask me. Exclusionists believe time expired convicts belong in a permanent lower class."

"If they were first-class citizens they wouldn't be convicts, or find themselves

transported like cattle to a strange land," Kate sniffed somewhat haughtily.

Robin eyed her narrowly but withheld comment. At least until he knew Kathryn

Molly McKenzie better. Funny, he wouldn't take her for a snob, but he should

have expected as much. Both Thad and Mercy McKenzie had been "pure

merinos" and exclusionists, so why should Thad's brother and niece be any

different?

"Why are we stopping?" Kate asked as Robin pulled up in front of a small house

close to the center of town.

"I'm going to borrow more blankets and pillows so your father can travel in

comfort."

"Who lives here?"

"The house belongs to Casey, Dare Penrod's wife. It was left to her by her first

husband. I've been staying here while waiting for the Southern Star to arrive."

"Dare Penrod has remarried?" Kate asked. "Uncle Thad spoke of him often.

Were he and Mercy terribly in love? Her death must have devastated him, just as

it did Uncle Thad. I'm surprised he remarried so soon."

Robin avoided her eyes, unwilling to apprise

Kate of Mercy's true nature or the real reason Dare married her when it was

Casey he loved always Casey.

Kate waited in the wagon with her father while Robin went into the house for

bedding. He was gone a long time, and when he emerged he carried a basket on

one arm and a blanket and pillow tucked under the other.

"Thought you might be hungry," he explained as he set the basket on the seat

between them, then cushioned William's head with the pillow and tucked the

extra blanket beneath him to cushion his frail bones.

"Sorry to be so much trouble, son," William apologized.

"Is there a doctor in Parramatta?" Kate asked worriedly. "If not perhaps we

should consult a doctor in Sydney before continuing our journey."

"There is a doctor in Parramatta now," Robin said. "We even have a decent road

to Parramatta, thanks to Governor Macquarie, who used convict labor to build

roads and public buildings."

"A doctor can't cure me, Kate," William said gently. Robin recognized

resignation in William's voice and added his own mute agreement. Kate,

however, disagreed vigorously.

"I won't have you talking like that, Father? You'll be on your feet in no time."

Soon Sydney lay behind them as the bullocks plodded steadily forward. Kate

stared in awe at the thick impenetrable bush growing on either side of the track,

consisting of dozens of species of eucalyptus and undergrowth of wattle, vines,

and

scrub. Some of the trees were ancient, growing forty feet high with willow like

leaves so sparse that grass grew lush on the forest floor beneath them. The first

time Kate heard the jungle cry of a kookaburra she started violently. But soon

she was so enchanted by the brilliant array of wildflowers she no longer had time

to worry over strange sounds.

"I've never seen anything like it," Kate said, her violet eyes wide with wonder.

"'Tis like no place in the world," Robin agreed.

"Tell me about McKenzie station," Kate urged, anxious to learn all about her

new home. "Do you live nearby?"

"I thought you understood. I'm a 'ticket of leave' man."

A terrible suspicion took hold of Kate and refused to let go. "What is a 'ticket of

leave' man?"

"A 'ticket of leave' man is allowed to work wherever he chooses," Robin

explained, unaware of the way Kate was edging away from him on the seat or

the whiteness forming around her mouth.

"My God, you're a convict!" Kate gasped. She clutched her throat in a defensive

motion, as if she expected Robin to turn on her with his next breath. "Is Dare

Penrod mad, trusting someone like you in Sydney on his own?"

"Someone like me?" Robin repeated, his sandy brows rising several notches.

"I'm sorry if my presence offends you, but obviously Dare trusts me enough to

get you to McKenzie station safely. He entrusted me with the welfare of

McKenzie station in Thad's absence, and you'll find everything in perfect order."

His handsome features hardened to stone, his blue eyes narrowed and darkened,

giving Kate a fleeting glance at a man who could be a formidable foe if he

chose. And here she was, alone, in the middle of nowhere with a sick father, at

the mercy of a vicious convict. It was common knowledge that the scum and

dregs of society were transported as punishment for crimes too despicable to

mention. Robin Fletcher might well be a murderer or rapist. Just the thought of

all the crimes he might have committed left Kate weak and shaken.

"I hope Dare Penrod knows what he is doing," Kate muttered, unconvinced.

"How many other convicts are there at McKenzie station?"

"Forty," Robin returned, scowling furiously. "I've been station boss for two

years, ever since Dare moved to his own land and could no longer devote the

time needed to McKenzie station. As a 'ticket of leave' man I'm free to work

where I choose. I was with Roy Penrod, Dare's father, before I moved over to

McKenzie station. I'll go back now that you've come to claim your property, so

you no longer need worry about me."

"Forty convicts!" Kate gulped, wondering how in the devil she'd be expected to

control men lacking in every social grace. Rough, vicious men so crude and

uncivilized England could no longer hold them. And Robin Fletcher was one of

those men!

Robin watched the expression on Kate's face change from open friendliness to

fear and disgust, and it rankled to think she was just like her cousin Mercy.

Mercy had been cold, calculating, manipulative, and sly. She had also been a

beautiful woman, just like Kathryn McKenzie. At least Serena Lynch didn't look

down her nose at him or consider him less than human.

Kate grew silent as she contemplated life amongst convicts. Of course she'd

known New South Wales was a penal colony but somehow it hadn't occurred to

her that she'd be the one to deal with them on a day-to-day basis or that convicts

would play so large a role in her life. The thought that she had mistaken

someone like Robin Fletcher for an upstanding citizen like Dare Penrod

completely unnerved her. She sat in silent rumination until a wallaby came

crashing out of the bush, startling her. She shrieked in alarm and without

conscious thought slid close to Robin. Robin grinned, his good humor suddenly

restored.

'"Tis only a wallaby, Kate, a common sight here in the bush. They're quite

harmless."

Kate flushed, embarrassed by her lack of knowledge and her sudden awareness

of the heat emanating through Robin to the side of her body where they touched.

She jerked away, stunned by her reaction to a man she barely knew. A man who

could very well be a murderer or worse.

"My name is Kathryn," she returned haughtily. She was more than a little

annoyed by Robin's familiarity and vowed to speak to Dare Penrod about him

when she finally met the man who had been Cousin Mercy's husband.

"I like Kate better," Robin returned cheekily.

Was he deliberately goading her? Kate wondered. She gnashed her teeth and

stared straight ahead, trying her best to ignore Robin. She failed miserably. Not

only was she very much aware of him as a man, she was annoyed by her

unaccustomed response to a man she should treat with the utmost contempt. In

an effort to conceal her confusion she turned back to see to her father's comfort.

"How is he faring?" Robin asked, genuinely concerned.

"He's dozing," Kate answered in a hushed voice. "He does a lot of that lately." A

frown worried her brow. "I'm terribly concerned about him."

"If you'd like, we can stop in Parramatta and let Dr. Proctor take a look at him."

Kate brightened. "Oh, yes, please. The ship's doctor said there was nothing he

could do, that Father that he..." her voice caught on a sob, "that his heart is

weak. He offered little hope."

Her voice was low and trembling, her emotions close to the surface. Aware of

her fragile control, Robin placed a big hand over her closed fists resting in her

lap. Kate stiffened, his callused palm oddly stirring against the smooth flesh of

her hands. Mistaking her response for revulsion, Robin quickly removed his

hand, scowling as he concentrated on the dirt track winding through the forest.

An uneasy silence prevailed until Robin halted the dray beside the Hawkesbury

River that ran parallel with the track.

"Why are we stopping?"

"Are you hungry? 'Tis a good place to stop and eat."

Robin jumped to the ground, then reached up and swung Kate down to stand

beside him before she could protest. His hands lingered on her slim waist a

moment longer than necessary, then abruptly he let them fall and turned away.

"See to your father," he said gruffly, "while I set out the food."

Kate knelt beside William, helping him to sit up in the wagon bed. The effort

was nearly too much for him, and he sat back weakly, panting. When he caught

his breath, he said, "Robin Fletcher seems like a capable young man."

"He's a convict, Father," Kate stressed. "Lord only knows what vicious crime the

man committed."

William seemed startled by Kate's revelation. He had been dozing in the dray

and hadn't heard the conversation concerning Robin's status.

"If Dare Penrod sent the man, that's good enough for me," William contended.

"You're much too trusting, Father," Kate chided. "This is a wild country with

strange customs, and Dare Penrod" Suddenly Robin walked up to the dray and

Kate fell silent.

Robin slanted Kate a quizzing glance, a glance that made her lower her eyes

guiltily.

"How are you feeling, Mr. McKenzie?" Robin asked solicitously.

"Don't worry about me," William gasped, managing a tepid smile. "How much

further?"

"We're about halfway to McKenzie station. I've fixed you a plate of food."

"Nothing for me," William said, turning away from the sight of Robin's offering.

"Father, please try to eat something," Kate urged. "There's a doctor in

Parramatta, I've asked Mr... er Robin to take us there first." Somehow it didn't

seem right to address a convict as mister.

"No, Kate, I want to go home first to McKenzie station. The doctor can come out

later if you'd like, but I seriously doubt there is anything he can do."

"Father"

"Your father is right, Kate excuse me Miss McKenzie. Once he's settled in at

McKenzie station, I'll send for the doctor." He turned his attention to his own

plate of food but paused when William laid a hand on his arm.

"Tell me about McKenzie station. That led me to believe it's a prosperous

enterprise. I owe Dare Penrod a great deal for managing the property in our

absence. I hope I'll be able to thank him in person."

"I'm certain both Dare and Casey will be calling on you soon."

"Casey?"

"Dare's wife."

"He's remarried then. Is it someone he met in England during his visit?"

"No," Robin said, hesitating a moment before adding, "Casey is an ex-convict."

Kate gasped, shocked to the core by Robin's startling revelation. How could a

man of breeding marry a woman convicted of a crime vile enough to earn

transportation? She wondered. Kate hoped she wasn't expected to befriend a

woman of such questionable morals and reputation. What in the world had ever

possessed Dare Penrod to marry such a woman after having a sweet, refined wife

like Cousin Mercy?

William was startled by Robin's words, but unlike his daughter he gave no

indication, preferring to waive judgment until he met both Dare and Casey. He

liked Robin Fletcher despite his background and he was anxious to judge for

himself how well McKenzie station had prospered under Robin's guidance. God

willing, he'd live long enough to see that Kate inherited a prosperous business.

William was all too aware that his desire to see to Kate's future had kept him

alive these long weeks.

Then Robin began telling William about McKenzie station and his attention

sharpened. Kate listened also, dismayed and vaguely uncomfortable at the note

of pride in Robin's voice. To Kate, Robin sounded much too possessive of a

property that didn't belong to him and never would. But William heard only

Robin's fierce love of the land, his confidence in his ability and pride in his

accomplishments. William had no idea what crime Robin had committed but

instinctively felt the punishment had been unnecessarily harsh.

"It sounds as if McKenzie station has prospered in Thad's absence, and I have

you and Dare Penrod to thank for it," William said gratefully.

"I was but doing my job," Robin said tightly. "A 'ticket of leave' man is free to

work where he wishes, and I couldn't ignore Dare's plea for help when he asked

me to step in as station boss at McKenzie station."

"It seems to me that Dare Penrod could have found someone other than a convict

to see to the welfare of McKenzie station," Kate interjected with a toss of her

well-shaped head.

"Kate!" William admonished sharply as he launched into a fit of coughing that

greatly sapped his flagging strength. "Where are your manners?"

Accustomed to disparaging remarks from exclusionists and "pure merinos,"

Robin merely smiled grimly. His blue eyes were shot with shards of ice, and

Kate shivered, his glacial stare chilling her to the bone. The man was dangerous,

she reflected, far more dangerous than she had originally thought. She silently

vowed to speak to her father about Robin Fletcher once they were alone and urge

him to banish Robin from McKenzie station. But now, seeing William weakened

from his bout of coughing, Kate shoved all thought of Robin aside as she bent

solicitously over her father.

"I'm sorry, Father, I don't know what possessed me to speak like that."

Deliberately she refrained from looking at Robin, for he'd know immediately she

wasn't sorry at all. Being in close contact with criminals and felons would take

some getting used to, and she wasn't certain she could ever learn to like it, or

treat them with any degree of courtesy.

Aware of William's distress, Robin curbed his anger. The poor man couldn't help

it if his daughter was an outspoken little termagant with an acid tongue and a

vile disposition. Obviously William had allowed his daughter too much freedom

to vent her spleen. A woman her age should be married with several children

hanging on to her skirts.

"It's time we were on our way, sir," Robin said as he gathered up the remnants of

their picnic. "I'm anxious to reach McKenzie station before dark. There are still

too many bushrangers about for comfort. That's not the kind of welcome I'd wish

for you." He hoisted himself onto the dray without first offering a hand to Kate.

She flashed him a disgusted look, then climbed clumsily into the seat beside

him.

"What are bushrangers?" she asked as she twitched her skirt primly into place

about her long legs.

"They're escaped convicts who live in the wild. They live off the land, stealing

cattle and sheep as needed and carrying out daring bail-ups. No one is safe on

the track as long as bushrangers roam free."

Kate glanced around nervously, imagining all manner of depraved characters

hiding in the bush to ambush them. "Are you carrying a weapon?"

Robin laughed harshly. "I'm a convict, remember?"

"Of course, how silly of me." Kate's face glowed a dull red. Would she ever

reconcile herself to this wild, uncivilized country? She turned away, exclaiming

over the wizened face of a koala smiling down at her as he munched calmly on

eucalyptus leaves.

Farther on she spied a kookaburra in a pepper tree and gave it her full attention,

relieved to find something other than the intimidating presence of Robin Fletcher

to concentrate on.

It amazed Kate to think that in England it would be fall while in Australia it was

spring. Flowers abounded everywhere in wild profusion. It had startled her to

learn, when she held a bloom to her nose, that it had no fragrance. Robin had

informed her that, while beautiful, most flowers in Australia were devoid of

scent.

Though it was only fifteen miles from Sydney to Parramatta, the trip to

McKenzie station took several hours.

"Ahead is Penrod station," Robin pointed out as they drove past a large, neat

house set well back from the track. "It belongs to Dare's father, Roy. McKenzie

Station is beyond the bend in the river. Dare's land lies due west of McKenzie

station and encompasses nearly all the land along the Hawkesbury River

stretching to the foothills of the Blue Mountains."

"The river is high," Kate mentioned conversationally.

"spring runoff," Robin replied. "We've had a tremendous amount of rain this

spring. Runoff comes down from the Blue Mountains and fills the river and

streams. Some years it causes flooding so severe all crops are lost. Then there's

drought to contend with," Robin continued. "Summers are hot and dry, and you'll

grow so sick of heat and dust you'll wish for winter."

"Does Australia have no redeeming qualities?" Kate asked, wondering if it had

been a mistake to come to a place so lacking in everything she knew and loved.

Robin's thick brows slanted upward and his blue eyes grew dreamy as he looked

beyond Kate to where the Blue Mountains rose tall and majestic in the west.

"Redeeming qualities?" he repeated, dragging his eyes away from the far horizon

to stare at Kate. "This land is so vast, no mortal has conquered its dimensions.

It's wild, untamed, and uncivilized. The flora and fauna are so different from

what we know, each day is a new experience. Once I'm emancipated I'll never

leave. I want my children to be a part of the taming of Australia. I'd give

anything to be the first to find a route across the Blue Mountains."

Kate stared with open curiosity at Robin as he spoke. His passion for a land

meant to be his prison stunned her. His words were so stirring, Kate fell silent in

order to contemplate the wonders of which Robin spoke.

"There it is, McKenzie station," Robin said, halting the dray to allow Kate an

unrestricted view of the house and surrounding land. Larger than Penrod station

but smaller than Dare's farm, McKenzie station was an impressive sight to

behold.

"I... I never dreamed it was so big," Kate said, awed by what she saw.

The land surrounding the house was largely cleared of brush as far as the eye

could see. A white fence surrounded the sprawling rectangular house of two

stories. Close by stood stables, cow sheds, convicts' huts, and a blacksmith's

shop. The entire farm appeared well cared for and prosperous, attesting to Robin

Fletcher's ability as station boss. In the distance Kate could see green paddocks

with grazing cattle in the meadows and sheep on the hillsides. Chickens

scratched in the yard in the dappled shade of several large gum trees.

When Kate had looked her fill, Robin set the dray into motion. Several convicts

greeted Robin and stared curiously at Kate as they entered the yard. Robin

returned their greeting with a careless wave while Kate squirmed uncomfortably

and tried to ignore their pointed stares.

"Relax, Kate," Robin said, reverting to her nickname and earning a frown for his

familiarity. "'Tis only natural that the men are curious about their new master and

mistress."

Robin drew up before the front door and leaped down from the dray. Kate

scrambled down before Robin could lend her a hand and went immediately to

her father's side.

"We're here, Father."

Suddenly a strange occurrence diverted their attention. When they had driven

into the yard it was still daylight. Then, in the brief span of a heartbeat, the azure

sky turned indigo as the sun dropped below the horizon. It all transpired so

quickly, Kate was stunned by the startling phenomena. In England, as in most

parts of the world, daylight was followed by dusk that gradually turned into

night. In New South Wales a black velvet curtain descended without warning to

blot out the light. It was truly an odd occurrence, one that would take some

getting used to.

Briefly Robin explained what they had just experienced, and by the time he

finished two women appeared in the doorway of the house to greet them.

According to Dare's instructions, Robin had engaged the services of two women

convicts to serve William and Kate at McKenzie station. He had sent them ahead

with orders to ready the house for their master and mistress. He turned to greet

them now and introduce them to the McKenzies.

Kate looked to Robin for an explanation, for she had no idea who the women

were. One looked to be about forty, not unattractive, with brown hair starting to

turn gray at the temples and pulled back into a neat bun. She was of medium

height, her body softly rounded and pleasing to the eye. The second woman was

much younger and more flamboyant, with dark red hair, deep blue eyes, and a

flirtatious smile. Her figure was stunning; high breasts, slim waist, and long legs

were put together in such a fashion as to demand immediate attention. She

smiled at Robin in a way that grated on Kate's nerves.

"This is Maude," Robin explained, gesturing toward the older woman. "Maude

will act as cook and housekeeper." Maude bobbed her head. "And this is Lizzy.

Lizzy does general housecleaning and whatever chores you deem necessary.

They are convicts assigned to work for you. If you have any complaints about

their work you need only tell Dare and he'll have them replaced."

"Convicts," squeaked Kate. She'd had no idea she'd be surrounded by convicts

inside her house as well as outside. Was she to be safe nowhere? She spared a

glance at Robin and saw that he was scowling at her, expecting her to make

some reply or at least acknowledge the two servants. "I'm sure we'll get on

famously," she said for want of a more intelligent reply.

"This is Miss McKenzie," Robin continued as he addressed the two women.

"You will both take your orders from her. At the present time her father is ill, and

you will be expected to see to his needs until he is back on his feet."

Only then did Maude and Lizzy discover William lying in the bed of the dray.

"Oh, the poor man!" Maude exclaimed, looking at William with sympathetic

brown eyes. Lizzy merely stared. "I'll prepare a room for him immediately.

Come along, Lizzy." Reluctantly Lizzy followed, obviously content to stand there and stare at Robin.

When they disappeared into the house, Robin lifted William from the dray and preceded Kate into the house. He headed directly up the stairs and paused before the master bedroom. Maude and Lizzy were just turning down the bed. Very carefully Robin set William down on the feather mattress, and stepped back to allow Kate access to her father.

"I'll fix you something nourishing," Maude said as she got her first glimpse of William's emaciated frame.

"Thank you," Kate replied, grateful for the woman's concern. Surely Robin was mistaken, this gentle woman couldn't be a convict. Seeing that Lizzy hung back,

Kate quickly dismissed her. That one she wasn't sure about. There was something sly about her that Kate didn't like.

"If there is nothing more I can do for you, I'll leave," Robin offered when he

noted that William appeared to be dozing.

Suddenly William opened his eyes. "Don't leave yet, Robin, I'd like to speak

with you privately. After I rest a bit."

"I'll see to the luggage," Robin said, turning to leave.

"You'll come back?" William asked hopefully.

"Aye, I've nowhere to go tonight." Robin nodded at Kate, then left father and daughter alone.

"What do you want with Robin?" Kate asked curiously.

"I've need of a good man at McKenzie station," William said. "I'm going to ask him to remain as station boss."

"Is that wise, Father? the man is dangerous. I don't trust him. Find out what

crimes he's committed before asking him to remain."

"Trust me, daughter, I believe I'm a better judge of character than you are. You

have nothing to fear from Robin Fletcher."

Nothing to fear! Kate screamed in mute appeal. Dear God, didn't Father realize that this man was a danger to her? Didn't he care that her very soul was at risk?

Robin Fletcher made her feel. He made her feel things a twenty-six-year-old woman had no business feeling, let alone thinking. Why now? She cried out in silent supplication. And why a man so totally unfit? Robin Fletcher God help her. She needed all the help she could get if he remained at McKenzie station.

Kate settled into her room, which obviously had been Mercy's for it was

definitely a woman's room, decorated in soft pastels and sporting dainty

furniture. When Lizzy showed up to help with her unpacking, she declined her

offer, sending her instead to help Maude with supper. When Lizzy lingered, Kate

asked, "Is there something you wished to speak to me about?" Lizzy fixed Kate with an impertinent look and asked, "Is Robin Fletcher going to

remain at McKenzie station as station boss?" "I don't see as how that's any of your business, Lizzy," Kate said. "You may go

now." Lizzy slanted Kate a sullen glare, then turned abruptly and left. Kate returned to

her unpacking, having no idea why Lizzy's innocent question should irritate her.

It didn't matter to her how many conquests Robin made. Meanwhile, Robin had seen to the luggage and returned to William's room. He

found William awake and struggling with a tray of food Maude had just sent up

to his room. He looked up at Robin and forced a grin. "Ah, Robin, you're here.

Please take the tray, I find I have little appetite these days." Robin looked at the uneaten food and frowned. "Maude will feel slighted if that's

all you eat of her cooking." "'Tis all I can manage. Please don't tell Kate, she's so set on my recovering." "As we all are. How can McKenzie station thrive without its owner?" "That's what I wanted to talk to you about, Robin," William said. His eyes were

dull from weariness, but he was determined to get this settled tonight, before

Robin left. "I want you to remain at McKenzie station. I need you, Robin. You've

done a marvelous job here, and I'd like you to continue as station boss." Robin hesitated so long, William added, "You are free to work where you please,

aren't you?" "Aye," Robin said slowly. "Have you talked this over with your daughter?" "Kate is headstrong and stubborn, but in her heart she knows she can't handle the

farm on her own. I certainly am no help, and it's not going to get any better.

You're an experienced sheep man; I trust your judgment." "You don't even know me," Robin persisted. "Dare Penrod seems to think highly of you, since he put you in charge here." "Dare and I have been friends a long time, since we first arrived in New South

Wales. But there is a difference between us. Dare is a settler and I am a convict." "Why are you deliberately trying to discourage me, Robin?" "Your daughter neither likes nor approves of me, sir," Robin said. Though his

voice was solemn, his eyes danced with an amusement that wasn't lost on

William. "Does that bother you?" William asked. "Kate has never dealt with convicts; she

is too new to a convict colony to judge people. Let me handle Kate. Besides,"

William said slyly, "I have the feeling that you and Kate are much alike, both

stubborn and proud. That's why never mind, Kate has much to learn." "Kate is not a child, Mr. McKenzie." "Aye," William admitted sadly. "She's had her way far too long. What she needs

is a husband she cannot rule; a man who will give her children and allow her to

make her own decisions while keeping a firm upper hand." "Were there no such men in England?" "Many," William observed, "but none Kate would have. But enough of my

daughter. Will you stay, Robin?" "Before I answer I should tell you that the Penrods have petitioned the governor

for my freedom. Should it be granted soon, I will want to settle on my own land.

'Tis time I settled down." "Do you have a woman in mind?" William asked sharply. "Perhaps," Robin hedged. William seemed satisfied with his answer. He was about to question Robin

further when Kate walked into the room. She spared Robin a brief glance before

spying the virtually untouched tray of food that had been set aside. "Father, you must eat if you are to get well." "Perhaps my appetite will return tomorrow," William offered lamely. "I think you should rest now. Are you finished with Robin?" "Not quite. I have yet to receive an answer from Robin concerning my offer." Kate shot Robin a fulminating look, as if warning him to have a care for her

father's health. "Can't it wait until tomorrow?" "No, daughter, this can't wait." Robin stared at Kate. At her beautiful face tilted at a defiant angle, at her

tempting body stiff with disapproval, at her violet eyes narrowed with contempt,

and the answer to William's question came easily. "Aye, I'll stay, Mr. McKenzie,

for as long as you have need of me." A tremulous sigh slipped past William's lips, and he closed his eyes, exhaustion

and illness taking their toll. "Father," Kate cried, dismayed by the turn of events. "Just because I'm not a man

doesn't mean I'm incapable of seeing to McKenzie station. I'm a quick learner.

I'll manage on my own just fine until you're on your feet again." "Please don't defy me on this, Kate," William said tiredly. "I'm not too ill to

know what is best for McKenzie station and my own daughter. Please leave me

now, I'm too weary to argue with you." "Of course, Father," Kate said guiltily, kissing William on the cheek. "Maude has

supper ready and I'm famished." "Sup with her, Robin," William insisted, unaware of Kate's horrified look. "I'll

talk with you tomorrow." "If you say so, sir." The corner of Robin's mouth tilted upward, not quite a smile

but enough so that it made Kate spin around and stomp from the room in a flurry

of petticoats and whirling skirts. Robin caught up with her easily. "I'm not so bad once you get to know me." "I have no intention of getting to know you any better than I do now." "Is it just me you have an aversion to or convicts in general?" Kate halted in her tracks and Robin came up hard against her, nearly bowling her

over. Seeing her teeter, he grasped her, pulling her close. The moment their

bodies touched a scalding heat shot through Robin. It was almost as if they were

bound together by a flaming band of invisible heat. Kate gasped, her violet eyes

wide with shock. Robin groaned. It was a curiously unsettling sound, but it

brought Kate abruptly to her senses. "Take your hands off me!" "Ah, Kate, you do try a man. Can't you feel it?" "I feel nothing," Kate denied hotly, "but your filthy hands on me." The skin on Robin's face grew taut and his white teeth flashed dangerously in a

parody of a smile. "You're a liar, Kathryn Molly McKenzie. Do you want me to

prove it to you?" Kate blanched, suddenly frightened of this man she knew nothing about. There

was no one else in the house except two women servants and a sick father to

come to her aid. And of course forty convicts on the property, no doubt all as

depraved and vicious as Robin Fletcher. "Please," she whimpered. "Aye, you do please me, Kate. A bit long in the tooth and haughty for my tastes,

but still pleasing." His voice was low, his breath uneven as he felt the soft contours of her body pressed so intimately against his own rigid hardness. Suddenly he saw the whiteness of her face, the terror in her expressive eyes, and

realized that she was truly frightened of him. Did she expect him to attack her

like a wild animal? Then he knew. That was exactly what she expected from a convict. Suddenly, taunting the

haughty Miss McKenzie no longer was appealing to him. Abruptly he released

her and stepped back. "I find I have urgent business in the convict hut, Miss McKenzie. You will

excuse me, won't you? Enjoy your supper." He was down the stairs and out the

door before Kate could catch her breath. She stood for a long time, staring at Robin's departing back, puzzled by his

abrupt exit. The man was an enigma. He took such delight in taunting her, yet

when he was with her father his eyes were filled with a compassion few men

possessed. What were his crimes? She wondered. He appeared capable, her

father seemed to trust him yet, yet she couldn't help but be leery of a man who

dared to... Dared to what? Touch her? Taunt her? For a moment she'd thought he

meant to kiss her! Then a strange thing happened. Out of the blue Kate's thoughts took her on a

forbidden journey. She touched her lips, wondering what it would feel like to be

kissed by Robin Fletcher, touched by him, and caressed in places... She groaned,

shocked by her wanton thoughts, frightened by the intensity of the feelings

Robin aroused in her. She was no young miss smitten by her first man. But then,

Robin Fletcher was no ordinary man. "Is something amiss, mistress?" Kate started violently, surprised to find Fizzy standing beside her. "Nino, everything's just fine. Is supper ready?" "Aye, Maude sent me to find you." She glanced around the dimly lit hallway. "Is

Robin still about?" "No, he's gone back to wherever it is he goes when his work is done," Kate said

brusquely. "He's missed supper. Is it all right if I take him out something to eat?" "Do what you like, Lizzy, I couldn't care less," Kate replied, flouncing off.

Dismayed, Lizzy stared after Kate, her mouth working wordlessly. «» «» «» «» «» «» «» «» «» «» «» «» Two days later Robin still hadn't decided what it was about Kate McKenzie that

made her different from any other woman he'd known. She was no schoolgirl,

but neither was she so old as to be undesirable. Perhaps that was what bothered

him about Kate. He wanted her. It had taken him two days to admit it, but he

bloody well did want her. Perhaps he should take time out to go to Parramatta

and see Serena, he considered. Her tempting little body never failed to perk up

his spirits or take his mind off things he had no business thinking about like Miss

Kathryn Molly McKenzie. During the past two days he'd seen blessed little of Kate, and that was fine with

him. When they were together he was too often on the receiving end of her sharp

tongue. Robin knew Kate thought herself as capable as any man, but he'd like to

see her control forty convicts and work them to the benefit of McKenzie station.

If it weren't for William and his desperate need of him, he'd leave and see how

fast McKenzie station would fall to ruin. At times the little shrew made him

angry enough to spit nails. At that moment the object of Robin's thoughts was hurrying out of the house in

search of him. A worried frown marred her smooth brow, and her violet eyes

were clouded with anxiety. Robin was in the cow shed when he saw her coming

and went out to meet her. "Is something wrong, Kate?" "It's Father." Robin noted the slight tremble of her hands and the catch in her

voice, and his heart skipped a beat. Had the end come already for William? "Is he worse today? How can I help?" "You mentioned the doctor in Parramatta. It's time we summoned him. I don't

care what Father says, I won't give up on him." "Aye, I'll go for him myself," Robin offered. "Robin, take the horse, it's faster." Dr. Daniel Proctor left William McKenzie's room shaking his head. True to his

word, Robin had brought him to McKenzie station within an hour after Kate's

request. He stood with Kate outside William's door now as Dr. Proctor quietly

shut the door behind him and approached them. The doctor's face was solemn,

his eyes grim. "How is he, doctor?" Kate asked anxiously. She had spoken little while the

doctor was with William, merely walking back and forth, wringing her hands. "Not good, Miss McKenzie, not good. I can merely concur with the ship doctor

that your father's heart is severely damaged." "Is there nothing we can do? Surely some medicine..." "Nothing known to man will cure your father of his ailment," the doctor said as

gently as possible. He didn't believe in giving hope where none existed. "Make

him as comfortable as possible until the end and see that he avoids all stress." "Dear God," Kate said shakily. "I had hoped... I prayed that he'd recover." A tear

slipped from the corner of her eye and slid down her cheek. "Can I go in to him now?" "By all means, just see that he has plenty of rest and eats properly, though his

appetite will be lacking as his weakness progresses." Kate nodded, thanked the doctor, and slipped into her father's room. "How long does he have, Dan?" Robin asked once Kate was out of sight. A rather handsome man of thirty-five, Dr. Dan Proctor was well acquainted with

Robin. Since Dr. Dan had delivered Casey's daughter and been befriended by the

Penrods, the Penrods' friends became his friends. And Robin Fletcher, though he

was still technically a convict, was a good man to have as a friend. Dr. Dan was

a settler, having arrived in New South Wales about the same time as Governor

Macquarie. A plea for doctors was what originally had brought him to Australia,

but he soon grew to love the country and intended to stay forever. That he hadn't

yet found a wife was lamentable, but he hadn't given up hope. In fact, the

moment his twinkling brown eyes settled on Kate McKenzie, he was smitten. "William McKenzie is a very sick man," Dan hedged. "That's obvious. Can't you be more specific than that?" "Only God knows when a man will die, but in William's case I'd venture to guess

that he won't be with us much longer. A month perhaps, maybe two." "Bloody hell! What a damn shame." "I assume you're talking about the daughter. What will she do once her father

passes on? Too bad she never married." "Lucky for the bloke who would have married her," Robin muttered. "She's a

sharp-tongued vixen who thinks she can run McKenzie station by herself." "She looks capable enough," Dan observed. "Quite pretty, too." "Don't get any ideas, Dan, Kate isn't for you." "Kate is it?" Dan said, raising a finely arched eyebrow. "So that's how the wind

blows. What about Serena? Last I heard, you and Serena planned to marry as

soon as your pardon was granted." Kate stood poised in the doorway, having quietly opened the door while Dan and

Robin were talking. She had emerged just in time to hear Dan's last sentence

about Robin and some woman named Serena and their plans to marry. Before

Robin could answer Dan's question he spotted Kate, leaving whatever he was

going to say unsaid. "How is he?" Robin asked as Kate emerged into the hallway. "He wants to talk with you." "Now?" "Aye. I'll speak with Dr. Proctor while you're with Father." "Keep it brief, Robin," Dan warned. Then he turned to Kate. "Come along, Miss

McKenzie, you look as if you could use a cup of tea, and I know I can." Robin watched them walk away, then turned into William's room. He

approached the bed gingerly, not wanting to awaken him if he had fallen asleep. "It's all right, Robin, I'm awake. Have you spoken with the doctor?" "Aye." "Then you know I haven't much longer." "Mr. McKenzie, I..." "Let's not fool ourselves, Robin, we both know my time is limited. Kate might

not want to admit it, but we're both man enough to recognize the truth." "Kate loves you, sir." "Aye, and I love her. I'm worried about her, Robin. After I'm gone she'll have no

one. And it would please me if you call me William." "Has Kate no relatives in England, William?" "No one but an elderly aunt. But you know Kate, she's stubborn enough to

remain at McKenzie station and go it alone. She's strong, Robin, but not that

strong." "Headstrong, you mean," Robin remarked. That brought a chuckle from William's emaciated frame. "Aye, that too." "Why are you telling me this?" "Because, because God, I don't know. I'm so very tired. Perhaps we can talk

about this another day." "Aye, another day, William. Don't worry about anything right now. All is going

smoothly, and there is cash available should Kate need it. Dare will be here soon

and he'll apprise you of the financial status of McKenzie station. He sent word that he and Casey will be around tomorrow. They wanted to give you a day or

two to rest before visiting." Seeing that William's eyes were closed, Robin tiptoed from the room. Dr. Dan

was just leaving. "I'll be back in a few days, Kate, but if you need me sooner you have only to

summon me." Kate? He was already calling her Kate? Why should that bother him? Robin

asked himself. Dan was an unattached, attractive man, and Kate was certainly

old enough to form her own friendships. "Thank you, Dan, I feel much better with you caring for Father." Dan? Kate was acquainted with him well enough to call him Dan? Bloody hell,

what was wrong with him! What did it matter that Kate and Dan were calling

each other by their first names despite the fact that they had just met? "What did Father want?" Kate asked once the door was closed on Dan. "I don't rightly know," Robin said thoughtfully. "We never finished the

conversation. He grew tired and I left." "It's just as well," Kate decided. "Dan said stress is bad for Father. From now on

if any problem arises concerning the farm, please consult with me and I'll make

the decision whether or not to present it to Father." "Why don't you ask Dare to handle matters for you, Kate? I'm sure he'd help if

you'd ask him." "Are you suggesting that I'm not capable?" Kate bristled. "And how many times

have I told you my name is Kathryn? You may call me Miss McKenzie." "I'll bloody well call you what I please," Robin declared hotly. "I'm damn tired of

that haughty attitude of yours. One day soon I'll be as free as you and a property

owner." "But you'll always be an ex-convict," Kate tossed back. She was aware that she

was being deliberately cruel but seemed unable to stop herself. She was hurting. Hurting because her father was dying and she was alone. Hurting because she

wanted to pour out her misery to Robin but was too proud to do so. Robin winced, stung by Kate's deliberate insult but by now aware of what drove

her. No one should be alone at a sad time like this. He knew, for there were times

when he'd needed someone and had had no one to turn to. "Kate," he said softly, ignoring her taunts. "It's all right to reach out to someone.

There are times when even the strong need someone." "I don't need anyone," Kate refuted. Her words were strained and disjointed as

they slipped past the lump in her throat. Then she turned her back on him,

unwilling for him to see the tears glistening in her eyes. "Kate," Robin said, grasping her shoulders and turning her around to face him.

He lifted his hand and traced her cheek, feeling the wetness there. When he

reached her chin he lifted it so she was forced to look at him. "It's all right to cry." She shook her head vigorously. "You little fool, can't you bend enough to accept comfort when it's offered?" "I don't need comfort from you." "Aye, perhaps you don't. Perhaps 'tis something else you need. Something to take

your mind off your father." Before Kate sorted through the meaning of his words, Robin lowered his head

and touched her lips with his. Kate's first thought was that his lips were as warm

as the sun. With a queer sense of detachment she remained still in his arms,

letting his lips taste hers, finding it odd that she felt no disgust, only a pleasant

sensation she found vaguely disturbing. Then suddenly the kiss deepened and

she found herself pressed intimately against the hard wall of Robin's chest, his

lips moving on hers, his tongue prodding her lips apart. Robin was lost. Lost the moment his lips touched Kate's. Lost the instant he

touched her. No longer was he offering comfort. He was kissing Kate because he

wanted to, because he needed to, and because he had never enjoyed anything

more in his life. Against his will his hands began stroking her gently, finding the

tiny indentation of her lower back strangely erotic despite the layers of clothes

separating them. His hands slid lower, lower still, curving around the sweet

mounds of her buttocks and bringing her closer closer, until she could feel the

hard thrust of his desire straining between them. Anger! Raw, black anger. Never had Kate been so angry at another human. Never had she allowed a man

to manhandle her like Robin was doing. Was she mad to allow him such

liberties? No, she decided, just numb with grief over her father's grave condition.

And Robin Fletcher, convict and Lord knows what else, was taking advantage of

her confusion and grief. With a sob she wrenched out of his grasp, the angry

color draining from her face, leaving it waxen with shock and blank with

disbelief. "How dare you take advantage of me in such a vile manner!" Suddenly aware of how completely he was losing control, Robin flushed guiltily.

Kate was right. She might be a vile-tongued, ill-tempered shrew but she was entitled to more respect than he was showing her. Just because she considered

him an animal didn't mean he had to act like one. What was it about Kate

McKenzie that made him lose every ounce of restraint he'd ever possessed? God

knows she was attractive, but he'd seen women more beautiful. Her body was

made for loving, but so was Serena's. Yet some unknown force drew him to her,

made him want to discover what devils drove her, what made her so different

from other women. Only one other woman in his life had the power to move him

in that way. Casey O'Cain Penrod. "I won't say I'm sorry, Kate, 'cause I'm not. You have to admit I did take your

mind off your problems for a brief time. I'll get back to my duties now. If you

need me you know where to find me." Robin turned and walked away. Abruptly he paused, then whirled back to face

Kate. "Kate, I truly am sorry about William." Kate watched him walk away, undecided whether to lash out at him or thank him

for his concern. In the end she said nothing. Her feelings were too confused to

form a coherent answer. Dare and Casey Penrod arrived the following day with their children. They

stopped first to speak to Robin, who informed them that William was

dangerously ill and unlikely to recover. Kate saw their wagon lumbering down

the dusty lane and stood on the porch waiting for them. Brandon was the first to

scramble out of the wagon, jumping up and down as he waited for the slower

members of his family to follow. Little Lucy soon joined him, and Kate's first

thought was that she'd never seen a pair of toddlers more adorable than the

Penrod offspring. Then she got her first glimpse of Dare and Casey and she

knew from whence came their good looks. My God, she's beautiful! Kate thought, awed. Casey's hair was like a living

flame, somewhere between a brilliant red and burnished copper. Instinctively

Kate knew Casey's eyes would be green and she wasn't disappointed. Then she

turned her attention to Dare and realized that he was beautiful too. Not just

handsome, but shamefully beautiful in a male, rugged way. His slate gray eyes

were laughing down at Casey now, but Kate hadn't the slightest doubt that those

same mesmerizing eyes could turn as cold as ice given sufficient provocation.

The love they shared was so palpable, so blatantly obvious, it was like a kick to Kate's gut. Dare held out his hand. "I'm Dare Penrod. This is my wife, Casey. And these two

little imps are Brandon and Lucy. Robin told us your name is Kate. Welcome to

New South Wales." Kate almost corrected Dare concerning her name but thought better of it as she

grasped Dare's hand. Her first impression was that she'd always have a friend in

Dare Penrod. She wasn't quite so sure about Casey, after all she'd heard about the

woman. Casey didn't look like a felon, but looks were often deceiving. However,

when Casey added her own words of welcome, Kate let herself be drawn into the

woman's warm embrace. "Please come in," Kate invited. "Robin said you'd be here today, so I've been

expecting you." "Had we known your father was so ill we'd have been here sooner," Dare said.

"We want to help in any way we can." Kate didn't doubt his sincerity. "Thank you. Uncle Thad said you were the best thing that ever happened to

Mercy." Suddenly Kate realized what she'd said and turned a becoming red. "Oh,

I'm sorry." "Nothing to apologize about," Casey added quickly, then changed the subject.

"At least Robin is here with you. He's a good man to have around." Kate bit her tongue to keep from tossing out a scathing retort. When she was

sufficiently calm, she asked, "Have you known Robin long?" "Nearly all my life," Dare laughed. "Or so it seems. We've been through some

rough times together, but I won't bore you with them. Is your father up to

company?" "He knows you were coming today and is anxious to meet you. If Casey doesn't

mind waiting, I'll take you up to him." "Go ahead," Casey urged. "I'll check on the children while you're gone. Hard

telling what kind of mischief they're getting into." Casey walked outside, relieved to see that Robin had both Brandon and Lucy in

tow. She waved and hurried over to where Robin was showing the children the

newest calf. "Don't let them give you fits, Robin," Casey laughed. "I'm glad you brought the little imps. I've missed them." They stood talking while the children ran off to investigate some other miracle,

unaware that Kate was standing on the porch, watching. Suddenly Casey spied

her, said something to Robin, and walked back to the house. Still Kate watched,

but it wasn't Casey who had her attention, it was Robin. The tilt of his head, the

look on his face as he spoke with Casey, the special way his eyes followed her

trim figure. It was almost as if as if he loved her! My God, he did love her! Kate should have known by the tenderness in Robin's voice when he spoke of

Casey, the reverent look on his face whenever he mentioned her name, that he

harbored more than friendship in his heart for his friend's wife. Her next thought tumbled from her mind before she could stop it. How horrible

it must be to love your best friend's wife! Close on the heels of that thought came

another. Does Dare know? "The children are fine," Casey said when she stood beside Kate. "Shall we sit out

here so I can keep an eye on them? I'm sure Robin has more important things to

do than watch my children." For a time they talked of trivial things, England and the changes time had

wrought. Then they spoke of William and his illness. All the while they spoke,

Casey had the uneasy feeling that Kate McKenzie was uncomfortable around

her. It was as if the woman didn't want to form a friendship with Casey. Casey

knew there was plenty of gossip about her in Sydney and Parramatta, but it

seemed unlikely that Kate would have heard it yet. And she knew Robin

wouldn't spread rumors. Just then Brandon ran up to the porch, asking if he and Lucy could accompany

Robin to the stables. "He certainly is a big boy for his age." Kate smiled, admiring the sturdy little

lad. "He's the picture of his father." Kate knew Mercy had only been dead a little

over three years, so Brandon couldn't be over two and a half, perhaps nearly

three. "I'm almost four," Brandon said proudly. "And Lucy is nearly two." The smile froze on Kate's face. "Four?" she repeated stupidly. "You're almost

four?" Casey knew exactly what Kate was thinking and chose to ignore it. It was no

one's business when Brandon was conceived. Though everyone knew Dare had been married to Mercy at the time and Casey had been wed to Drew

Stanley, no one doubted that Dare was Brandon's father. "I'm nearly four and Papa is going to buy me a pony," Brandon continued

blithely. "Lucy is too little. May I go with Uncle Robin?" "Of course, dear, don't get in the way," Casey replied, aware that Kate was

staring at her strangely. "Kate, I want us to be friends. There aren't many women here on the

Hawkesbury and what few there are should be able to depend on one another." "Were you and Cousin Mercy friends?" Kate asked. Lord, why was she pursuing

this? she asked herself. What did she hope to gain? Obviously Casey O'Cain was

a husband stealer as well as a felon. Was she also an adulteress? Casey thought about her answer for several long moments before replying, "No,

Mercy and I were never friends."