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?