Authors: Cheryl Dragon
Myles nodded. “The sheep farms in Van Diemen’s land have paid off very well. While we’re in England, we should discuss other opportunities down there.”
“Slave labor? Terrible.” Claire shook her head.
“Not slaves, my dear. It’s a penal colony that uses prisoner labor. Indentured servants go far back into history. They can work off their crimes or debts. Some people are even moving to New South Wales voluntarily, so it must not be that bad. There is so much cheap land available. It’s an opportunity for some. Not everyone is as fortunate as we are,” Basil said, juggling the twins.
“It’s too far. I can’t imagine even visiting. To move where you know no one at all, that must be a terrifying prospect. When George and Myles were in America, I worried every day. I hope you’re not planning on a journey to New South Wales.” Claire frowned at her sketch.
“Not any time soon. Enjoy us being here for a bit. No worrying needed,” Myles said.
George watched the fire crackle and thought back to that horrible and wonderful season in London. The worst sea voyage was nothing compared to the stress of the Philips situation. The world would take too long to move in the right directions for women or men like him and Myles. George knew he might never see that day in his lifetime, but that didn’t mean people couldn’t find a way to do the right thing.
“You’re thinking too much,” Myles said softly to George.
“Just wondering how the old tars are doing? The wounded navy men who were put in the back cottage?” George asked.
“Those two are so funny and sweet.” Claire smiled. “I took them some little extras last week. They’re such a pair. The blind one goes on and on about how beautiful I am.
So beautiful that even a blind man could see it.”
Myles chuckled. “We’ll go by this week and check on them. Sounds like their health is good. We have to make the rounds anyway.”
“You’re spoiling them, Claire. I bet they’ve put on ten pounds each since they moved into the cottage,” Basil said.
“No one goes hungry here. They looked half-starved when they moved in. Plus, they saved my brother’s life. I’d cook for them myself, if I could cook that is.” Claire turned her sketch for review. “What do you think? All my men. Perhaps you’re right. I do need a daughter. I’m far too outnumbered here.”
Myles stepped up and inspected. “A daughter or two. Your drawing skills are brilliant, Claire. You must pass them down.”
Claire let the nurse put the boys to bed as Basil and George came closer to view the sketch.
“Two is a handful,” Basil admitted.
“It is but they have plenty of land to share when they’re grown. They can go their own ways when the time is right.” George scowled at the drawing. “I don’t think I was staring at the fire all night.”
Claire lifted a shoulder. “That or at my brother. I picked the most appropriate angle for me to capture.”
Basil chuckled and patted his brother’s shoulder. “It’ll be nice to have you two around, but remember that you can’t fool us.”
“We wouldn’t try.” Myles tapped George’s arm. “We should go up and get some rest. It’s been a long day.”
George knew when Myles was playing peacemaker. Not that the family needed it too often but he was good at steering the ship away from any potential conflict. Seeing the glint in his lover’s eye, George realized Myles had other things on his mind. “If you like. Those two can get started on our nieces.”
“You two are quite a pair yourselves.” Claire stood and took Basil’s hand. “I am tired though. Good night. Happy Christmas.”
“Happy Christmas,” Myles replied.
“It certainly is.” George admired the picture and then Myles again. His man was indeed where George always turned. His comfort and happiness was right there. “And I daresay it’ll be a very happy new year as well.”
A
lover of unusual things, Cheryl Dragon enjoys writing unique stories with sinfully hot erotic romance. Her two favorite settings are Las Vegas and New Orleans... where anything can happen! Cheryl lives in the Chicagoland area.
Find out more at
www.cheryldragon.com