Penrose’s gaze moved to the man standing beside her and Adelaide made the introduction. The two men shook hands.

‘Sorry I can’t stop,’ Penrose said. ‘If you’re staying in Maiden’s Creek, come back another time and I can give you a tour of the mine, Mr Barnwell.’

A look of such distaste flickered across Richard’s face it was as though Penrose had offered him a tour of the sewerage works. He composed himself but too late. Penrose’s eyes narrowed and he took the envelope from Adelaide. He bade them both a curt farewell and hurried off to be swallowed up by the uninviting hole in the side of the hill.

Richard watched him go. ‘If Mr Penrose is another example of the sort of people you now mix with, Adelaide, it is little wonder that your manners are sadly lacking.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I mean, I have come around the world to rescue you from this life of servitude and you do not seem the least bit grateful. Come away with me, Adelaide. Let me return you to the life you were born to.’

A couple of the mine’s employees gave them interested glances as they passed and Adelaide grasped Richard by the sleeve of his crumpled linen jacket and turned him back the way they had come.

As she strode down the hill, Adelaide seethed. At the bottom, she rounded on Richard. Making sure no one was within earshot, she said, ‘If my manners seem a little lacking, it is because this has been a shock. Did you really expect me to fall into your arms? I told you yesterday, I need time to get to know you again. To make my own judgement as to whether that girlish infatuation retains enough fire to turn to mature love and for us to make a life together. All I ask is that you are patient with me.’

Richard recoiled. ‘Adelaide, please believe me, you have my word as a gentleman, I loved you then and I still love you and I would prove that to you by giving you the time you need.’ He paused. ‘How long do you want?’

She shook her head. ‘I don’t know. A week or two, maybe?’

Richard looked up and down the street. ‘And what am I expected to do?’

Adelaide smiled. ‘There is a lending library at the Mechanics’ Institute. Catch up on some reading, perhaps?’

Richard took her hand in his. ‘As long as you need, but, if we are to start afresh, perhaps you may allow me to call upon you, Miss Lewis.’

Adelaide glanced around her and lowered her voice. ‘Mrs Greaves. Please remember that, Richard. I have worked hard to build my respectability and as far as this town is concerned, I am a widow and my name is Greaves. My husband was lost at sea before Daniel was born. No one can ever know. Please promise me that?’