‘I won’t know until I have confirmation from Melbourne that someone is available to take my place.’ Even if she telegraphed Melbourne tomorrow it would be at least a week until a replacement arrived. ‘Why don’t you go on ahead to Melbourne and make the arrangements for the wedding and book passages to England, and Danny and I will join you.’

Richard’s mouth tightened. ‘Oh no, my dear Adelaide. I couldn’t bear to be parted from you. Not after so long.’

He took her hands again, squeezing them so hard she thought she felt the crack of bone. ‘After so long,’ he repeated. ‘A quick wedding in Melbourne and the first ship to London. It is a dream come true.’

His eyes shone and she felt a wave of guilt that she could not share his evident delight.

He released her and threw open the door to the back of the house, calling for Netty and Danny. They entered the parlour, Netty wiping her hands on her apron. Danny cast his mother an anxious glance and as he sat down beside her, she put an arm around him.

Richard clapped his hands together. ‘Wonderful news,’ he said. ‘Daniel, your mother has agreed to marry me.’

Netty looked at Adelaide. ‘I’m very pleased for you,’ she said, without warmth.

Danny looked from Adelaide to Richard and back again. ‘What does that mean?’

Richard frowned, clearly perplexed by the less than enthusiastic reception to his news. ‘What it means, young man, is that you and your mother are coming back to England with me. We’ll get a nice house in London with servants and—’

He got no further. Danny wriggled out of his mother’s grasp and ran from the room, slamming his bedroom door behind him.

Richard looked at Adelaide, who, in turn looked at Netty.

‘It’ll be a shock to the boy,’ Netty said. ‘You know how he is. He needs to think about it.’

Adelaide smiled at Richard. ‘Maybe it is best you leave us for the moment, Richard. We will talk further tomorrow.’

He took her hand and drew her towards him, but she turned her face, allowing him only a chaste kiss on the cheek.

Netty saw Richard to the door. ‘Why?’ she asked as his footsteps receded down the path.

‘You know why,’ Adelaide replied.

‘And I told you, that was not a good reason. Do you love him?’

Adelaide bit her lip. ‘No,’ she admitted. ‘But not many marriages, particularly among my class, are established on love. I’m sorry, Netty, but this is not about me and what I want. It is for Danny.’

‘Then you better go and talk to him,’ Netty said.

Adelaide found Danny lying fully clothed on top of his bed. He sat up when she entered the room.

‘That was extremely rude,’ she said.

He looked down and nodded. ‘I know. I apologise, Mama.’