Twenty-two-year-old Jacob Tomkins is sentenced to seven years’ labour in the fledgling colony of Sydney Town, Australia. The voyage across the sea is arduous. He is travelling with mean, street-hardened criminals, some of whom would like to use him for their pleasure. Fortunately he meets Peter, who takes Jacob under his wing. Together they find moments of pleasure amid the drudgery of the voyage. They share their hopes and dreams, and finally declare their love for each other upon the eve of their arrival in Sydney Town -- a place where the currency is rum, distilled and controlled by the powerful military. But what will happen once they disembark? The chances of remaining together are slim. A lot can happen in seven years, especially when Jacob’s new master takes a liking to him. Is their love strong enough to survive the ravages of time? Can they survive the rigors of their sentences?

Across the Sea

As if reading Jacob’s mind, Jasper said, “We should see it any moment now.”


There was a column of smoke over some low growing trees, which, as they approached, Jacob could see were citrus trees, some with lemons growing on them and some with oranges. Then the house came into view—long, white, and thatched like the buildings in Sydney Town. There was another building of equal length opposite, with a pair of large, wooden doors in the front half and two stable doors further along the same wall, near the rear. As they arrived at the gravelled area between the two buildings, a man wearing a dark, well-worn jacket and cap appeared through one of the stable doors.


“Good afternoon, sir,” said the man, doffing his cap.


“Good afternoon, Samuel,” replied Jasper, bringing the horse around so the buggy was parallel to the building. “This is Jacob. He’s to be my new manservant.”


Samuel doffed his cap at Jacob, though there was no accompanying smile.


Chapter 19