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

“Spotless,” Jasper had dictated. “Not a speck of dust, not a book out of place. The whole house is to be spotless.”


Jacob worked like a tornado—washing, dusting, and polishing till his hands were sore and stinking from various potions and concoctions. After a hurried lunch, which he had to throw together himself—“I’m up to my elbows in fruit mince,” said Polly, “Get it yourself. And leave those pies alone,”—he went into the gardens to cut some flowers for the dining table. He was no artist, but he managed to put together an arrangement that was pleasing to the eye.


He set twelve places at the table, taking great care to ensure everything was just so, the way Jasper expected it to be. He polished the candelabras and set them on the table, leaving space for the flowers, and after he’d finished, he went and got Jasper from his study so he could approve the work.


Chapter 31