Sundown Crossing Read Online Free PDF Page B

Kurt’s forehead.
    ‘Her eyes? They’re fine. What do you mean?’
    ‘Well, Marta can’t see too clearly if she fell in love with your ugly mug. Your fiancée should definitely have her eyes checked before the wedding.’
    A mock wrestling match on the bed followed with each man trying to get a winning hold. Finally Rolfe triumphed by sitting astride Kurt and pinning his arms to the bed.
    ‘Hey, when did you get so strong?’ Kurt complained good-naturedly, grinning in defeat.
    Rolfe watched his brother’s gaze run over his muscled chest, his strong, sinewy arms and broad shoulders. ‘Since I started to build Krugerhoff. Manual labour is a good muscle builder.’
    ‘I look forward to a thorough inspection of the vineyard. Greta and John spoke highly of what you’ve achieved, but…’
    Pleased with his victory, Rolfe rolled off him and sat on the side of the bed. ‘But what…?’
    ‘I’m not sure Papa is pleased with your endeavours. You know he likes to control everything. What you’ve done is very…independent.’
    Rolfe gave Kurt a questioning look. It didn’t have to be said, they both knew why he had struck out on his own. ‘Has Papa said something to you to that effect?’
    Kurt hesitated for a moment. ‘It was, um, implied. We know Papa is old-fashioned. Personally, I think what you’ve done is terrific and, in a way, I envy you, building a vineyard from nothing but the earth on which you stand. There must be a tremendous sense of fulfilment in doing that.’ He watched Rolfe nod. ‘But onto other important things: Marta. I’m glad you likeher because in the weeks ahead I may need you to entertain her.’
    ‘Why?’
    ‘Papa has made it clear that he expects me to take on more responsibility at Rhein Schloss which will mean less time to spend with Marta.’
    ‘But I…’
    Kurt saw his face flush and made the assumption that shyness was the problem. ‘She doesn’t bite, you know. And you did say you liked her. I want Marta to be more competent and relaxed with her English. I want her to like the Barossa because in the not too distant future it will be her home. I don’t want her getting homesick for Germany and her friends. All of us must keep her amused, and too busy to miss the things she is used to.’ He lifted an eyebrow at his brother. ‘Understand?’
    ‘Of course. But…I have Krugerhoff. Harvest time will be in another month, maybe less. I won’t always be available.’
    Kurt pulled a face and gave him a playful punch on the arm. ‘I don’t mean every day. Just sometimes. Surely you can manage that.’
    Spending time with Marta, keeping her entertained. The prospect was tantalising and at the same time terrifying. Already he liked Kurt’s fiancée too much and not in the way a future brother-in-law should. The pull of attraction had been magnetic, at least on his part. But how could he refuse Kurt’s request? He knew he couldn’t. ‘I’d be happy to help.’ Rolfe watchedKurt, his mission completed, roll off the bed and stand up.
    ‘Great, Rolfie, I appreciate it.’ Kurt turned on his heel and left the room.
    Alone once more, Rolfe stared at the closed door for maybe half a minute then, accepting what would be, he reached over to the small chest of drawers by his bed, opened the top drawer and pulled out a long, black-jacketed book. Opening it, he picked up the pen resting between the pages and turning to a blank page—the previous one having several drawings of the perimeters of Krugerhoff on it—he began to write down his thoughts: ‘Today I met Kurt’s fiancée, Marta…’
    Carla looked up from her father’s journal to see Sam, rubbing his eyes sleepily, his ginger hair stuck up in spikes. He came into the living room and walked towards her. ‘Good morning, my darling boy.’
    ‘Morning,’ Sam mumbled on the end of a yawn. ‘Watcha doing?’ He permitted his mother to give him a cuddle and a kiss on the cheek before moving to perch on the side-arm of her