Shadows on the Goldfield Track

<p>Sequel to the novel "Shadow of the Northern Orchid".</p><p>This <strong>nineteenth-century novel begins in London 1867</strong>. Abigail Baldwin recently widowed and pregnant faces an unpleasant decision. Abigail battles within herself; the determined woman against a lifetime of obeyance to her autocratic father. What will convince her to leave a comfortable lifestyle and join her twin brother? Doctor George Goldfinch plans to emigrate to Queensland where he hopes to <strong>set up a medical practice in the fledging town of Brisbane</strong>.</p><p>Seven years later finds the Goldfinch Entourage aboard the <strong>“Northern Orchid” </strong>on a journey to <strong>Cooktown in North Queensland</strong>. This ill-equipped settlement is host to thousands of miners travelling to and from the <strong>goldfields on the Palmer River</strong>. Disillusioned miners are returning to Cooktown in poor physical condition. Many have died on the treacherous track. The group is here on a <strong>mercy mission as well as to assuage a need for adventure</strong>.</p><p>Onboard ship is the <strong>stowaway Maureen Ryan who is on a quest of her own</strong>. She must find her father a gold prospector whom she hopes will be at the recent gold-find on the Palmer River.</p><p>Abigail takes the young woman into her care offering support for the girl and her search.</p><p>Cooktown reveals no evidence of Bert Ryan. Maureen realises she must make the dangerous trek to the Palmer River Goldfields if she is to find her father. Dressed as a young boy <strong>Maureen joins a packhorse teamster Silas </strong>trading between Cooktown and the Palmer River goldfields. He claims to know Bert Ryan her father. Will her disguise survive a two-week journey along a 200-mile track which claims the lives of miners seeking the gold on a daily basis?</p><p><strong>Can this innocent young woman trust Silas</strong>?</p>