Hugh travelled to Scotland to visit the Gemmell family and whilst there met Alexander Sloane who had arrived from Victoria. Hugh persuaded Alexander travelled to Taunton with him. Alexander and Annabella were attracted to each other and shortly afterwards became engaged. Annabella was just 17 years old. Hugh Gibson became engaged to Lavinia Featherstone of Wiveliscombe about the same time.
In 1854, Hugh Gibson and Alexander Sloane returned to Victoria.

Alexander and brother William arrived in Melbourne 1849.
After a short stint at the gold diggings the Sloane brothers became mercantile agents. Alexander in partnership with Thomas Gibson (Hugh’s brother). When Thomas died Alexander left the business and with rwo sons James and Thomas and wife Annabella went to stay at Myrnong near Mortlake.