Who is Burl from Jackaroo: A Novel of the Kingdom and what is their importance?

Burl was originally purchased by Gwyn's father as an indentured servant. Burl, however, has chosen to remain with the family over the years because they treat him well, and he now earns wages. Burl is described as a hard worker, who is down-to-earth and respectable. Burl only breaks from this character when Gwyn is in danger. or he needs to act as protector. When Gwyn must run away to save her life, for example, he goes with her, providing her cover and eventually proposing to her. Though it is clear that he loved her all along, Gwyn only realizes at the end of the book that she loves him, as well.