Tears of the Moon - Di Morrissey [122]
Having discussed what to do with this sudden wealth, Olivia and Tyndall chose to plough the bulk of the money into the business, but Olivia decided to put some aside to buy a house in Fremantle as an investment. Tyndall announced he was going to build a new house on a hill overlooking the sea, not far from the foreshore camp.
Some weeks later when he unrolled the blueprint on Olivia’s verandah, she was flabbergasted.
‘It’s a bit of a palace, isn’t it, John. I mean, it’s so large and the garden rambles everywhere, though I love the terraces. It will have a great view to the bay from the front verandah.’
‘You can watch for the fleet coming in,’ he said shyly.
‘From your house?’ She gave him a puzzled look.
‘Well, yes, Olivia, I was rather thinking it would be your house, too.’
Her heart did a flip-flop and she caught her breath, then gave a teasing smile. ‘Are you asking me to formalise our relationship?’
‘Formalise our relationship?’ he repeated in astonishment, missing the humour in her voice. ‘I’m asking you to marry me.’ His tone made it more of an explanation than a question. ‘I’ve always loved you, Olivia. Since the moment I first saw you on the beach. I never thought there would be a chance for me, and I was content to be close to you. I loved working beside you and thought you were an extraordinary woman. But these past months, since we have come together … I can’t bear having to hide my feelings and not being able to be with you, all the time, has made me realise … ’
Olivia started to tremble. She had never admitted to herself that there had been some fateful pull between them since they’d first met. She had fought her feelings, fought against the sheer physical attraction of the man, determined not to be conquered by him. For as she’d always known, once she let herself go, and fell into his arms, she would be bound to him for ever. She’d never known such sexual passion, such a deep sense of knowing they belonged together.
Since they’d become lovers she had dared not think past every moment they’d shared.
‘Olivia … say something.’ He reached for her hand and felt her trembling.
She put her fingers to his lips. ‘It’s all right. Everything is all right. I love you, too. Yes, John Tyndall, I will marry you.’
He swept her into his arms and kissed her fervently, his mouth lingering on hers.
Later, holding hands, they broke the news to Minnie.
Minnie beamed and nodded sagely. ‘Thought so.’
Olivia told Hamish when they were alone together after dinner that night. He was immediately delighted and relieved. Since his father’s death he had felt insecure and worried about the future. The burden of responsibility for his mother quickly slipped from his young shoulders.
Tyndall was against a formal announcement and they simply told friends and acquaintances about their plans as they saw them. However word spread quickly around the community. The news did not surprise anyone. Most people considered it a logical and convenient arrangement. But few realised the depth of passion and emotion between them. For both what had gone before was special and not to be demeaned or dismissed; but this connection between them, this physical and emotional bonding became their life blood. They gave each other’s life new meaning and fulfilment. They were almost afraid to show the world how joyous they felt.
Plans for the house were eventually finalised and building began. Tyndall and Olivia would start and end each day by walking hand in hand about the site, visualising the rooms and what would be in them.
The wedding date was set for several months ahead—a simple affair in the small wooden church to be followed by a reception in the garden of the Continental Hotel. They’d tried to keep it simple but the town had taken the event to its heart and everyone wanted to be involved, help or just attend.
‘It’s probably going to be the most egalitarian