Tears of the Moon - Di Morrissey [47]
‘The best time of day in these parts,’ Tyndall assured them. ‘Ideal for a relaxed look at the world and to marvel at the opportunities it offers us. Cheers,’ he said, raising his glass to the Hennessys. ‘Now about the deal—here’s how I see it. I have the plan and a few assets, but not much ready cash. You have some capital and need a project that offers better prospects than chasing scrubbers and starving sheep all over the outback. And I need a good business head running things on shore. Have I missed anything?’
Conrad nodded. ‘No, that about sums it up.’
‘Right. We go fifty–fifty in the profits. We’ll need most of your capital for the lugger. We aren’t deep– sea pearling to start with, so we can use the schooner, and the cyclone season won’t be a problem for a while. By the way, we’ll have to move to Broome. That’s the heart of the pearling industry these days.’
Conrad fussed with his glass.
John Tyndall was addressing him, for it was the man who made these decisions. But he was uncomfortable about making such a radical change and also the fact that most of their capital had come from Olivia’s inheritance after she sold her late father’s business. It had been her idea to come to Australia. She had read about fortunes made by luck and hard work, and she thirsted for something new and challenging in her life. A childhood dream of adventure, to not be like the other women she knew, had seemed just a dream. But with the early demise of her widowed father and with few ties left to England, an opportunity had presented itself and she had finally convinced Conrad they must seize it.
He took a sip of his drink. ‘It sounds a bit risky, but then that may be because I know absolutely nothing about pearling. It would mean sinking all that we have left into the enterprise.’ He sounded unsure of himself and unwilling to take the decisive step of commitment.
Tyndall rose. ‘I’ll take a turn around the garden. You must want to talk in private, please do so.’ He strolled down the wooden steps into a far corner of the sparse garden to a frangipani tree and began picking some blooms.
Before Conrad could speak Olivia whispered firmly, ‘Do it, Conrad.’ The decisiveness, the determination in her voice stunned Conrad. He was not used to such a reaction from his young wife. ‘But we know so little about him, even though he has been extremely good to us. He has been trading the coast for some time but is new to pearling. Though he does seem to be reasonably respected hereabouts.’
‘Frankly, I don’t think we have a choice but my instinct tells me we should join forces with him. As for being respected, anyone who is sober and owns a decent pair of shoes is regarded as respectable in this town. But I must admit, there is something about him that gives me confidence. Don’t ask me what it is.’
Conrad’s uncertainty dissolved in the face of his wife’s attitude to the venture, an attitude he felt revealed a recklessness that he had never seen. Trying to sound confident and comforting, he put an arm around her. ‘Then the answer is yes. We’ll throw our lot in with him. I just hope I can contribute as much as he expects in the on–shore operation.’
‘Of course you will, dear,’ said Olivia, taking his hand. ‘But just one thing I want you to mention to him … I want to be part of this venture as well.’
‘What do you mean?’ Conrad was genuinely puzzled. ‘You are an investor, it’s your money too, my dear.’
‘I mean work … I want to work in the business. Help in the office or something.’ Her voice then crumbled a little, and a vulnerable young woman now replaced the reckless decision–maker of moments ago. ‘I need something desperately, Conrad. An interest would help me.’ She paused and went on. ‘Help me … cope.’
‘Yes, my dear. I’ll mention it.’ He squeezed her hand then rose and went into the garden and talked with Tyndall, both of them lighting their pipes as they leaned on the picket fence beside the