Tears of the Moon - Di Morrissey [82]
‘Do we have to do it here and now?’ Tyndall affected to look slightly bored.
Gently Conrad covered the points he and Olivia had discussed. ‘I mean, old chap, we are partners and what each of us does affects the other and the company.’
‘Well, I certainly wouldn’t want to cause you both any distress or embarrassment … ’
‘You should have thought of that earlier then,’ cut in Olivia.
Tyndall’s eyes blazed as he turned to her. ‘Haven’t you ever let your emotions get the better of you? Look, Niah is going to be around for the foreseeable future. I’ve set her up in my house.’
The boldness and the bluntness of the announcement left Olivia speechless. Tyndall had no intention of even making an effort at some face-saving pretence.
‘Look, I could pretend she was a servant or a cook, but no one in this town would be fooled by that.’ He looked challengingly at her, then went on. ‘I’m not going to be a hypocrite. Do you want me to invent some grand lie?’
Conrad stepped in before Olivia had composed her tumbling thoughts and emotions. ‘Look, John, let’s not allow things to get out of hand. I understand your point of view, but you must realise that Olivia and I don’t find it easy to accept, particularly so suddenly. If that’s the way you intend to play it, then we will have to come to terms with that.’
Olivia fussed with her glass, took a sip to give her a little more time to take control of her anger. ‘If that’s how it’s to be, then I will go along with it. However, I have to say that while I am very sympathetic towards Niah, I cannot accept her in my house as a guest.’
Tyndall nodded in agreement. ‘Understood and accepted. I am sorry that it has caused some pain but let’s hope time will heal today’s wounds.’ He finished off his drink then leaned forward in a clear signal that the matter was closed and he was moving to a new item on the evening’s agenda. ‘Now, some business matters.’
Olivia looked out into the twilight gardens, with-drawing from the conversation as the men talked business. A sadness crept over her as she felt the beginning of a rift in her relationship with Tyndall. She blamed him entirely for the seduction of Niah and for spoiling a friendship which she now admitted had become very special to her.
After dinner the magician performed in the main dining room and was well received by the relaxed crowd. He juggled, ate fire and did sleight-of-hand tricks which had the crowd gasping. For his finale he drew out a pack of large tarot cards and picked on members of the audience to tell their fortunes. It was highly amusing and, in most cases, very accurate, though for some a bit close to the bone. The crowd applauded, gasped and tittered, unaware the visitor had done his homework round the shops, sheds and pubs gathering details of the lives of some of the town’s personalities. For his last victim he pounced on Tyndall, who with mock reluctance allowed himself to be led to the small table and chair in the centre of the room.
The performer dealt the cards then turned them face up, studied them for a moment and pronounced, ‘Luck and fortune are soon to come your way.’ This sent a murmur round the room and a few good-natured ripostes about what pearls he may have found last trip. But the magician’s next remark brought the house down. ‘You are very lucky in love. I see four women in your life … ’ When the laughter had subsided the seer added softly, ‘Their love will come at a high price, but be assured their love will be special.’ The cards were shuffled quickly into the pack and Tyndall had the fleeting impression that the magician had been about to tell him something else and changed his mind.
Against a background of considerable laughter, cheering and ribald comments Tyndall sat down with the Hennessys and Olivia raised her eyebrows. ‘Four ladies in your life?’
‘Well, I hope he’s right about the riches,’ said Conrad quickly. He took Olivia’s hand and helped her to her feet. ‘It’s late, we’ll be going now. I’ll see you tomorrow at the camp.’
Tyndall yawned. ‘I don’t think so, old friend, I’m taking