'This is not how you should be spending your wedding night, Olivia,' said Mabel. 'I thought you had the best room at the Conti set aside.'

'We do, and I hope someone pours John into it. When they started singing and talking of going round for drinks at the Star and the Roebuck ... '

'And the Governor Broome ... '

'Yes, I thought I'd rather sleep in my own bed. John and I have the rest of our lives together,' she answered.

'You're not mad at him?' asked Maya.

'How can you be. He's so happy, he's just a silly kid at times. Leave them to it. He'll make it up to me.'

Mabel left and Maya and Olivia got ready for bed.

Maya slipped down the hall and tapped at Olivia's door. 'Good night. Sweet dreams, Olivia.'

'Maya, come in for a minute.' Olivia was standing in her nightgown brushing her long hair, still wearing the pearls. She put down the brush and lifted the pearls over her head. 'Maya, these are to be yours one day. And I trust you will pa.s.s them on to Georgiana.'

'Oh, Olivia ... I don't know what to say. They're so beautiful.' Together they fingered the perfect spheres the colour of moonlight.

'You and I know, maybe better than most women, at what cost these come. The price men pay is not in money.'

'It's like these cast a spell,' said Maya softly.

'Men have always searched for some prize, a reward, but secretly I think it's the adventure of the search that lures them. I often think that pearls hold the souls of men. See how they come to life against your skin. Don't put them away in a box, wear them.'

'I'll remember that.'

They hugged and Maya went to her room.

And while Tyndall and his pearling mates began a game of bowls using tennis b.a.l.l.s and bottles of champagne in the grounds of the Conti, his daughter and his wife slept peacefully.

There followed years Olivia always remembered as the Happy Years. She and Tyndall were blissfully content, enjoying every moment they spent together, whether working over details of the business or simply watching the sunset from the verandah. He made her laugh, they still found each other's company exhilarating and their lovemaking continued as pa.s.sionate as ever. Occasionally Tyndall swept a willing Olivia away from their bed to make love under the stars or on one of the boats they motored to a far reach of the bay. They built a tiny one-room shack further along the coast past Cable Beach where they sometimes camped for days at a stretch. 'Shipwreck House' they called it. They cooked over an open fire, swam naked in rock pools and slept in hammocks between palm trees.

Olivia described these days of simple fun in detail in her diary ... watching the big circus that came up by coastal steamer and performed in the grounds of the Conti ... an evening at Sun Pictures sitting in the canvas deck chairs in the open air, a length of lattice dividing the whites from the 'coloureds' who sat on benches on the other side ... cold lemon shaved ices on a hot afternoon ... wild turkey and duck hunting trips to Lake Eda, Stan's young relatives acting as retrievers ... and watching at sunset hundreds of brolgas performing mating dances around the fringes of Roebuck Plains. On these trips Olivia collected flower and gra.s.s specimens which she pressed in her flower book.

The Depression knocked the bottom out of the pearling business once again. By the mid-thirties the sliding price for sh.e.l.l had forced many pearlers out of business and others had to sell off some of their luggers. The Star of the Sea fleet was down to the schooner, Mist, Mist, and four boats, six having been sold off for very poor prices. The situation was made worse by new incursions by foreign vessels into Australian waters as well as the deep sea beds. The development of small engines for the luggers had given fleets a much greater mobility and the Australian pearlers were faced with a virtual invasion of mainly j.a.panese operated craft, particularly in the northern waters. and four boats, six having been sold off for very poor prices. The situation was made worse by new incursions by foreign vessels into Australian waters as well as the deep sea beds. The development of small engines for the luggers had given fleets a much greater mobility and the Australian pearlers were faced with a virtual invasion of mainly j.a.panese operated craft, particularly in the northern waters.

The pearlers, including Tyndall, were furious but there seemed to be nothing they could do.

Olivia tried to be philosophical about the changing world. 'John, you're in your sixties and we've had a good run. There's still money to be made and we're comfortable.'

'It's just not right though ... Sure, a lot of the pearling is done in international waters, but the foreigners are coming into territorial waters as well. You know, the police tell me they've heard of lubras being sold to j.a.panese and Malay crews for liquor, tobacco and flour. But they haven't caught anyone. And the customs people are b.l.o.o.d.y hopeless, too. Haven't any decent boats.'

Tyndall was not in a good mood at all and he stomped off inside, found a bottle of beer in the ice chest, filled a pewter mug and returned to Olivia on the verandah. 'Another thing. I'm not going to become a b.l.o.o.d.y verandah pearler, so don't bring up that age business again.'

Olivia looked up from her diary and smiled as she dipped her pen in the inkpot. She loved the way her husband always bridled whenever reference was made to his age. 'No darling, of course not. It wouldn't suit you at all.'

The only shadow over their life was the rebellious Georgiana. Years ago, after long and often tearful discussions, they had capitulated and agreed to send her to high school in Perth where she boarded with old friends of Olivia's. Georgiana had never settled into Broome life, nor taken to its people. It saddened Maya deeply that her daughter seemed so determined to turn her back on their Aboriginal heritage.

'You can't force it on her, Maya dear,' said Olivia sympathetically. 'She may come to it in her own time but that has to be her decision. It must be very difficult for her.'

It had been Olivia, not Maya, that Georgiana had turned to for help when she graduated from high school. Olivia had gone to Perth specifically to help her get settled in a secretarial school and now she was working in the office of one of the coastal shipping companies. Georgiana no longer came back to Broome for holidays, and her letters were becoming less frequent.

It came as quite a shock to them all when a letter arrived from Georgiana announcing that she had been offered a job in the head office of the company in Sydney and she was sailing east in a couple of weeks.

Maya immediately went to the post office and sent a telegram to her daughter. Good luck G.o.d bless you love Mother. Good luck G.o.d bless you love Mother.

As she walked slowly and sadly back home, Maya knew in her heart that the move east was designed to put even more distance between her daughter and a heritage that she couldn't live with.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR.

Maya glanced up as the MacRobertson Miller de Havilland mail plane circled over Broome before landing. She must have had a premonition, for the following morning Olivia handed her a letter. It was from Georgie in Sydney.

Dear Mother, I'm well settled here in Sydney, I just didn't think there were enough opportunities in Perth-and how right I was! I have a wonderful job with David Jones department store in Elizabeth Street. I'm secretary to the fashion buyer-all those boring practise sessions on the old Remington have paid off-and I'm enjoying it. Through friends at work I have found a teeny flat in Kings Cross, a very bohemian sort of area where a lot of artists, writers and musicians and 'characters' live-right up my street! I really feel I'm in the hub of things here and have a proper career path lined up. Those years as an office junior, then secretary, in the shipping company in Perth have proved valuable even though I found it so deadly dull at the time. When I was boarding with Olivia and Gilbert's friends there, they thought I was such an independent modern woman to be out in the world supporting myself. I think they'd be quite shocked if they could see the career girls about in Sydney. Everyone dresses so nicely and the social life is outstanding. I'm glad I get my fashions at a discount! I am considering saving what money I can to travel abroad in a year or so. I've met a lot of sophisticated foreigners here and I can't wait to see London. Give my love to Olivia and Tyndall.

Love, Georgie

Maya folded the letter. It was written in Georgie's large flowing hand and had the same breathless quality as the way she spoke. Probably dashed the letter off on the tram on the way to work, thought Maya. She was pleased at her daughter's capacity to look after herself and get on in the world. Georgie was a survivor and an adventurer, she certainly wasn't looking over her shoulder towards Broome. Georgie had shown her independence from a very early age but it made Maya sad that in so doing she had turned away from the family. Georgie had never felt connected to her family and Maya didn't really understand why. Perhaps she should have persisted in trying to instil more knowledge of her Aboriginal heritage to give her more of a sense of belonging. Minnie always said Georgie should have got the knowledge and done the ceremonies but the girl had rebelled at anything to do with 'Minnie's mob'. There was not the emotional closeness Maya would have liked and sometimes she felt Georgiana was closer to Olivia than to her.

She shared these thoughts with Olivia after giving her Georgie's letter to read.

'She is something of a free spirit, Maya, that's for sure. But I think it's how she was born. You can't have any regrets about how you brought her up. Let's hope that one day Georgie stops rushing at the world and finds her true self. Maybe when she marries she will come to realise how important family is,' said Olivia, trying to comfort Maya.

Maya nodded but didn't answer. Deep down she had her doubts about Georgiana returning to the fold as a loving and devoted daughter and it felt like a rejection. Some people don't need that closeness and never face up to who they really are and what's important in their lives. Minnie used to say such people died as 'lost souls' and Maya fervently hoped Georgie wouldn't be one of them.

Tyndall walked along the almost deserted verandah of the Continental. In the old days it would have been crowded and noisy just before lunch. He spotted the rotund shape of Toby Metta talking to the slim man in a formal grey suit sitting next to Olivia, and headed towards them. The man rose to his feet as Tyndall joined them.

Toby did the introductions. 'Ah, John, please meet Claude Barat ... Claude, this is Captain John Tyndall.'

'I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, sir. I've heard a lot about you.'

Tyndall smiled as he shook hands with the handsome young European on his first trip to Australia to buy pearls. 'How is your father? We will miss him, he has been such a good friend as well as business a.s.sociate over the years. Men of his quality rarely find their way to Broome.'

'Thank you so much for your kind words. He remembers you all with affection. It's a pity that he now finds the trip a bit much, but he's still active in the business. I'm looking forward to being a regular visitor to Broome. When things settle down, of course.'

'Drink, John?' asked Toby.

'I have one on the way, thanks. So you and Olivia have finalised your transactions?' He smiled at his wife. 'You've probably discovered Olivia drives a hard bargain.'

'Ah, my father told me Mrs Tyndall is always fair ... and ... charming.' Monsieur Barat's son lifted his gla.s.s to Olivia with a courtly nod.

Tyndall sipped his drink. 'The sh.e.l.l market has been poor but we still manage to find a decent pearl or two. But what do you mean "when things settle down"? The market you mean?'

'I was thinking more particularly of the political events in Europe, especially in Germany. The Jewish people are being persecuted terribly. Hitler is getting ready for war, there's no doubt about it. The repercussions will hit Broome, believe me.'

Olivia gave a small gasp of surprise and turned to Tyndall who looked unfazed. 'Well, if there's one place unlikely to find itself involved in an international conflict, it's Broome. Though we've had our share of our own little wars right here over the years. Isn't that so, Toby?' said Tyndall with a laconic grin.

'Indeed we have. But the rumblings in Europe are sounding ominous,' said Toby, lighting a cigarette.

'So much so that my father is moving the family and the business from Europe to New York.'

Tyndall raised his eyebrows. 'That is a big step. Especially when times are so grim. The recovery from the Depression has been very slow. War in Europe could have disastrous effects ... kill off the industry for good. And we can't have that. Plastic is no comparison for pearl sh.e.l.l.'

'Well, times change, Captain Tyndall ... '

'They do indeed,' Toby agreed. 'It's hard to imagine pearling not being Broome's lifeblood.'

'You wouldn't consider retiring, Captain Tyndall? This seems the time to bow out,' said Claude Barat delicately.

'No b.l.o.o.d.y way. Never,' said Tyndall firmly.

That night he talked to Olivia. This was not verandah sunset drink chat, but lying in bed holding each other in the warm darkness.

'Young Barat's remark hit home, I have to confess,' Tyndall admitted, 'I don't feel any different ... do you?'

'Older, you mean? No. I sometimes get a surprise when I look in the mirror and see this "woman of a certain age" and wonder where the young Olivia disappeared to.'

'She hasn't gone anywhere. She's right here.' Tyndall tightened his grip around her. 'I always see you as the windswept fresh-faced young woman in those mad sailing pyjamas.'

Olivia smiled in the darkness and snuggled close to him. 'But the fact remains, my darling-we aren't as young as we were, and sailing and all the physical work involved in pearling takes their toll.'

'Olivia ... I'm still fit and I'm still a pearler. I'm not about to sit on the verandah.'

'I know, John. But what Claude was pointing out is the bad state of the industry. And this talk of war is very worrying. It will devastate the business.'

'Young Barat reckoning a war could hit us here seems a bit far-fetched. I doubt Hitler is eyeing the north-west of Australia, but I think the Barats are probably smart to move their headquarters to New York. Don't worry, we'll keep pearling as long as we're able.'

Tyndall's dismissal of the events in Europe was contradicted in a matter of months as they all began to follow the deteriorating situation in Europe with mounting tension.

It was Maya, making a cup of tea one morning, who came running to Tyndall and Olivia, tapping urgently on their bedroom door. 'We're at war! The news just came over the wireless. Because Britain is at war with Germany ... something to do with Poland. Oh dear ... ' Maya went in and sat tearfully on the edge of the bed.

Olivia took her hand. 'It seems incredible ... two wars in our lifetime. When will they learn? When I think of Hamish and all those brave boys who died ... ' The two women sat quietly for a moment, then Tyndall broke the silence.

'I'd better go find out if the RM knows any more details.'

Later that morning small groups garnered about the town to discuss the news. The RM's aide was dispatched on his bicycle to the homes and offices of the leading citizens in the town, calling them to a meeting at the Residence.

Tyndall, the Senior Customs Officer, the Inspector of Pearl Fisheries, the new Sergeant of Police, the Bishop, the doctor, the postmaster, two other pearling masters and several other leading citizens gathered in the front garden of the Residence while a Malay houseboy in white uniform served cool drinks. The men talked quietly amongst themselves, digesting the latest news that had been picked up in a shortwave broadcast from London. The group fell silent when the Resident Magistrate appeared, stood next to the flagpole and cleared his throat.

'Gentlemen. It is my unhappy duty to tell you that I have received official advice from the Government that Australia is now at war. It is our duty as citizens of the British Empire to support her. I know that I have your wholehearted backing to do whatever is necessary for the defence of the Empire in the dark days ahead. I am sure that I can telegraph our Prime Minister, Mr Menzies, that we are all behind the Government and the King.'

The short speech was greeted with a hearty, 'hear, hear', followed by three loud cheers, then everyone took up the lead of the Church of England minister and sang. This was immediately followed by an enthusiastic burst of 'G.o.d save the King.'

Several Malay and j.a.panese crew members pa.s.sing by glanced at the small crowd around the flagpole, but when the anthem was sung they stood still, at attention, as was the custom they had learned.

At its conclusion they continued on their way, shaking their heads at the prospect of war. There were few enough luggers working as it was because of the effects of the Depression. A war would mean the bottom falling out of the pearl sh.e.l.l market.

Maya was very withdrawn and preoccupied and it seemed to Olivia there was something bothering her apart from the war news. Maya looked pale and was racked by a persistent cough. Olivia was about to mention this to Tyndall one evening as they sat on the verandah but, at that moment, Maya quietly came along and asked if she could join them.

'What's up my love?' asked Tyndall. 'I haven't seen a smile in weeks.'

'There isn't much to smile about, is there?' she said with a sigh.

'That depends now,' said Tyndall. 'You could smile because you live in a safe little backwater, it's a terrific sunset out there, and you have a family who loves you.'

'You're right, Dad, but the war is worrying. What's going to happen to us? The business isn't doing well.' She sighed heavily and leaned back in the deckchair as if very tired. 'There's another thing. For some reason, I feel I want to go down the coast to see the mob. Maybe that's what I need to brighten things up. It's ages since I last went bush.'

Tyndall gave her a penetrating glance and Olivia jumped in quickly. 'That's a good idea, Maya, it's nearly the end of the wet. The weather is calm, the sea trip will do you a world of good.'

'Then why don't we all go,' announced Tyndall. He was about to add that he had a feeling it might be their last opportunity for some time, but decided against it.

It was a 'family expedition' down the coast. Olivia, Maya, Tyndall and Ahmed laughed and reminisced as they sailed south in smooth seas and sunny weather. A little colour returned to Maya's cheeks and Olivia was happy to be at sea again. Tyndall declared they all looked as young as when they'd first started sailing down to Cossack and, looking at him, legs braced on the deck, long brown fingers delicately guiding the wheel, the wind in his hair, his back straight, Olivia had to agree. And looking at his beloved Olivia, Tyndall still saw the defiant chin, the bright eyes, the soft curves of the body he adored, her hair falling in a thick loose braid down her back in shades of pepper and salt. Olivia moved a little more cautiously on the boat than in the past, but she, too, still held herself firmly, her grace and poise unbent.

'What a marvellous pair you are,' said Maya.

'I agree,' said Tyndall. 'The only old fella in this crew is Ahmed there.'

Ahmed, slightly stooped and wizen-faced, his bright black eyes still merry, gave a nicotine-stained, gap-toothed grin and raised his cigarette. 'You right there, tuan. Ahmed old fella now.' But his sure movements on the boat and agility in the little galley proved he was not as ancient as Tyndall's teasing hinted.

They moored and, as expected, there were members of the black community there to greet them. The numbers had decreased and they travelled less these days. Some had chosen to settle permanently at the mission on the coast. So the arrival of the schooner was greeted with much excitement, a welcome diversion and reunion.

After greetings were exchanged on the beach, almost all talking at once, they walked through the well-worn track over the dunes to the camp.

Olivia fell silent and the chatter became background noise as she was transported back to the first time she had landed here-frightened, exhausted, pregnant. This place and its inhabitants might as well have been an alien planet. Now she knew almost -everyone and the women still told the story of her arrival and the birth of baby James. It had become folklore. What might have happened to her had they not befriended her? She had Tyndall to thank for that. She had found that there was a kinship between these people and Minnie and Niah. Now she better understood and appreciated the intertwining relationships. Maya had lost her ident.i.ty then rediscovered it here. Olivia had helped bring Maya into the world and always felt a bond with her, little knowing she would one day give birth to Olivia's granddaughter. Momentary regrets drifted through her mind, that Hamish had died in the war, and his child Georgie chose not to know these special people, but she dismissed them and concentrated on the conversation around her.

Later, settled round the campfire, pa.s.sing damper and treacle, Tyndall glanced across at Olivia and felt such pride and love as he watched her, so at ease and genuinely fond of these people. She was as gracious and relaxed as if in a drawing room. What a delight it had been sharing these past fourteen years with her. He smiled to himself, recalling the first moment he'd seen her here-alone and defiantly brandishing a gun, so strong, yet so vulnerable. What an incredible journey her life had been, yet despite the tragedies there was no hint of bitterness, no hardness in her face or heart. He had loved her from that very moment and the intensity of his feelings for her had never wavered. Niah had been a special brief light in his life that, if he was honest, filled the s.p.a.ce reserved for Olivia. He fervently hoped he had made Olivia as joyous as he had felt all this time.

As if sensing his thought she glanced over at him and they exchanged a loving smile.

Ahmed caught the swift look between them and it warmed his heart. Tyndall was his family and he had silently watched the trials of Olivia and Tyndall as they stumbled along their separate paths. He knew the great pull between them was like the moon and the tides and had prayed that fate would bring them together.

Maya, too, was moved by the feelings of love and friendship amongst them all. How she wished Georgiana was here to share this. But Maya had now accepted that her daughter was not one of them, that she had chosen to go her own way in life-her independent streak would see her survive and achieve whatever she set her mind to. Maya felt at great peace here with her people. And to share this time with Olivia and Tyndall made it doubly so. She was conscious of her links, secure in her ident.i.ty. The childhood years, even if not fully remembered, were imprinted in her psyche and added to her spiritual sense of belonging. The wisdom these women pa.s.sed on to her, as they had pa.s.sed on to each other for generations, gave Maya strength and peace.

That evening as everyone gathered around the big fire, they feasted and sang and told stories. It was a jewel-bright time that would glitter in the memories of each of them.

The early wartime complacency of Australia was shattered with the bombing of Pearl Harbour. The shock waves rippled to the sh.o.r.es of the town sleeping in the sun on Australia's remote north-west coast.

'It's hard to take in. I just keep thinking of Yoshi and Taki and their families back there and all the wonderful times we had here,' said Olivia with tears in her eyes.