Page 127 of The Pearl Sister
‘Where?’ Kitty’s eyes narrowed for a second, thinking that, however much she loved and trusted Camira, the girl was poor and the pearl was worth a whole new life to her and her child.
Camira studied her expression and, as usual, read her thoughts. ‘You keepum that bad cursed pearl, an’ you sell for money from the big rich fella, an’ Charlie orphan in three months.’ She crossed her arms and looked away.
‘All right,’ Kitty agreed. After all, she hardly needed the money and nor did her son. ‘It’s brought the most dreadful luck to all of us. If I was to believe in the curse myself, I might say that it has destroyed our family.’ Kitty swallowed hard and eyed Camira. ‘Maybe the sooner it’s gone, we can all begin to breathe again.’
‘Fred takem me to place he know. Me n’ Cat go for one day with him.’ Camira walked towards the door. ‘Best thing, Missus Kitty. Putta bad thing where it can’t do no harm.’
‘You make sure it doesn’t. Thank you, Camira.’
* * *
A few days later, Kitty had a visit from Noel Donovan.
‘Forgive me for intruding again, Mrs Mercer, and at such a difficult time for your family, but I am sure ye’ll be knowing that your husband has placed the running of the Mercer Pearling Company into my hands until either he returns, or little Charlie comes of age.’
‘Let us pray it will be the former,’ Kitty replied.
‘Of course, and I’ll not be doubting it. Such a difficult time for ye, Mrs Mercer. Me own family lost ten in the potato famine last century. That’s what brought what was left of us here. There’s many a man and woman who’s arrived on these shores through tragedy.’
‘I did not arrive with it, but it seems to have followed me here,’ Kitty said brusquely. ‘Now, Mr Donovan, what can I do for you?’
‘Well, the thing is that you’d be the closest to knowing what was going through Andrew’s mind. And I’m wondering if ye know exactly when he’ll be back?’
‘He gave me no indication, Mr Donovan.’
‘Did he not talk over your supper table as my missus and I tend to?’ Noel continued to press her. ‘If anyone knows his thoughts on the future of the business, t’would be you.’
‘Yes, of course.’ Some deeper instinct in Kitty told her to answer in the affirmative. ‘Before his departure, we spoke of many things.’
‘Then ye’ll be aware that your husband removed twenty thousand pounds from the company bank account only a few days before he died?’
Kitty’s stomach plummeted as she realised what Andrew had almost certainly used the money for. ‘Yes. What of it?’
‘Perhaps t’was for a new lugger?’
‘Yes, that’s right.’
‘And would ye be knowing who was building it? There seems to be no record in the ledgers.’
‘I’m afraid not, although I believe it was a company in England.’
‘Could well be. The fact remains, Mrs Mercer, that we lost three luggers in the cyclone. I’m thanking God t’was the lay-up season, or t’would surely have been more. The problem is that, combined with the deficit of twenty thousand pounds, it means that we’re running a substantial overdraft with the bank.’
‘Are we really?’ Although Kitty was shocked, she did not show her surprise. ‘Surely the debt can be repaid over an agreed period of time, while the company recovers from its loss?’
‘Twenty thousand pounds and three luggers down is a lot to recover from, Mrs Mercer. Even with a good haul in the coming months, I’d say t’would take us a good three years to pay it off before we’re back into profit. Unless, of course, we strike lucky . . .’ Noel’s voice trailed off and she read the concern on his normally placid features.
‘I see.’
‘And the other problem we have, if ye don’t mind me saying so, is that morale amongst the crew’s low. ’Tis the double loss, see. However hard your husband worked, many of them would still be seeing Mr Stefan as the boss. As it is, with Mr Andrew absent, some of our best men are being lured into taking offers from other companies. Only yesterday, Ichitaro, our most experienced diver, told me that he and his tender were off to work for the Rubin company. ’Tis a huge blow, and will only encourage other men to do the same.’
‘I understand completely, Mr Donovan. It is indeed a very concerning situation.’
‘Well now.’ Noel stood up. ‘Here’s me bothering you about business at a time when ye yerself have lost so much. I’ll be on me way.’
‘Mr Donovan.’ Kitty also stood. ‘It seems to me that, as you say, the men are dispirited and without a leader. Perhaps it might be a good idea if I came down to the office and spoke to them? Explained that the Mercer Pearling Company is still very much a going concern, and that there is no cause for alarm?’
Noel looked doubtful. ‘I’d say that – without wishing to offend you, Mrs Mercer – I’m not sure they’d be listening to a woman.’
