While Oriwia was away, the bakery and shop was being managed by Binnie with the help of Marianne, who was friend Dulcie’s granddaughter. Her parents lived on the property and were part owners of the farm. Marianne was fifteen years old and had often come in after school to help. As the weather improved, Binnie had to return to her work at the restaurant, and since it was school holidays Marianne managed well enough with help from her grandmother.

On her return Oriwia went to see Dulcie. Farm work and the outdoors had thinned her friend and reddened and toughened her skin. Her hair was turning grey but her black-crystal eyes hadn’t changed. She was wearing a cotton skirt and a fisherman-rib jersey with the sleeves rolled up. She was barefoot. Dulcie embraced Oriwia, seating her at the table while she made tea and hacked fruit cake.

‘Talk to me. Talk to me, Oriwia. You’re tanned. You’re so rested and healthy. Tell me, tell me.’

Oriwia told her friend all about her stay in Hawai‘i and the decision she had come to.

‘I want to ask about Marianne,’ she said. ‘I know she’s still at school, but I need someone for the winter months. Before I approach her parents, or Marianne herself, I want to know what you think. She enjoys the shop. She’s capable, bright. People like her. At the same time, I hesitate because … because it wouldn’t have been what I wanted for my own daughters …’

‘She hates school. Her parents want her to stay on and do her exams, but she can’t stand it.’ Dulcie poured tea, brought the cups to the table and sat down. ‘Like her grandmother. No great scholar. Begging her parents … She’ll help out on the farm, she says.’ Dulcie broke a piece off her slice of cake and examined it. ‘All those years ago, when I told my parents I wanted to leave school, they didn’t stop me. I was twelve. I loved the bakery. Talk to me, tell me …’

‘I want to train someone to take over for two months during the off season, and of course I’d keep her on after that.’ Oriwia blew steam across the surface of her tea. ‘You know, the climate here. For Chappy? It’s no good. But Marianne … the farm?’

‘In the busy season there’s work for her on the farm, but I don’t know if farming’s the life for her. As you say, she’s chirpy. Needs to get out among people. I reckon she’d … And winter? I’d keep an eye on her, have time to do the baking if you think …’ Dulcie’s eyes prickled. ‘I love the baking. We’ll talk to her parents.’

Chapter 27

Aki