This last year, thanks to some extra rain the previous year, Ted had been able to use half his property himself, instead of leasing it all. They’d been working closely together and things were going well enough that Ted had offered to go into partnership with the stud. Dan wondered how he managed it but he didn’t like to quiz his neighbour on his personal affairs. Dan had used the collateral of his property to borrow the money. He wasn’t sure where that would leave Ted if things happened as Rowena had said and the farm ownership became a battle with this interstate cousin. Another family in the district was going through a bitter court case over assets. It was a divorce so a different scenario but it was possible Dan would have to take a similar course of action to retain his property.

“Ted, I need to talk to you about our partnership.”

“I know I’m not an equal partner but you give me equal say.”

“That doesn’t matter. You’re streets ahead of me in knowledge. It’s the financial side that…”

“You know I’d like to put more in. It’s all such a juggling act. I really appreciate you putting in and giving me the chance to get back on my feet. With the season the way it is, catching up is going to take me a bit longer. I had thought I might have been able to manage without putting any of my land up for lease next year but it’s not looking like it now.”

Dan recognised the torment he saw in Ted’s eyes. Ted looked how Dan felt. Dan just hoped he was better at hiding it from everyone.

“I don’t want to worry you, Dan, but I’ve been thinking we may have to cut the number of lambs we sell.”

“Why?”

“It’s so dry, the market could be flooded with stock. We might be better off to wait. We’ve got plenty of feed here.”

“Let’s wait and see,” Dan said. “I’d better get going.”

He strode back to his vehicle, glad he hadn’t confided in Ted. He’d suffered enough financial setbacks. Dan would have to think of something without putting more pressure on his friend.

* * *

Paula was walking Tom to the gate as Dan drove up.

Tom turned back abruptly and Paula nearly walked into him.

“Would you mind not mentioning my…my trouble with the paperwork to Dan?”

“If that’s what you want, Tom, but surely he understands…”

“Please, Paula.” Tom’s voice was low and his expression solemn.

“Of course.” She hoped she sounded reassuring but she couldn’t imagine how Dan hadn’t noticed Tom’s difficulty with reading and writing. They’d worked together for a long time.

“Did you get those drums shifted, Tom?” Dan strode through the gate, ignoring Tarzan who danced at his feet.