‘Yeah, but should we? He never shows any interest in what we’re doing and doesn’t say much about his own life. What do we know about the state of his business except his vague guff about doing well? I bet the debt level is high on everything.’

‘But he’s family. Maybe now’s when he needs the money rather than when we’re gone. Maybe it’s a real opportunity.’

‘Yeah,’ said Pearly, unconvinced. He lay thinking. He could see a faint, flickering aura on the wall of the hall caused by the television. ‘He should have told us earlier,’ he said.

‘It’s just come up, though.’

‘Even a day or two would have helped.’

‘Maybe.’

‘I think we should say $50,000. It’s still a lot of money but hopefully not so much that he gets carried away. The more he has to pay interest on, the cannier he’ll be.’

‘I’m happy with what he’s asked for, but it’s up to you,’ she said. ‘I’m sure Leanne wouldn’t mind after all the support she’s had.’ Helen was massaging moisturiser into her face with practised ease, and her cheeks had a shine in the light of the bedside lamp. ‘I wish he’d find someone to settle down with,’ she said. ‘Boats are shifting things and always remind me of partings. He’s forty now, and he’s never brought anyone here except that Nicky girl ages ago who broke a saucer from the blue dinner set.’

‘Not on purpose?’ Pearly couldn’t recall Nicky.

‘Of course not. I quite liked her. She sent a note of thanks after being here. She’ll be married with children now. Kevin never mentions anyone.’

‘Who does to their parents? I never did. Not until it was pretty serious, anyway.’

‘She was a kindergarten teacher, that’s right,’ said Helen. She’d been still while she tried to remember, but having succeeded, she continued to massage her face.

Kevin was up before Pearly the next morning and had made himself eggs and toast for breakfast. ‘What’s the verdict, then?’ he said as soon as Pearly came into the dining room.

‘We’re happy to lend you $50,000 if you think the yacht’s a good buy.’

‘Okay, thanks. I probably won’t be in the hunt, but it’s worth a try.’