An Uncommon Woman by Nicole Alexander

Author:Nicole Alexander [Alexander, Nicole]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780857989505
Google: 5P4NtAEACAAJ
Amazon: B01MUYUMN4
Publisher: Random House Australia
Published: 2017-07-03T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

‘So it’s agreed?’ asked Hamilton of Han Lee, as they sat at the verandah table. The Chinaman was a savvy operator, living up to his reputation. Hamilton had first heard of the man two years ago, when the oriental and his men began to undercut established ringbarking teams in western New South Wales. The newcomers were not greeted favourably by those who’d enjoyed a monopoly on the business for a number of years. And when it became immediately obvious that the landowners’ loyalties lay with those who could do the job the quickest and the cheapest, there were fights and the burning of Chinese property in retaliation.

‘Mr Baker. Yes. We will do your ringbarking at this price.’ Han Lee lifted the china teacup, an extended pinkie emphasising a long tapering fingernail.

Four hundred yards away, Han Lee’s team sat cross-legged in rows on the ground, the wagon and horses at a standstill. Hamilton wasn’t used to an audience when conducting business and he rather felt as if he were performing on a stage. If Gloria were here she would undoubtedly remark on their sphinx-like expressions, a most disconcerting image when combined with their number and the sombre-coloured pants and long tunics they wore. Waiting slightly apart from the visitors were Aiden, Davidson and Will. Now the Chinese were here, the boy could be on his way. There was no need of him anymore.

‘We wish for land to grow our vegetables.’ Han Lee sipped the hot drink. ‘My extended family owns the Emporium in Wywanna and with an established garden we could supply this business more advantageously.’ He spoke melodiously, his almond eyes unblinking.

The ringbarking rate was very reasonable. Far more economical than expected. Hamilton guessed the clan was keen to get a foothold in the district and with the prices they offered that was assured. ‘You already stock a large range of goods,’ said Hamilton, recalling the silk scarfs and other small items purchased for Gloria.

Han Lee finished the tea, wiping his face fastidiously with a napkin. ‘Yes, imported from Canton and Hong Kong. But vegetables and fruits –’

‘Are always in high demand,’ Hamilton completed the Chinaman’s sentence. ‘And there is good money in market gardening.’ The statement was left unanswered. ‘There is available land around the town, but you would have conducted your own enquiries.’ He poured more tea.

‘This is true, but unfortunately,’ Han Lee dipped the long nail in the cup, stirring the black tea thoughtfully, ‘we have found some difficulties in acquiring it.’ He sucked at the wet nail.

‘Your English is very good. You were born here?’ asked Hamilton.

‘Yes. My grandfather and father were sojourners from our village and their descendants followed. We are businessmen, Mr Baker. We come here to make money. We stay, three years or thirty years, but we eventually go home. I have heard you are a man who helps others. That is why I have come to you.’

Hamilton leant back in his chair and tapped the table thoughtfully. ‘There are two plots of land on the outskirts of the town.

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