Golden Hope by Johanna Nicholls Read Free Book Online

opportunity.’
    There was a half-hearted grumble of assent from several miners’ families.
    Councillor Twyman seized the moment to regain his authority. ‘On behalf of the Hoffnung Progressive Society we are offering a reward for the first successful event to attract custom and visitors to Hoffnung . . .’ He paused, then added dramatically, ‘An account at Tribe’s Mortgage Bank for the sum of Twenty Guineas!’
    This was the moment Rom had waited to hear. He strode down the aisle brandishing his scroll.
    â€˜Gentlemen, I am here to offer you the perfect solution – Wildebrand Circus!’
    Without invitation, he leapt up onto the stage and unfurled the circus poster, angling it so that it could be seen by Twyman and Tribe as well as the audience.
    â€˜And what’s more, Doc Hundey is right behind the plan!’
    At sight of Doc’s entrance his confidence soared, but Twyman’s response was laced with sarcasm.
    â€˜I hardly think that is any recommendation, given the Town’s only medical practice is known to be close to insolvency.’
    Voices rose in Doc’s defence. Rom was desperate to turn the tide in his own favour.
    â€˜Hear me out, will you? I’m handing you all success on a platter! I have just arranged for the world-famous Wildebrand Circus to perform here in Hoffnung. I have personally alerted Bitternbird and the whole locality for miles around. Tomorrow you can expect a crowd to descend on Hoffnung. Money will pour in to the Diggers’ Rest, our shops and produce stores. Wildebrand Circus is coming to Town!’
    Voices began talking on top of each other. Rom felt his lips dry with excitement. He stabbed his finger at the poster.
    â€˜Where else can you see Lionello the Lion-tamer place his hand inside a lion’s mouth, then lie down and use the lion as a pillow? And clowns, fire-eaters and gorgeous girls in spangles and tights?’
    â€˜The idea has my vote,’ Doc Hundey said quietly. ‘A circus is entertainment for all ages.’
    There were growing murmurs of assent.
    Rom rode the wave. ‘And Daring Dolores Hart and Little Clytie are world-class equestriennes who defy gravity. Vlad the Knife-Thrower is from the Royal Russian Circus. And there’s a German brass band. Everyone for miles around will down tools and head for Hoffnung – and the Diggers’ Rest.’
    Publican Tom Yeoman seized his cue but asked the question with native caution. ‘How’d you manage to swing it, lad? What did you promise them in return? Exactly where will this circus perform?’
    At Rom’s glazed smile, Twyman fought to regain control of the decision. ‘Quite so, Yeoman. Hoffnung is a respectable town. There’s no space for a circus. The Mineral Springs park is out of the question. No local paddocks are suitable. They can’t perform in Main Street – it blocks the traffic.’
    Everyone knew that there were never more than a few stationary carts and buggies.
    â€˜The idea of a circus is absurd, I reject it out of hand!’ Twyman shouted.
    Sonny Jantzen’s quiet voice came to the rescue. ‘Rom Delaney has shown great initiative. He deserves to be allowed to state his case.’
    All heads swivelled to focus on Rom. His mouth dried. He had taken a quantum leap but he was fast running out of steam.
    It was Doc Hundey who filled the breach.
    â€˜Where else would they play? Hoffnung Cricket Ground is the perfect venue. There’s a small grandstand where the Diggers’ Rest and the General Store could sell food and drinks to the public. There are two W.C.’s and a ready-made ticket box. Lerderderg Creek is just a stone’s throw away, a ready supply of water for the circus animals. What more do you need?’
    â€˜Our Cricket Ground?’ Twyman echoed in horror. ‘You must be mad, Doctor. We’re playing Bitternbird on Saturday. We’ve got a chance to beat