On Strike, or, Where do the Girls come in?

A privileged young heir, Reginald Oofbourne, is thrust into a life of purpose after the tragic death of his beloved Edith, who extracts a final promise that his fortune be devoted to the welfare of women everywhere. He spends two decades wandering the globe, undertaking modest acts of kindness—from feeding starving schoolgirls in China to distributing fruit to children of striking workers—always searching for a cause worthy of his pledge.

When his journey brings him to Sydney in the heated summer of 1890, the city is roiled by a maritime strike that leaves families struggling. While delivering food to hungry children, Reginald encounters a weary shop assistant and discovers the harsh realities faced by respectable working women: endless hours, meager pay, and even the denial of a simple chair to rest. Intrigued and moved, he begins probing the practices of local merchants, determined to see whether his wealth might finally make a meaningful difference for the women of the colony.