Discovering Treasure (11 page)

19

Meeting treasure's father

“I guess I need to buy a couple of treadle sewing machines,” Treasure spoke her thoughts aloud. “Never!” Nellie responded. “Why I'd likely kill myself, using one of them treadle contraptions.” The look on her face was one of horror.

Treasure and Ella laughed; they had seen women in Madame Jeanne- Marie's back room peddling away like lightning. Why, one dress could be sewn in an afternoon.

“I don't know why you are laughing. It's not an amusing matter,” Nellie felt hurt at them thinking her funny. “And why would you need two machines for one woman?”

Ahh, so she was considering giving it a go. Treasure explained that she and Ella both learned to use them and they got garments made like magic. “You will never sew another stitch by hand once you use one, Nellie. Everything is frightening until you know how. Why, you should have seen me learning to drive an automobile. I ran over everything and cried many tears. I once declared to my mother I would never get into one and try again. Now it's like second nature and it doesn't bother me one bit. And that's how you will feel after a while, speeding away on it and sewing stitches in a jiffy.”

Nellie doubted it, but if Treasure said so, then she could do no less than try. So the hardware was phoned for the second time that day with two Singer machines ordered. From some of the gasps on the party line, they would indisputably be the topic of discussion all over the valley by that evening. Change was bizarre to country folk. It was remembered how none of the church women spoke a word about Nellie's new hair style on the day they first viewed it, but many now hoped they could be made to look as elegant.

And so, all the changes brought many fascinating deliberations. What would those two –, who once lived in Paris –, and now lived here, possibly get up to next! Some women declared they wanted nothing to do with painting or designing their hair. Others silently prayed their husbands would allow them to be a little bit more fashionable, and make some changes. Gradually people would come around, especially as they saw how good it made them feel. Ella and Treasure both agreed, they didn't want to design a breed of stuck-up women who desired to compete with one other. No! A bit of style was good but only in helping the woman to have confidence, when around some of the city people. Thesevisited briefly, for refreshments, while passing through the valley.

*****

The rain gradually stopped. Connor was able to go home and get a change of clothes and begin to serve in his job as a lawyer once more. Uncle took off in his car, tooting the horn all the way down the road to let everyone know he was leaving. Ella's salon was finished and looked immaculate and elegant. It was good enough to compete with a city one any day. Now all that was needed was the outside sign, and Kelvin was working on that. He also wrote a sign to be displayed at the grocers, it inform that the first ten ladies to have their hair done, were to receive a twenty percent discount.

He jokingly informed the men present shopping at the time, that this would be a nice Christmas gift for their women folk.

*****

In another week, Ella's father was to arrive, and both Connor and Marcus would meet his ship. The six-week voyage from England to Sydney was a long one to be at sea, and it would certainly be good to dock on dry land again. The three men were to stop over at Marcus's house for lunch, before Connor flew Frank back to the valley he hadn't seen in almost twenty five years.

*****

Trepidation was the feeling while standing on the dock, watching the arrival of that ship. Neither Connor nor Marcus could imagine what this man was like. In the beginning Marcus only felt animosity toward the person who'd impregnated his wife. But then, that was hardly fair as Frank was unaware of the fact, and, Primrose did after all admit, she encouraged his advances.

Connor, on the other hand hoped Frank would be accepting of Treasure, as the daughter he knew nothing about. He prayed Frank would not expect too much from her. As far as Ella went, well she obviously had a deep affection for him, and yet, she never bothered to return to her old village to see how he was. Connor could not imagine why she failed to do this as from all accounts, her father seemed a decent man.

When sailing in to dock at circular Quay, the ship looked like a huge department store. Hundreds of people gathered at the railings waving and looking down, to seek familiar faces of loved ones waiting on the Warf. All was a flurry with whistles and shouting in different languages. The long gangplank extended with people impatient to disembark. All pushed and shoved as if life depended on them reaching the dock first. Father's walked in front of their tribe, preparing the way while occasionally looking back to made sure, none were lost. Very few persons appeared to be alone. And with the shouts from onlookers and gleeful returned salutations, it was happy bedlam.

Meanwhile, Marcus stood with his arm around Connor's shoulder. Until Connor shifted slightly away triggering Marcus to considered, if his weight might be difficult on his friend's his weak leg. Connor, as a gentleman was unlikely to complain and Marcus chided himself for lacking consideration. His face creased in perplexity, when a thought came to him. And then he began to consider how he was here in his own country awaiting a man who was returning after a very long absence. A man alone, while Marcus and Connor, two friends, stood together. Would Frank feel like an interloper on foreign soil? Possibly he would. Now that was a revelation and caused Marcus to feel ashamed of all his previous grievances.

“I say Connor; do you suppose that solo man standing alone on the bridge looking down this way, might be him?”

Connor looked in the direction where he though Marcus meant, and there he was, just one man alone and not seeming too sure of himself. Conner lifted his arm to acknowledge him. On seeing this, the other withdrew a red handkerchief and replied back with a wave.

“I say mate,” Connor spoke, “I feel sorry for him. He is more scared of us than the other way around.” Connor kept his eyes on Frank as he began the long walk down to the pier. A suitcase held in each hand. There could be no animosity here, none at all. Each man held his own convictions, yet in the end they were bound by one consensus because of Primrose.

“Great to meet you Frank,” Connor held out his hand for a firm shake, “and this is Marcus the man by circumstances, who looked after your three women.”

Frank stared in puzzlement,
three women?
“Pleased, to meet you both.” His accent was pure crisp English which was a surprise. Marcus expected to hear a very guttural German accent and Connor expected something not at well-educated.

“Let's get cracking out of this shemozzle, shall we?” Connor led the way pushing through the throngs and out from the dock towards a car park, where Marcus's faithful Buick stood shining brightly in the strong sunlight.

“I'd forgotten how hot this country was,” Frank said while peeling off his suit coat. “The seasons are the opposite of Europe, of course, yet surprisingly the breezes are cool on the ocean and even when coming into the heads. So I didn't realize the temperature.”

Marcus hopped into the driver's seat while Connor courteously gave Frank the front passenger seat. The temperature inside the car was even hotter. It didn't take long for all of them to wind down the windows; otherwise it felt like an oven. The drive back would take about half an hour and no one spoke in that time. Frank looked around, probably taking in the many changes since his lastvisit. Neither Marcus nor Connor knew exactly what to say or how to say it.

Connor prayed under his breath,
you'll have to give me the right words Father, for I sure don't know how to begin what needs to be said.
He closed his eyes for a short time and rested his head back against the deep leather seat. If only he could wake up and all this was a dream, or better still all over.

Marcus pulled into the driveway of his home, never assessing what the thoughts of his guestmight be. Frank's look spoke volumes. Not only was he surprised with the grand house and grounds, his eyes lit up when viewing the beautiful rose pergola, Marcus designed.

“Well how splendid is that,” he exclaimed! Getting out of the car and not bothering with his cases, he walked straight over to touch and smell the fragrant blooms. Turning back to the other two, his smile presented a gentle calm.

“I have to admit meeting the both of you was pretty formidable. When standing on the ship while coming into Sydney heads, I prayed to know whether I made the right choice in coming here. What I asked God for was a sign, and I have it now in this appreciation for my favorite flower. God is benevolent even in our small uncertainties!”

Connor thanked God under his breath, and knowing Marcus, he likely did the same. The cases were left in the car after Connor explained they would be flying out at four that afternoon. It was almost lunchtime now, so they headed for the cool interior and smell of fried lamb chops.

“Gosh, I'd forgotten that lamb was the meat of choice here. I always liked it, but it's rare in the U.K. and very expensive.”

Marcus led the way into the dining room and waited for them to be seated before announcing he'd see how long before lunch was served. In truth, he also hoped for Connor to be the one to break the news to Frank about his daughter.
You old coward,
he chided himself. Then discovering from his housekeeper that lunch would be about ten minutes, Marcus did the honors of collecting glasses and a jug of cold lemonade to take back and quench their thirst. It would be ungracious to leave them parched.

Connor was still seated, while Frank roamed the room looking at photos. Picking up a lovely one of Primrose and Treasure, he studied it hard. He frowned before saying, “should I know something I don't know?” Treasure resembled his late mother, and since the photo was in sepia, he had no idea her hair was a different color. “Is this what you meant when you said, my three women, Connor?”

Connor blushed to the roots of his hair, and gulped on his drink. “I guess you can see for yourself there, mate.” Was that all he could think to say? “Your daughter by Primrose is a very lovely woman who would make any man proud. Her name is Treasure Desiree', and you will meet her with your younger daughter Ella this evening. They live together and have only just discovered their relationship. It was a shock to everyone, but a very happy one for them.”

Frank was serious! Obviously many thoughts ran through his head. He seemed to be considering something that hurt very much as the pain expressed on his face was easy to see. Then he nodded and looked at Marcus. “Thank you sir, you are a true gentleman. I don't think it would be easy to bring up another man's child, especially when that man seemed to run off and leave a helpless woman alone.”

Marcus almost chocked, then burst out laughing spilling some of his drink, much to the astonishment of the man who had just spoken.

“It appears you didn't know Primrose as well as you might think you did. She was a very capable woman and in no way helpless, as you'll discover when you hear more tales about her exploits.” Seeing the smile on Connor's face, reassured Frank that this must be so.

“Treasure looks the image of a younger sister who I left in Germany. And her name was Desiree'. Our mother was French. I am deeply honored that Primrose named our girl after family. What does Treasure think about me? Does she hold any animosity?”

Lunch was being served so they took their seats together, at one end of the long table. Connor filled Frank in about the girls leaving Paris society behind and settling into the home of Primrose's deceased parents. He described the town as it was now, with a few more buildings than would have been there in Frank's time. “Actually, Frank, you may have known my uncle because he would have been there then. His name was Reginald Daley.”

Frank thought for a second, but shook his head. “Our camp was about five miles west of the town and I didn't go in very much. I met Primrose at a dance which was held every Saturday night in the summer. I left the area in March and returned to Sydney for a month before departing for England. She must have only just been expecting Treasure.”

He looked down at his meal. Obviously he was very stirred by the idea of not knowing about the baby. He finished eating and then got up to pace the room.

“I cared about Primrose, you know. If I had known about the baby, I believe I'd probably have taken her back with me. But, since then, and later with outbreak of war and all, she was likely better off here out of harm's way.”

Connor recalled Ella's story about the bully who would likely have harmed her. All he could think was that each were watched over by angels and kept from harm more than they ever realized. Only by the grace of God, were all of them safe and well, except for Primrose, and yet, knowing she was now in heaven what better place was there to be?

20

Frank settles in

Frank enjoyed looking out over the landscape on the way back to the valley. Compared to England, this country was enormous. Thank God for planes as the journey was soon to be over. Landing back on his own property, Connor, immediately placed the plane in its hanger and helping Frank with his bags, transferred them to his truck, and drove the few miles into town.

Could it be this close to Christmas and the weather so hot? It was different to other parts of the world. To Frank it took away that special spirit that also meant, cold, wood fires, and snow. And how could anyone feel the holiness of the season without all the natural trimmings. Inside Frank's case sat a Christmas gift from London for Isabella, but now he would need to look for something to give Treasure as well, but where? Unless he split Ella's gift between the two–, and it might just work.

How would his little girl look now? Last seen at fifteen and no more than a child, now at twenty-two she was a grown woman. In January, she'd be twenty-three. Her mother was that age when they'd married. It all seemed so long ago. And Treasure, well she was an added bonus, and his own Christmas gift from God.

Kelvin and the three women sat on the front verandah waiting when Connor's rattletrap pulled up. Connor had no plans to stay, the day was a long one and he felt tired, almost too tired to eat. So it was a quick hello and goodbye after introducing Frank, and he was off down the road again, in a trail of dust.

Ella ran to her father, and he embraced her in a tight hug and twirled her around. Unsure how to act with Treasure, he was pushed forward by Ella, with the command, “Now give your other daughter a hug.”

Frank and Treasure faced each other, green eyes to green eyes. Even in person, she resembled his sister. The high-cheek bones and perfect nose, but her hair was her reigning glory and from memory, that came from Primrose's mother. Placing his hands lightly on the top of her arms, he pulled her gently into an embrace. It was so tender and respectful, yet long enough to demonstrate a love from deep within. Treasure knew this was a very noble man and understood now, how Primrose could have given her heart to him so completely. They both felt the tears prick in the emotion of the moment as they gradually drew apart.

“And I'm the mad hatter around the place who acts as jack of all trades,” this came from a laughing Kelvin who did a bow of sorts, old hat in hand. Then with his arm around Nellie's shoulder, he joked again. “Here is our Nellie, the best cook, dressmaker, and singer in the valley.

Nellie flushed, pushing him away but obviously touched by the introduction. “Well, we waited our meal for you so you'd best come in and I'll dish up while you settle your things.”

Treasure and Ella walked to the last available bedroom opposite to Uncle's, and showed Frank where he would remain while with them. Nothing was spoken about how long he was to stay; it was taken for granted that as one of the family, he could work that one out himself. Ella poured water into a wash bowl on its stand. A towel was draped over the end of the large bed. “Just wash the dust off yourself and let your nose lead you to the kitchen, Papa.”

She and Treasure began to exit his room, before Treasure turned back. “I feel a great love for you from within, Father, thank you for coming, we are so glad to have you.” Ella looked at her older sister and hugged her happily. “Come on, “I'm starving, we can talk over the meal.”

*****

Later that evening, Frank lay on his bed, after a good soak in the tub, his lethargic thoughts of the evening played games in his head. He was tired, but more than that, he felt contentment unlike what he'd experienced in years. His thoughts went back to the night of packing his little girl onto that late bus and his prayers for her safety. There was so much to thank God for, but where did he start?

“You understand Lord, you understand.” He spoke this softly, then finished, “As always, Lord, thy will be done, but thank you for everything and especially my two fine young women. Please always keep them in your care.”

*****

The sun awoke Frank next morning, peeping through the window coverings and casting streaming rays over floor and furniture. He lay there wallowing in the luxury for just a moment before hoisting himself onto his feet. Scurrying footsteps and excited voices could be heard, so donning working clothes pulled hastily from his case, he left his room to investigate. Down the long hall to the back of the house was where all the commotion originated from.

Everyone spoke at once while Kelvin tried to be heard above the dim. “She's not hurt, she's not dying. She just wants to be a lady-in-waiting.”

Well
! Blinked Frank with a smile. That was a discreet way of saying the dog was in heat. Never having witnessed this occurrence before, the women were naturally disturbed. Even Nellie, who seemed to know everything, thought Paris was dying. Now they all looked at one other and laughed realizing all was well. Thank God for Kelvin. Otherwise, someone would have phoned the vet and looked so silly and probably ending up the laugh stock of the town.

“Okay,” Kelvin began, taking control again. “I think it was the Wilson's out near Snake Gulley who own a male thoroughbred Border collie, and agreed to mate him with Paris. That means some special pups if all goes well.” Tying a rope to Paris's collar, he led her to the wash house. Calling over his shoulder, “better to lock her up until after we eat brekkie, and then Frank and I will take a run and deliver her.”

In all this time, Frank was the spectator standing in the background. “A cup of tea would sit well,” he spoke at last. “Is that bacon I can smell?

“Oh, my goodness,” Nellie yelled, and ran back into the house. “I've likely burnt everything.”

Frank strolled in after the women, waiting for Kelvin to catch up which he did in due course, just before Frank entered the kitchen. Nellie stood looking at Kelvin with a spatula in her hand and a certain questioning look on her face. Before she could ask, Kelvin volunteered. “Yes, I scrubbed my hands,” and held them up for inspection before helping her serve the meal.

All talk was about Paris, “how long will she have to stay at the Wilsons, Kelvin?” Ella inquired before forking some egg and bacon into her mouth. “Yum this tastes good Nellie, I'm so glad we have chooks.” Everyone was glad to enjoy the lovely orange colored eggs, and Kelvin took his time with a response, because, as they all knew, he loved his tucker.

“I don't know,” he answered at last. Do you know anything about that Frank?”

Frank swallowed his food and took a long swig of tea before answering. “I'm not sure; I think all animals, like humans respond to nature differently. If this is her first time, then you'll likely get an understanding for next time. But I'm sure the farmer who she is going to will know.” At least he hoped he would because he didn't enjoy being put on the spot about such a delicate topic, and in front of his daughters no less.

Kelvin kicked him gently under the table, with a glint in his eye. He knew Frank was no farmer so his question likely embarrassed him. The women didn't seem to notice Frank's discomfort, but as soon as decent he stood up and carried his dishes to the sink. Then he excused himself to sit outside and smoke his pipe.

Kelvin phoned the Wilsons letting them know to expect visitors. After tying Paris on the tray of his truck, gave Frank a whistle and shout to come on. The truck engine spluttered to life as Frank climbed inside. He was more the English gentleman than a bushy like Kelvin who was a bit rough around the edges in comparison. But once the newness scraped off, Kelvin fingered they'd be good mates.

The Wilsons were a large family and a lively bunch, with eight children ranging in age from their twenties to six years old. The younger ones stared at Frank. His clothes were different to those worn around the valley. Finally one young tow-headed boy asked him if he was a Pommie.

Frank smiled at the slang used for being English. “No son,” he replied, and, using the slang for German said he was a Kraut.

“Oh! One of those,” the child replied, whereas his sister sidled up to him and whispered loudly in his ear asking what that meant. “Dunno.” Her brother shrugged.

Frank wondered how the word would travel around the family and end up being pronounced completely different. It made him smile.

Kelvin announced on the drive home that Harry Wilson made a bargain requesting two of the pups in exchange for Paris's food and lodging. “I hope Treasure is okay with that. I think it was pretty fair,” he added to Frank, and Frank nodded in answered agreement.

“Would you like to drive round and see a bit more of the place?” Kel asked.

Frank agreed, he would like that very much. So the two men spent over an hour, driving the dusty twisting roads. Twice they stopped to let a mob of emu's stroll across in front of them. A troop of kangaroos stood together about half a mile away, watching, until one took off over the crest of a hill and the rest swiftly followed.

“You know not to mess with those don't you, mate?” Kel asked him,

“I sure do,” Frank laughed.

“Well, old Marcus, should roll-up on the twenty-first, about lunch time. You know its Treasure's birthday then don't you?” Frank didn't know and was glad Kelvin informed him. Gosh, that was only two days away; he wanted to buy something for her, but what?

“Where can I go to purchase her a gift?” Frank questioned now.

Kelvin was not one to buy women presents and had no idea, so he shook his head.

Riding in silence until they reached the town, Frank's mind was in full throttle. He thought about the women back in London, they were into fans, and with the heat of this place, that could be a nice idea. “Listen, Kelvin, take me to the general store and I'll see what they have there. Perhaps we'll go to the baker after, and order her a special cake; they have plenty of time to make it.” Kelvin thought Frank was extremely clever to think of that.

The general store was big inside with so much clutter that Frank wondered if they even knew what they stocked. He motioned to the owner to come closer and quietly told him about his request. “It's a surprise –, if you have a nice one.” Frank informed him.

The man nodded and climbed his ladder to a shelf, bringing down a large flat box.

“The wife bought these a few years back and I put them away because no one around here is likely to buy one.” The box held three in different colors –, blue, green and purple. They were the flat open feathered kind and lovely.

“I'll take the green and purple trimmed ones, announced Frank, and I'd like pretty paper to wrap them in and two birthday cards.” He was told the book shop would help out with paper and cards. After reminding the storekeeper not to talk about his purchase, he walked there. Following that, the baker was given an order for a large birthday cake, and Frank felt very pleased with his purchases.

On the morning of Treasure's birthday, Matilda, gave Connor, a large piece of soft material with a pattern painted all over it. The background was cream with swirls and dots of dark red, yellow, and white. Matilda's smile broadened with delight when Connor exclaimed over it. He confessed to her about the engagement ring and wanting to give it to her but never finding the right time.

“You give it to me Mr Connor; I show you how to give it.” Taking the ring box from his hand, she then wrapped it inside the material. Already having a pretty silver crepe paper, this was then wrapper around the lot.

“Now, you give her this present and say it's from Matilda, especially for her. When she opens and finds the box, act very surprised. Then when it's opened, you ask her to marry you.”

With this she laughed her head off—, flashing her white teeth –, very pleased at her own joke, and Connor liked it also.

Frank phoned Connor at his office and invited him to the house at one o'clock to celebrate Treasures twenty-sixth birthday. Marcus would hopefully arrive shortly before that and Thomas was also invited. They would make it formal in the dining room, and Frank requested Connor call on the baker and bring the surprise cake. He was instructed that Kelvin would watch for him and whisk the cake straight into hiding in his abode. This way, the cake and gifts would all come out after the meal.

Frank sounded gleeful, this was to be his first birthday with his daughter, and he wanted it to be special. Ella confided in him just that morning how Treasure felt forgotten with her birthday so close to Christmas. It seemed to her, with all the other festivities, she never experienced something that was totally for her. Living in Paris, as with every major city, Christmas was a busy time of the year. So her birthday sailed past as just another day except for a small celebration as an afterthought. So Frank intended for this one to be very different. It must be special.