Discovering Treasure (12 page)

21

Happy surprises

Marcus was clued in beforehand, that when he arrived he was to bring the Christmas presents in and place them under the tree in the dining room, with no mention of Treasure's birthday. He was to act busy; unpacking his bags and then asking when lunch would be served. Connor was to stroll in as if to welcome Marcus back and Thomas would arrive just prior to the meal and be asked to stay. Nellie put on an act about the extra people and it being best to eat in the dining area. Poor Treasure, she didn't have a clue. But when the lunch meal of steak and kidney pie was over and the cake came in with everyone standing for her, and singing Happy Birthday, she burst out crying.

With the cake eaten, all the presents were offered for her to open. She couldn't believe she was the center of attention, and took her time opening her gifts and exclaiming over each one. Connor waited until last before presenting his. Treasure held her breath when she looked at the delightful design from Matilda, made particularly for her. It was unique. And then the small red velvet box fell out onto the table. Opening it, she stared at the beautiful ruby. It was then that in front of all, Connor knelled and requested her hand in marriage.

It wasn't an easy balance, and Treasure seemed to take forever to answer, but at last she looked from the ring to his face, and answered, “Yes!” Her eyes shone with the thrill of this being such a special time. Marcus helped Connor to his feet, and when Treasure rose, from sitting, Connor placed the ring onto her finger and gently kissed her lips. Everyone applauded with hearty clapping and congratulation, kisses for Treasure and hugs for Connor. The pair stood together in their afterglow of happiness. God's timing was perfect – could it get any better?

Since no one knew of the engagement, there were no gifts. Frank proposed they all just put in money and he and Nellie would take off for a short while and select and return with the engagement offering. He remembered seeing some fine items in the hardware, so was sure something appropriate could be found.

Nellie felt proud to be included for this important task, she removed her large apron, collected her handbag and went off with Frank in Kelvin's borrowed truck. Frank had an idea as he drove, yet if Nellie didn't approve, then something else would be chosen.

He led her to the very back of the hardware. A large sheet covered something tall which showed only the bottom of exceptional polished timber. Frank wanted to show Nellie what he himself saw on his last visit.

Nellie looked from him to the large object, and when he dragged the sheet away, she gave a gasp of wonder. “Oh, my, now isn't that something! a grandfather clock. And why on earth was it stuck back here in this dark corner, I wonder?”

Frank didn't need to answer because he knew. This was kept hidden to be uncovered today as a gift for the perfect couple.

“Do you think we have enough money to pay for it?” Nellie whispered looking around and hoping no one was observing them. She felt like a conspirator, and indeed in a way she was.

Frank just gave a laugh and signaled the store owner, over. Introducing himself, he requested the price of the clock. Jeb could not recall; although, he tried to remember while scratching his head. He told how his wife was talked into buying it, from a travelling salesman a couple of years back.

“Mad!” Jeb shook his head. “I wish I'd been here when he tried his tricks, he wouldn't have gotten away with it, I can tell you!— Ah well, these things happen!” He shrugged his shoulders, finding it hard to believe he had a willing buyer. “Give me an offer –, and I'll consider if it's reasonable.”

Frank offered a realistic amount, after all, a clock like this needed exceptional care in reassembling after moving, otherwise it would be worth naught. So both men came to a resolution and with the money handed over, the heavy clock was lifted and carried out to be stood with care on the trucks tray.

Nellie felt she would burst with pride and joy, on returning home and being sent inside to ask Kelvin to come and help with the carrying. Marcus helped guide them back inside. It was a difficult task, climbing up the three verandah stairs and not always being able to see where a part of the heavy clock might hit something, so Marcus became their eyes. Eventually, it was placed near the back wall of the dining room. Treasure and Connor stared, trying to imagine how on earth Frank contrived to find this elegant piece that would likely become an heirloom. It was so perfect, not just in looks but as the ticker of time passing on their lives together. All were thanked profoundly for their contribution and for a gift that could not have been more exceptional. Frank beamed. This child of his heart, just as much as his Isabella, at last knew the meaning of a very special birthday and he as her father, was there to share her joy.

After a time, Connor and Treasure took off for a walk together. Treasure, so aware of the ring on her finger did what most happy girls do, and kept turning it every which way for the sun to make it glitter and shine. Connor noted this and his own pleasure increased, observing her happiness with his choice. As they walked the dusty road holding hands and enjoying the peaceful warmth, every noise became more audible. The birds sang louder, and then as silence descended, a cow's moo travelled across the land. No sooner was it quiet again than children doubling past on a bike yelled at them as a scare, to make them jump. Next a large flock of cockatoos flew low, screeching loudly as if heaven's gates opened to the angel's commemorating!

In the time of their leisurely walk as a couple, Treasure reminisced on how glad she was not to have given herself to just anyone, before finding her true love. Connor thought of his uncertainties and anxieties now melting away to nothing. This was proof of trusting God's Word instead of trying to make life turn out his way. He smiled to himself, thinking of Matilda and how well her plan for presenting the ring worked. Noticing his smile, Treasure wanted to know the reason. Connor felt like teasing her then on consideration, knew she'd enjoy hearing of Matilda's plan.

While they were away, Frank worked on the clock mechanics. Handy at fixing anything mechanical, he talked to himself as he did it, kept the others spellbound.

“Now, it's flat on the floor and solid against the wall, so the next thing is that the gut lines are still on the winding barrels and have not dropped off onto the winding spindles.” Nodding to himself that this was right, the next part was the pendulum. The flat, polished part of the pendulum bob, should be at the front. After positioning this correctly, came the weights and the pendulum was ready to swing. With a gentle push it was off and running alone. Frank looked up at his audience and gave a sigh with, “Thank God!”

“What are you saying?” asked Ella. Don't tell me you thought it might not work?” She shook her head. “Papa, you're always the same, always kidding around, but this time you almost made us have a heart attack.” Seeing the hands of the clock at four, Ella headed for the kitchen to put the kettle on for a cup of tea. She reckoned after that they all needed one. Returning to the room and under Kelvin's direction, Nellie sat at the piano and began to sing “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” And it was to this that Connor and Treasure entered the house.
What a delightful day,
Treasure thought,
I believe it's the happiest day of my life.

Christmas Eve fell on a Thursday with Christmas Day on Friday which meant there was four days of Public Holidays adding to a long weekend. Marcus was grateful for this as he'd instructed his staff that even though he would be away until after New Year's, they were to remain diligent. It was up to him to recommend the best worker to take his position when he moved on. Rather than tell his staff this, Marcus relied on the remarks of best service by his regular customers. His house was finally on the market, and the Real Estate agent anticipated holidaying families looking to live in the city, could be interested. Hoping for this to happen, he could buy land and have his house built within walking distance to his new place of work and of course Treasure's.

His bank was pleased to make him manager of a new branch, and the response from the community so far, was a promising one.

With Connor and Treasure planning to be married there was the consideration of where they intended to live –, at Connors home or Treasure's. All these thoughts scurried around in Marcus mind. He couldn't wait to get away to a more casual mode of life.

Christmas Eve it was a busy day, Paris was still away and dearly missed. Ella phoned the Wilsons that morning to check on her. After reassurance that all was well, but it was best for her to remain with them until after New Year, Ella resolved that it was only one more week before Paris was at home again. Following the call, Ella was booked for three hair styles, so went into her salon straight after breakfast. Her appointments were all before noon so following that time she was free.

Her business—, now open for the past two days was slow, but hopefully in time the trusting clients would come.

Treasure went with Connor to pick the pretty native Christmas bush plant, with pink tipped leaves and little red bell flowers to place around the house for decoration. This was the first Australian Bush Christmas, as called by Outback dwellers, for the girls to experience. There was no comparison to the rush and bustle of an elegant city festive season. Here chicken was the exclusive meal reserved only for this special day.

But, this year, dear Kelvin's gift to everyone was two ducks, ordered after Treasure arranged his new quarters two months ago. What a treat! And Kelvin with his usual wide smile, announced he was off to collect them and would do the honors of dressing them also. Nellie never ceased to be thankful for this considerate man. Two large plum puddings were mixed and shaped into round balls before being wrapped in clean linen and left in the ice chest to be boiled on the morrow. With the luxury of their own cow, those puddings could be eaten with cream and custard.

Church was held at six on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day. This helped those who lived far out of town, and gave them time to arrive back home before dark. The service was happy and encouraging. Nellie was now in her element as song leader, and tonight she also sang a solo which was a treat for those who'd never heard her beautiful voice on its own before. More and more people attended services, and tonight it was packed with children even sitting on the floor in front. A beautiful new nativity scene sat near where Thomas preached. This was the art work of Matilda and Nellie with their sewing group of girls. Matilda's husband made the fetching manger woven from young sapling tree branches. He was a proud man that night as everyone shook his hand and congratulated him on a good job.

Treasure's household enjoyed the summer twilight walk home, with Thomas accompanying them after locking up. He was invited to spend the night with Connor and be back for the special day following breakfast that Matilda would prepare them. Many of Matilda and Roy's family began arriving a few days earlier, and in aboriginal style set up camp in the paddock within sight of the farmhouse. So their Christmas was to be spent outdoors in their traditional indigenous style with a corroboree. Connor remembered spending a few Christmases with them and always enjoyed their communal get together.

Since Matilda and Roy were Christians now, they often recited the story of the savior's birth to family, while sitting in a circle on the ground. Their Christmas fare was kangaroo and a huge lizard, baked in an earth dug-out full of hot coals. They also enjoyed wild yams and other vegetation. Connor gave a box of mangos, purchased especially as a treat they all relished.

Thomas and Connor sported new shirts, created and sewn by Matilda. Frank, Marcus and Kelvin admired the unusual look, in preference to the usual plain white. Decisions were made to order one each for themselves. While lunch cooked, they sat in the dining room exchanging gifts. Nothing was over the top or terribly expensive as all realized this was the Lord's Day and not theirs. Frank did divide Ella's gift between both of his girls. Treasure received the set of ornament hair combs and Ella the bracelet. Nellie's gifts to each were all handmade, making them special. Thomas purchased a heart locket for Ella, and Connor's gift to Treasure was a dressing table, hand mirror, brush, and comb set. Since it was Christmas, everyone helped with setting the table and serving the meal. Being the eldest male by two months, Marcus carved the roast ducks. Instead of Thomas leading grace that day, Frank requested that he should be the one to give thanks, as no one had more to be thankful for than he.

22

Baptism and meeting Grace

New Year's Day was settled as the time for Marcus and Treasure to be baptized. This was announced the Sunday before. After three people responded to an Altar call at the close of the service, invitations were extended to them as well. Among these three to Treasure's joy was Evelyn Cosgrove and her father. Evelyn's mother later confided to Treasure about her years of praying for both. Evelyn was quieter, listening more and speaking less –, there was a significant change.

Since her size was similar to that of Treasure herself, it would be a good beginning to gift Evelyn with a baptism dress comparable to the one being made for herself by Nellie. Treasure again could hardly wait for those new sewing machines to arrive. What a difference they would make. Evelyn approached Treasure at the conclusion of the service to ask what was required of her as far as apparel for the baptism. With a smile and a hug, Treasure invited her to come by the house in her lunch hour the next day to be measured for the dress. They were a simple design of soft white material with a small collar, sleeves and a plaited belt. The dress would be lined so not to be revealing when wet.

Marcus himself was nervous about what he should wear. It was his first time to own a swim suit but he felt it was inappropriate to wear with church members watching. Understanding the predicament everyone felt, Thomas explained. The women could wear a modest dress and the men were to wear swim suits if they had one, and would borrow a dark blue gown from the church to wear over that. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. It was many years since a baptism and that was mainly due to the fear of how they would look with clinging wet clothes. Thomas assured, there was to be a professional photographer, but no official photos were to be taken until the one baptized, was dressed in appropriate clothing once more.

New Year's Eve saw everyone join in socially. It was an amazing time for a country town where farmers usually kept early rising hours. However, on this New Year's Eve the baker and grocer extended their opening times. Tomorrow— they intended to sleep in, like everyone else planned to do.

People walked up and down the street, eating pastries and talking happily about the previous year's events, and the New Year to come.

The congregation was growing and the well-liked Reverend discussed the question of having a parsonage built next door to the church.

The new bank branch was looked forward to, and this meant a new job or two for a local. Ella's hair salon was mentioned because of the lovely job she had already achieved on the ladies who were willing enough to try her. It was fast becoming a fact that she was no ordinary hair stylist but a French one no less. In fact, the town was progressing, and all for the good of everyone.

At three o'clock the following afternoon the five to be baptized—, together with the spectators who wished to join and encourage them, walked down to the river. On the way, they sang the old Negro spiritual song, “Down in the Valley to Pray” – Joy followed as all took up singing the song. Worshipping God was what it was all about, baptism and singing, surrendering and love.

Of course this was a funeral song, but as Thomas spoke before taking them through their proclamation of faith, they were dying to self and rising again as born again believers. And, there was only one, who could show them the way—, the Lord Jesus.

Each stood in turn at the side of the water, until led a little way in and spoken to, asked the question of faith, and then down under the water, rising again as a fulfillment to the promise. A new creation! All who watched this and remembered their own baptism shared in the understanding of what it meant. And as each person was brought up out of the water, everyone clapped in encouragement.

The extra unknown lady who was baptized that day turned out to be the new schoolteacher. Introduced to all as Grace Newman by Thomas, as he confirmed her choice to receive Jesus and follow his teaching. Grace was a believer from back over many years, and yet up until now, could not find the courage to formally speak out her faith.

Ella was the designated person to wrap each woman in a towel as they emerged from the water. As this was placed tenderly around Grace, and she was welcomed into their spiritual home, her thankful tears of acceptance fell. The woman could have been in her early forties, and was pleasant to look at with dark brown eyes and hair. But it was her humble sweet nature that touched Ella the most. Soon other women came forward to hug her and introduced themselves, making her welcome. Evelyn was already wrapped in a towel, sitting in a waiting car. Grace was led to be introduced and seated next to her. Not long after, Treasure came and then all three were driven back to the church, to dry off and don their own clothes.

The men in the party were taken to Treasures house to change and then all returned to the church for a formal ceremony. Each received a certificate with their name and the date written on plus Reverend Thomas Elderby as presiding minister. This was the solemn time when their photo could be taken in front of the pulpit. Ella also gave each woman her own prize of a free hair style, written on a piece of elegant paper and valid for one month.

After a few words of welcome as new parishioners by Thomas, everyone wandered home. Knowing Thomas, Connor and Grace, had nothing planned for the rest of the day, Treasure invited them over. Grace resisted at first—, she was likely shy and being new to the district, didn't wish to be a bother, but once she got there she fitted in well. They soon learned of her almost twenty years of teaching experience. Most of that time being in city schools; in fact this was her first country challenge. Up until now Glen Arbor was a one teacher school, now with more families moving into the surrounding area, an additional ten children, created the need for another teacher?

Everyone felt that since Grace shared her story, they should take it in turns and tell her a little about themselves. Frank went first and had everyone laughing when he got to the Pommie, Kraut story. “I bet they are still trying to work that one out,” he told everyone.

Marcus came in last, and informed how his house in Sydney was for sale and he hoped to have his new home built here before winter.

“Gosh Uncle, it's not like it's going to snow!” Treasure wondered why the hurry, then guessed that he, like she before him had had enough, of the rush and bustle.

Treasure swept her hand around to include everyone. “So you see, Grace, you are not the only newcomer here. The only almost genuine stock among us is Kelvin who arrived in his late teens, and stayed. Unlike Connor, who came and then went off to university and war. I was going to add Nellie, but she came in her twenties as a bride from Ireland.”

Grace looked around at all the pleasant faces. It seemed she wouldn't be the outsider she imagined.

Kelvin looked on bemused, he'd seen many come and go, but hoped all of this lot stayed, as they felt like family, and that to him was a new experience.

“Paris comes home tomorrow, and then you will meet another member,” Ella announced. The surprised look on Grace's face added humor, and it wasn't certain whether they should kid her along or tell her who Paris was.

Marcus turned toward the sweet woman, his heart rejoiced in her for some reason, so now he confided, “Paris is a well-loved part of the family. She has been away, become betrothed and is now expecting!” – He allowed a gap in his words for effect. “Yes, Paris is expecting puppies,” he concluded in his slow drawl. At this even Grace laughed at the trick –,
almost
pulled on her.

On Grace's departure that night, Ella wasted no time in asking when she would like her hair fashioned. “I'm not trying to push you or anything,” Ella continued. “I'll start back on Monday, and so far I don't have an appointment. People are not too sure of me as yet.”

On hearing this and knowing how difficult it was to gain the confidence of others, Grace agreed ten o'clock sounded an easy time for both. Happily, Ella escorted her to the door, but Marcus was right behind them.

“We can't allow a lady to walk our lonely road alone and when it's almost dark. I have a lantern here and will escort her myself.” With a smile to Ella, he ushered Grace out onto the verandah and with his hand under her arm he walked with her the length of the road to the schoolhouse residence.

Grace was unsure what to do when they arrived. This was the first time for her to have the attention of a gentleman. But there was no reason for concern, Marcus said he'd wait until she was safely inside and then be on his way, and he was. Grace thought about him, considering she'd enjoy learning more about socializing. Life as the daughter of two elderly parents who relied on her for everything was now a thing of the past. With their demise within a couple of months of each other last year, she only need care for herself now, and that felt strange. A new hair style might be just the thing. Never having given much time to her appearance and with a nice gentleman on the scene, one never knew what could happen.

Paris was happy to be home and although she looked healthy, she smelt, so into the huge tub she went and Ella scrubbed her clean. With a good towel dry and a huge bone to chew on, it was a dog's life for sure. In another two months approximately, Paris would be a mother. So many people requested a puppy, and not knowing how many would arrive, Ella wrote names down in her diary. To be fair, it would be first in, first served, and two were already promised to the Wilson's.

That afternoon the tabby kitten also came home to live. Paris looked at him, and the kitten snarled, but from then on they kept the peace.

On Saturday afternoon Ella and Treasure wandered over to see Grace. Not announcing their visit, they hoped she would be pleased to see them, and she was.

“We brought scones,” Treasure announced, “hoping to have a cup of tea with you.

Grace was all too happy since the women also brought some milk; she'd been using the powdered kind.

Ella, looked at Treasure first—, before informed Grace. “We sort of supposed you might want to ask us questions about living here. We don't know everything but as much as we do know, we'll share with you. That way you won't feel like a fish out of water.”

Grace wasn't sure what to ask, and then she thought of Marcus, so her first question was what kind of a man he was?

Treasure could best answer that. So in the next half hour she told Grace, as best she could, how caring and kind he was of others. Not wishing to run her mother down or tell family secrets, she just said, she would be very happy if he found a lovely Christian wife and decided to marry again. She added that he was the kind of man to treat his wife like a queen. Believing now was a good time to confide this, it was added that his greatest hobby was fishing. He also relished doing this while basking in the sunshine, down on the riverbank.

“Up until now,” he hasn't done any of that because he has always desired to make others happy.”

Grace beamed to hear all of this. “It's difficult living in the city and it's also hard when you have obligations to others. I know how that feels.” She went to tell of only going to a few gatherings with other young girls as a teenager. She told of never having a holiday, no one to confide in because as teacher, you were the one to listen. She spoke of coming home tired from school with student work to mark, and her parents to care for.

“I don't want to appear unthankful, but in the last year I felt like a prisoner. And it was a release when my parents went to heaven.”

Oh goodness, Ella and Treasure looked at one another. They both felt terrible. Compared to Grace, the life they'd shared was a picnic. What could they say or do?

Then Treasure had an idea. “Look, Grace, if you like, we will be your best friends, and any time you wish to confide in us –, please do. We will help you whatever way we can, and I am very sincere about that. I'm sure Ella will agree.”

Ella's eyes sparkled. “And our first job is to make you a new person. Wow!”

She raced on talking, “you have been baptized, and tomorrow is a picnic lunch after church, so you can sit with us. That's if you'd like to, of course. And when you come in on Monday, for a new hair style, think about getting your hair cut. And –, think about letting me cut it, my way.” Ella's eyes danced with knowing, as she spoke.