Discovering Treasure (4 page)

Pleased to find other new residence's to the town, Treasure spent a half an hour listening to Mrs. Wallace's excitement about having her house built. In the meantime the family lived at the hotel. The following day was Wednesday, so Treasure thought it might be nice to invite Mrs. Wallace and her son over, the week after. By that time they'd be settled in and have time for company.

6

Meeting the town folk

The next morning, while Ella took Paris for her vet visit, after –Treasure had versed her not to disclose much about their previous life. Treasure herself went to talk to the man who owned the hardware store. She soon learned he was a country man named Jeb, who didn't like to be called Mr. James. His long moustache intrigued Treasure; and she wondered what he did with it while eating soup. Besides that, he was a barrel of information. He knew a handyman by the name of Kelvin Thompson who could repair their side fence, and build a swing at the side of the house where two tall trees stood. They were far enough over not to fall on the house in event of a storm he informed. He also asked whether she would be interested in hiring a widow, Mrs. Ryan, a lady in need of a job and place to live.

This sounded a wonderful solution to Treasure. Since her house consisted of five bedrooms, if the lady proved suitable, then she could occupy the room with its own sitting area towards the back, allowing privacy all around. Apparently, this Mrs Ryan once worked for another family who recently moved away, leaving her to live in the hotel. Understanding this might be an urgent situation, so Treasure informed Jeb to send the lady over at eleven thirty that day.

She scarcely arrived back home when a knock sounded on the door, and Kelvin Thompson, the handyman to fix the fence, stood on the threshold. Treasure liked him immediately. He seemed a special type of person, who continually laughed a lot which was enjoyable. However, she decided that even though she would employ him, his wages would be collected from her lawyer. Telling him this she noted his casual reaction and knew her judge of character was just – he was an honorable person. Kelvin agreed to make and take care of a vegetable garden, as well as keep the yard tidy on a weekly basis. As they walked the grounds, Treasure showed him where she'd like a swing and some of the fence's repaired. “We have a dog you know and I don't want any other dogs wandering in or trying to fight with her.”

Kelvin disclosed he knew a lot about dogs, and asked what breed it was. “There aren't many dog's in this town you know,” he was trying to be serious and sensitive to her feelings. Yet Treasure sensed, he was finding it hard to control his mirth and wondered why? “I don't think you have any reason to worry about stray dog's wandering in. Why if any dared not to have an owner, they'd soon get picked up and taken home.” He roared laughing, and finished off with, “we have a scarcity of them!” His white teeth flashed, and the dimple on his chin stood pronounced. Treasure had never known such a positive sense of humor, and couldn't help a smile. No wonder he laughed at her lack of knowledge.

Right on the dot of time, as the clock chimed the half hour, Mrs. Ryan arrived. She was of medium height with grey streaked hair rolled into a bun, and a pleasant face. Her lilted accent was Irish and pleasant to the ear.

“You're Irish!” Treasure declared immediately, “How wonderful, I love to hear your accent.” Mrs. Ryan seemed taken aback at Treasure's candor, then realizing it was a compliment blushed. “Well now, and to be sure I come from the old country. I can also be a bit full of blarney and I love to sing, so I hope you don't mind that.”

Treasure didn't mind at all, as long as it wasn't at inappropriate times, like when they had visitors or wanted peace and quiet to talk.

“Nar Miss, no need to worry yourself about that now, I know my place and won't overstep any boundaries. May I enquire my duties and if there is a day off?” They came to an arrangement and Mrs. Ryan was shown her room with a side sitting area for her own entertaining. Her mouth flew open with delight, “I've never had such grand quarters, thank you so much, mam. I am delighted—, truly I am.”

Treasure smiled, glad to see the sweet lady pleased. They arranged for her to move in the next morning, giving time to settle in before commencing her first duty of the evening meal. “I'd be happy for you to eat with us Mrs. Ryan unless we have special visitors, then I'd need you to serve.” At this the housekeeper beamed, blessing Treasure for her kindness and thanking her, because it was nicer than eating alone.

“Oh you will never do that,” Treasure assured her. “You will still have Paris, and we can't forget her.” This brought an amazed look from the lady? Her forehead creased, was there was a third person in the house? Learning Paris was a dog made her chuckle with glee. All was working out pleasantly, and Treasure felt she and Ella were really meant to be living in this amiable town.

Ella arrived home with a meat pie each for lunch and a huge bone for Paris to gnaw on in the garden. They kept her company by sitting on the verandah and sharing their adventures of the day. The vet's advice was to allow Paris to have a litter of puppies and keep one for her as company. The others would likely sell well as she was part Border collie which meant a well valued working dog.

“Being rust colored with a bit of white apparently added to her appeal,” Ella proudly announced. “He said she was about eight months of age, and her first season could be in about two months, but all dogs are different. Then he said he would let the homesteaders know about her, to find a suitable sire.” The two sat together reflecting on this advice. Neither wanted to think Paris might be sad at losing her pups, so decided it was a good idea to keep just one for company. And if her pups were valued, as he suggested, then they would be properly cared for. Ella began to laugh, tickled about what else was said. “He wanted to know how we came up with the name, Paris, for an Ozzie working dog. Then he asked me, with a funny glint in his eye, where we two ladies came from?” She went into fits of laughter again finding it hard to relate the story. “So I ignored the second part of his question and just answered, why we shouldn't call our girl a special name! Our Paris looks like a beautiful lady, and everyone knows the most elegant ones are supposedly from Paris!”

Treasure burst out laughing also, she could imagine Ella rolling her eyes at the question and trying to think up a suitable answer—. Which, the vet most likely took to mean, she thought him dense for asking.

“Oh, no, Ella! Well, that was a close call, but well done! And, we are going to have to make up a good story in case we get questioned any further. People are like that, they want to know everything about strangers. I tell you what, if you can't think what to say, do what Aunt, I mean Mum used to do. Remember? She just asked them why? And when they added on to the question, she would ask again, why? —. And that made them feel they were being nosey, so they stopped asking.” They roared with hilarity remembering again how good Primrose was at putting people off, by doing this and not appearing rude.

“I don't want to tell lies, Treasure, so we need to give an answer that is the truth without telling them too much. The good thing is that I have an English accent, while yours is Australian. We lived together in England even though it wasn't for long. So we will say we met in London, which is true, and just let them draw their own conclusions, that won't hurt.”

“That sounds good, and if they ask if we worked, then in honesty, I was in the clothing trade and you dressed hair. We don't need to tell anymore.”

And so it was agreed upon. Since both spoke French fluently that wouldn't be a problem either as many society people conversed in that language. “But!— we will only use it if we are pushed into a corner and really have to,” Treasure finished. So they were in agreement, and both felt they would be able to fit in and become town living country ladies.

“Oh, I have another bit of news,” Ella remembered. I met a few other people during my walk with Paris. One such gentleman was a Reverend Elderby who pastors the church we saw. Apparently it is non denomination and anyone can attend. Services are at ten o'clock on Sunday, and I told him I would be there.” Something in the way color flooded Ella's face, told Treasure there was more to this. “Well I hope you didn't include me as going with you, you know I know nothing about such things and I would feel terribly out of place.”

Ella gave her a long look. “Oh, don't worry, in fact I don't want you around or he may like you better than me.” This confession stunned Treasure and with her mouth open in surprise, she felt she needed to take heed and listen carefully.

“He is so handsome Treasure, and you should see the way he combs his hair in the middle. He even has a wonderful moustache. Not one of those droopy bushy ones, it's short and just under his nose, I could hardly take my eyes off it. And—, he has the bluest eyes; and brownish hair, in fact he isdivine!” Her eyes shone with the telling and Treasure wondered if going to church was for the sermon or the minister.

“So is this handsome minister married?” Treasure tapped her fingers on the chair arm something she did when doubtful. Goodness, she didn't want Ella throwing herself at the man as soon as she met him. Warning bells were ringing. “I do hope you acted with propriety Ella!”

Ella squirmed and blushed further; hoping Treasure couldn't see her face, as she quickly turned it away pretending to see what Paris was up to. Jumping off the seat she ran inside the house with a parting, “I would never do such a thing and bring shame on us, you know better than to think that.”

Treasure certainly hoped so, wishing her mother Primrose was here to check out this minister man.

As it was, on Sunday morning Mrs. Ryan declared she was also going to church and asked Ella if she minded her company. “Everyone sit's around sharing food with a cuppa after the service, so don't expect Miss Ella home until at least midday or even later, will you Miss Treasure.” Taking their Bibles and a cake baked the previous day, the two began the walk at fifteen minutes before the hour

So it looked like she'd have lunch alone, with just Paris for company. Well, there was no excuse to not write the letter to her uncle, she'd been putting off. Thinking about him, she determined that perhaps she had judged the man wrongly.

Concluding the second page, it took some mulling over for exactly how to word it, about her mother's secret. Perhaps it was best to be straightforward and not beat around the bush. So she finished with –.
My grandmother's lawyer, Mr. Latham gave me a letter written by my real mother. I wonder if you know about this. Anyhow, I was relieved to hear the explanation at last because Mother Primrose always displayed a love for me, like no other. I wish to thank you for caring for the both of us and allowing us the freedom to follow our dreams. Sincerely Treasure.

Licking a stamp to the envelope, and securing Paris to a rope, she left the house for a leisurely walk to the postbox. The street was quiet; except for the loud hymn singing that couldn't be ignored coming from the church. Enjoying the sound, Treasure wandered over to sit on a bench at one of the outdoor wooden tables. This spot looked like a place travelers stopped to eat pre-packed refreshments. Or, perhaps it was also where the church members enjoyed the fellowship that Mrs. Ryan spoke of, after church. A protective roof covered the area to protect from the elements, was much appreciated on this warm, early spring day. Everyone must be at church Treasure conceded, as no shops appeared to be trading and all the vehicles, both motorized and horse-drawn stood out front on the road or to the other side of the building.

Paris was restless and undoubtedly so! She wanted to sniff everywhere, so giving up her seat Treasure allowed her to meander and snuffle at ease. Unaware that she was observed by some through open windows. Treasure laughed at Paris being started by a horse, whose head was bent to watch the dog, then it suddenly snorted, puffing dust in her face. Regaining her bravado, Paris continued on, but this time not as close to the livestock, instead, going to their water trough. Wondering if she wanted a drink of water, Treasure lifted her so she could gain access. “My Paris, you feel much heavier than you did, I can't feel your bones as much as before.” They were only at the end of their first week in the valley and although not much more than a pup, Paris flourished, and gaining weight. “Come on mon amie, you can take your fill easier at home. I want to get myself a bite for lunch and then play you some piano.” Paris looked up as if understanding perfectly and as Treasure pulled her in the direction of their house, she complied with her happy tongue hanging loose and a contented pulling on her rope.

7

Treasure learns about prayer.

On return from church, Mrs Ryan declared herself bushed on her feet and retired to bed for a rest. So the young women were left to their own devises again and relaxed on the verandah bench.

“I declare, a good swing seat for three would go nicely out here, it will be Kelvin's subsequent job. The poor man won't know what to expect next.” Treasure placed a glass of water at her side on the floor, then turned to her friend. “So Ella, how was church this morning? Paris and I went for a stroll and I must say the singing sounded hearty.”

Ella nodded with a smile on her face, “I saw you,” she admitted. “In fact many people questioned me after the service as to why you didn't come with us.”

Treasure looked perplexed and picked up her water to finish it off as she thought for an answer. “I didn't think about anyone looking out of the windows instead of being attentive to the service.”

Ella took this good naturedly and she was aware that Treasure also got out of giving an answer by her comeback.
Oh well,
Ella shrugged,
there was truth in that, people should be more attentive to the preaching. Perhaps Treasure would come in time; it was no good raving on about it.

Treasure recalled something. “I finally wrote that letter to Uncle and posted it. I remembered to tell him to take care of what he says on the telephone, should he ring.” Raising her arms and looping her fingers together behind her head, Treasure leaned back and then continued in a different direction. “I've been puzzled at something Mr. Latham said to me before he went to Melbourne.” Ella said nothing, just sat waiting and listened.

“He told me to be thankful for the gifts God has given me. Not to think about the past but to look forward to joy.” She was trying to remember the rest of it. “Oh yes! He also said to pray for understanding, forgiveness and love. Do you have any idea what he was talking about?”

Ella clapped her hands smiling at her friend as if she shared a secret. “It sounds like your Mr Latham is a Christian,” she stated at last. “The Bible tells to us to forgive others – in the same way that we want them and our Maker, to forgive us. When we hold grudges we can cause a Root of Bitterness to grow inside which in turn causes physical and mental illnesses. We don't always know the reason why people do what they do, so we are to love them anyway. Would you like me to pray about all this for you?”

Ella waited, she knew that Treasure didn't quite understand all of this, but it was a step in the right direction and Ella wanted to help her friend take it.

Treasure let her arms drop back down to her sides. “I suppose you could. I mean, I would be thankful if you did, because I don't know how to.” She considered Ella would do this on her knees in the privacy of her room that night. Wasn't that the way people prayed? Instead Ella gathered both of her friend's hands in hers and closing her eyes, bowed her head. Bewildered Treasure watched with her eyes open.

“Dear heavenly Father,” Ella spoke softly. “Sometimes I don't know quite how to pray, so I call on the Holy Spirit to place the right words into my mouth.”

Treasure closed her eyes, afraid of being irreverent, and listened to Ella's words.

“Lord, much has happened to us, and you know about all of that. Treasure has been given one surprise following another and sometimes when this happens, it gets beyond our human understanding. But you have a plan for both of us and especially for Treasure as she doesn't know you properly yet. Give her an open heart to accept the things she can't understand. And also, help her to forgive anyone she hasn't yet. Please show her why we don't always get our answers at once, but in your right time. And give her your comfort and peace in all of this. In Jesus's name, amen.”

The two sat peacefully in the aftermath. There was something here that made Treasure feel safe, and yet she couldn't put words to it. “Thank you Ella. Somehow I know God heard what you said and was in agreement. I have never realized that praying is just uttering your feelings. You spoke like you knew God could hear you. This is the first time you have done this with me, and I am very thankful. Perhaps I can talk to God in this way and he will hear me also.”

Ella assured her he would. “There is nothing that can separate any of us, from the love of God. You can talk to him in your mind as you work, you can talk to him aloud, you can be under the ground in a hole, or on top of a mountain. God made all of this.” She expressed her words by a broad wave of her arm. “So he is everywhere, he made us in our mother's womb; he knows the number of hairs on our head and our length of days on earth. Let me go get my Bible and read that to you.”

Exiting from her bedroom, via the French doors and with her bible in hand and open to where she wanted to read, Ella sat next to Treasure. She began to read from Psalm 139. “O L
ORD
, You have searched me and known
me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up; you understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For
there is
not a word on my tongue,
But
behold, O L
ORD
, You know it altogether.”

Looking up, Ella handed the Bible to Treasure. “You read the rest of that chapter for yourself, and then ask God to open the eyes of your heart and give you understanding. These were the same verses I was given many years ago by my father when he gave me this Bible. That's why I have underlined them and wrote the year, Christmas, 1916, and I am saying the same words to you as he said to me.” Getting up Ella began to walk inside explaining as she did that she was going to have a rest on her bed before making all of them, Mrs Ryan included, a cup of tea.

Treasure did read the rest of the chapter, and she read it slowly. It was so interesting. She had never in her life felt anything could be truer. So then she uttered her first real prayer, but not aloud as she wanted it to be private.
Heavenly Father, I think I believe this. It's all new in one way and in another it's like I have always believed it. So where does that leave my mother. Is she in heaven with you? I don't know. And yet, I seem to remember her trying to tell me something when she got really sick. I know she smiled when she left this world, I know she was at peace. So for now dear God I just ask for you to be with me and show me what I am to do. Amen.

*****

Connor Latham phoned Tuesday morning to ask if it were permissible for him to visit again that afternoon. Given the okay, the time was set and Treasure was reluctant to even admit to herself, she looked forward to his visit. Mrs Ryan let him in, much to his surprise. He bowed somewhat to her and gave her his hat to be placed on the hall table, before he was formally ushered in to Treasure, again seeing him in the office. Her smile was courteous as she sat behind the desk, extending her hand toward another chair indicating for him to be seated. He opened his bag and withdrew papers, then pulled the chair forward, sat down on the other side of the table, and placed the papers there.

“I pray all is well with you, Miss Gilroy.”

Treasure smiled without speaking. This time she noticed his dark smoldering eyes and a dimple that played at the side of his cheek when he spoke.

Those eyes bore into hers now, and then he smiled. “Well, it seems the letter I gave you from your aunt – mother, hasn't caused too much of a stir. You're still here and I see you have been busy acquiring some help around the house.”

So what!
She felt like giving a cheeky reply but knew her grandmother would have disapproved. So instead kept her reply meek. “I was informed Mrs. Ryan lost her last position and required a new one. After interviewing her, I felt we could help each other, and so offered her a job here.”

A piece of hair fluttered loose and onto her forehead. Placing her hand up to contain it behind a hair comb Treasure looked away from those eyes to gain her composure. Why did she feel self-conscious? Was it the way his eyes drifted over her face to rest on her mouth and then back to her hair. She had actually allowed Ella to style it that morning into a deep wave with a crown of plaits wrapped around her head. It was very becoming and gave her lovely face and high cheekbones an elegant air.

“Ahh,” was all he said as he continued to scrutinize at her.

“Have I got a smudge on my face, Mr. Latham? I feel something is amiss for you to stare at me the way you do.”
Well, if he was going to try and make her feel awkward she may as well ask him why?

“So sorry Miss Gilroy and please call me by my first name –, Connor, in case I failed to mention it. He cleared his throat. “Now! back to the will. Your grandmother was a wealthy lady and it has all passed on to you. She owned stock in several companies through the New York Stock Exchange, which the dividends alone, will keep you supported in style for years. She was also a benevolent person and helped the town in various ways. It's not up to me to tell you how to use your money, however, if I can help, I'd be pleased to do so.” He looked indisputable, and kept eye contact while speaking, which was a good sign.

Treasure loved New York yet didn't feel it should benefit from her money. It ought be back in good old Oz where it belonged.

“Mr Latham—, Connor, I thank you most sincerely for your considerations. Firstly, about my employees. Mrs Ryan and Kelvin Thompson. I would be thankful if you would pay each a cash wage on Thursday of every fortnight. Yes! I have employed Kelvin for odd jobs five to six days a week. Presently he lives out of town. Since it would be nice to have a man around the house, I am going to get him to build a medium structure of bedroom and sitting room- kitchen around the back of the garage. This would be his accommodation.”

Holding up her hand, for him not to but in, she continued. “Then, I would like to withdraw the money from the New York Stock Exchange and deposit it into my uncle's bank in Sydney in a term account. My uncle had always had my best interest at heart, and families should stick together, even in business when it's safe to do so.

“Next, I wish to have the church and school painted as benefits the town. I will ask Kelvin to take charge of that, and perhaps hire someone to help him. After, he finishes building his rooms of course. “And,” she finished, “you may call me Treasure!” She felt this was enough for Connor to get his head around for now, and he could see she was one very strong-minded young lady, who knew what she wanted and was determined to see her wishes adhered to.

“Well! I'm not sure what to say. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of calling you by your first name. I am honored.” Those eyes roamed over her mouth once more, almost like a kiss, and again set her heart thumping. “I shall take care of that stock for you and will prepare the papers to be signed. I take it that your uncle knows about placing the money in his bank?” He took his eyes off her for the time it took to write some notes and then collect the papers together. “You are a generous lady in all I have heard today. There is cash at hand aplenty to pay wages and to meet the cost for your ventures. I will handle them with the same reliance my late uncle did for your grandmother.”

Treasure stood up pushing her chair back to the wall and preparing to walk around the desk. “My uncle doesn't know about the money yet, because neither did I. I'm sure you will be a reliable confidant, Connor, and it's nice to know your uncle held trust for my family. I'm sure that speaks well of you following in his footsteps.”

Connor ran his hand through his hair and looked as if he was going to say something and then changed his mind. Before walking from the office he touched her arm for her stop and listen.

“You'll hear more about this from me one day. For now I'd like to clarify something for you about your natural mother. She didn't give you away to her sister for adoption; it pained her to let you go. And –, in early December I have another letter from her to give you. Why she wanted it separate from the first, I don't know? Perhaps you'll learn that when it's opened. But for now, I am happy to be of help.” He looked down at her, his eyes doing that thing again of searching her face. Then signaling for her to walk in front, he followed to the front door.

Treasure stood pensively watching the back of his head as he walked to his office, crossing to the other side of the road to enter. Perhaps he felt her eyes on him? Because for some reason he paused, turned looking back, and lifted his arm in a wave before entering his front door. Treasure's face flushed, and hoped with the distance, he couldn't see. It embarrassed her to be caught out watching. What would he think?

Ella, also spotted her as she came to the door, to see what she was doing. “Ahh, me thinks you like that gallant knight.” She swept her arm around Treasures waist; looking into her eyes and almost touching face-to-face. “Now I know why you wanted your hair to look nice,” she teased with a knowing smile.