Discovering Treasure (5 page)

8

Exciting town improvements.

Kelvin, now their handyman, fell into a comfortable routine with the rest of the household. Closer in age to Mrs. Ryan who they all now called Nellie –, he made the entire house come alive with his joking and merriment. When told he was to build his own habitat at the back of the garage, Treasure could have sworn she saw tears spring to his eyes, but he turned away, mumbled something about getting to work and ordering his materials from the hardware, then rushed off. Treasure always thought Ozzie males should express their moods as free as did European men. As far as pride went with the latter, they had none. They expressed heartache or happiness, mopping away tears and blowing noses loudly. Aunty, or rather Mother, always said boys should not be taught to be a man and contain their feelings, as it was unhealthy!

Kelvin, under Treasure's instruction to do so hired two extra good-working men to each paint the church and schoolhouse.

Ella informed her, the church could do with a new organ because their piano was in a dreadful state. Sweet Ella took it on herself to order game implements such as soccer balls, two cricket sets, and skip ropes for the school children. This was her contribution, she informed Treasure. Nellie, not to miss out on their actions asked if Treasure would mind, if she taught the older schoolgirls how to sew. Friday afternoon became the time for this with Treasure purchasing, enough materials, scissors, needles, and threads for the lessons.

In the short time since the young women arrived in the town, many improvements eventuated, prompting others in the community to volunteer enhancements to the town at their own expense. It transpired like a fire, from one small spark, to the townsfolk suddenly catching the blaze. Nellie offered to cook up a heap of sausage for all the workers who came to help on two Saturdays. Down the middle of the town arose a medium strip of native bottle brushes planted in a row. The church was painted in double quick time, and the hardware gifted the paint. Parents of schoolchildren, built wooden benches on the shady side of the building for the children to sit protected from the hot summer sun. One clever grandfather donated two bubblers situated under the school where water would be cooler to drink.

Not only did this bring the community closer together, it helped both Treasure and Ella make more friends. Some of the ladies enquired about Ella's fashionable hair style, that many had only seen in an odd magazine. Ella managed to keep it trim and neat herself and at present had a slightly blue rinse washed through her golden tresses. Her huge slanted green eyes twinkled with excitement at the thought of giving these ladies some style of their own. She didn't believe in pandering to what they thought would suit them, but instead would endeavor to help them make the best of themselves. This however would only be done by suggestion; she did not consider making them over herself.

And so the days fled into weeks with Uncle deciding to make a weekend visit to them at the beginning of November. Treasure guessed he would find the town remarkably changed since his last trip many years ago with his wife. Treasure's New York stocks were safely deposited in his bank and Uncle Marcus was impressed with Connor having been a World War One fighter pilot. Connor informed her, that Uncle request the privilege of being a paid passenger in the lawyer's private plane. Who would have guessed Uncle had an adventurous spirit, certainly not Treasure who hadn't even seen the plane.

Uncle sent a note back to her by Connor informing of his arrival on the Saturday and his leaving on the Monday. A room was prepared for him with Connor and Reverend Elderby being invited at Ella's request, to a baked dinner on Saturday evening. Treasure didn't like segregation and decided it was time for changes to be made. She consulted Ella about this who agreed wholeheartedly. So Nellie and Kelvin would be eating in the dining room with them and hopefully they could manage that as well as serving the food.

Treasure informed the two employees over dinner that night. “We are all friends, and I see no reason for any different arrangement for us, except we'd use the dining room for a social evening.”

Nellie and Kelvin looked first at each other and then at Treasure, and began to object.

“Ah, no oppositions will be entered into!” Treasure stated firmly. “The world is changing and it's about time. Snobbery is getting thrown out of the window in this house. Friends are friends and you have both proved yourselves in that respect. Now, let's get down to the planning.” She had a page of paper to write it all down so there would be no mistakes.

“I will leave the baked dinner and dessert up to you Nellie. And, Kelvin –, would you mind helping Nellie to clear away, and wash up after?” She hardly seemed to draw a breath in between delivering these orders. “If we can get that done in about an hour, then it would be nice to have some of Nellie's singing.”

At this Nellie's mouth opened like a stunned fish, and her face flushed. Sensing her shyness, Kelvin patted her on the back, affectionately looking at her with esteem. “She has a bonnie voice, that's for sure and Reverend Elderby, who hasn't heard a solo from her yet, will be surprised! I suspect he will be asking her to lead the singing in church. Now that would be a delight for all!”

Nellie got up under pretense of clearing away their dishes. She was lost for words. Yes! she did love to sing, but in front of people? That was another story, and to be informed she might do it in church with all those eyes watching, well it was enough to make her feel faint. She would need time to mull over what had been presented to her.

Treasure didn't wish to push her into doing something which would lead to upset. So, she walked out to the side verandah with Kelvin, on pretense of shaking the tablecloth. “You talk to her Kelvin. She has over a week to decide, but please don't mention singing in church again. Let her get used to one thing at a time. We don't need to make her a buddle of nerves, do we?” Nodding his head in agreement, Kelvin headed off for a game of cards with his cronies at a house down the road.

*****

The Saturday evening meal went well, and much to Treasure's surprise, her uncle didn't say a word about the ‘
help
' socializing with them. This made Treasure wonder.

When the pastor asked whether Uncle would be at the Sunday service, Uncle Marcus beamed.“Of course! I wouldn't miss it. Connor's been having talks with me about salvation on some of his Sydney visits. I have been curious about all of this since my wife's illness and am now contemplating baptism.”

Treasure almost choked on her coffee, had she heard correctly?

This was so out of her uncle's character. Turning in his seat, he looked at her and put her on the spot by saying, “You'll come also I hope, Treasure. Knowing Jesus– sets you free from all the silly things that keep you tired in knots. Why I have never felt so unregimented and at peace as I do now, thanks to my new young friend, Connor.”

Treasure felt trapped. How could her uncle have such a turnaround? Yes, she'd begun to have a different understanding about God, about him knowing her, about how he created her and the world, but she was not ready to drop everything familiar and become a devoted nun. If that's what they expected, then they could all think again. What could she do? Her uncle was her guest so how could she snub him now in front of everyone and not go? Before she could think out a reply, her mouth opened without her permission and she found herself agreeing to go.

Help!

Connor had been observing her with hooded lids half hiding those magnetic eyes in the lamplight. His faint smile betrayed something almost supernatural. Had he put a spell on her? She was sure he had something to do with her agreeing because there was no way she wanted to. Eyeing her lips again he licked his as if contemplating a kiss. The power he emanated over her at that moment was earth-shattering. Something was bonding her closer to his heart and she had no combat against it.

There was no way she would let him take over her life, her way of thinking or even more, her body. She'd fight him every inch of the way if she had too.
When and if I choose a mate, Mr-All-Too-Sexy, it will be of my choice and not yours, so there.
Now she hoped he could read her mind, which would not surprise her if he could, because then he'd know the ball was to be in her court and not in his!
End of story
!

Next morning all was a flurry as everyone rushed the bathroom and scurried back into their rooms to be ready on time. The white crested cockatoos that screeched in flocks overhead spelled the time each day at nine, so Treasure knew there would be no tardiness.

“Treasure,” Nellie said, I should have asked you last night but there never seemed the right time to do so.” Nellie had an apron over her Sunday best to keep it clean. Since Sunday was her day off Treasure wondered what she was doing, but was soon to discover. “This being a special weekend with your uncle's visit as a V.I.P,” Nellie seemed to be confiding a secret in a low-toned voice. “We're all to bring a picnic lunch that gets placed on a table and shared by everyone. I hope you don't mind if I take the remainder of that roast lamb from last night. It was a big one so there is a heaped plate of leftovers. I also have boiled eggs and two bottles of pickled cucumbers. So is it all right to take them with us?” Her face looked worried, hoping she wasn't being too presumptuous.

Taking pity on this good lady's big heart, Treasure smiled. “Of course I don't mind, I am very grateful for your consideration.”

Nellie release a sigh of relief and stepped out of the way as Ella rushed past and out the back door to make sure Paris was tied up out of the sun and had water within reach.

“Treasure,” she called as she ran, “I'll be back to do your hair in five minutes.”

*****

After all the preparations to get there, church turned into a friendly affair for Treasure. She didn't know the hymns but after listening to the first verse sung she was ready to raise her own voice and attempt her best on the second and third verses. Uncle Marcus stood beside her holding the hymnal and helped her follow by running his finger along the words when she got lost. She felt closer to him than she ever had, and at the end of the third hymn he leaned close and whispered in her ear. “Your natural mother would have been very proud of you.” And then he winked.

Not yet having had time to talk to him about whether or not he knew the family secret about her, she now knew her answer, and it was given in the sweetest way. Her heart glowed with love toward him and she silently thanked God for this man she had so underestimated.

Surely everyone in the community was here. Treasure looked around recognizing so many faces, yet not all, as they filed outside following the service. Pastor shook her hand at the door and thanked her graciously for attending. “Was it so very strange for you?” he questioned.

“No, it was very nice in fact, and I do believe I could get used to the serenity emanating within the walls.” The glow on his face at her words displayed his thankfulness.

Ella coming out behind her stopped to ask him if he'd eat at their table.

“I thought you'd never ask,” Treasure witnessed his happy response.

A huge kettle hung over an open fire at the side of the church and as Treasure wondered what it was for, when one of the women tipped a cup of tea leaves into it.
Oh good, a hot cup of tea, just what I feel like.
Nellie had seen her look and smiled, lifting the table cloth off the large basket brought from home, she reveal cups, a jar of sugar and another of milk.

“Nellie, you think of everything,” she gushed, to which Nellie reached back into the basket to produce seven tin plates and cutlery. She was prepared for two extra at the table, which Treasure didn't need to ask who they were, Pastor and Connor of course. Did that woman have some sort of uncanny knowing or what? Treasure just stared at Nellie while deliberating this in her mind. All of her life Treasure herself had had such occasions when she knew something impossible to know rationally. Like her attachment to Ella, and Ella's to her.

9

Church is a surprise-and Uncle's revelation

What a lovely gathering. Treasure looked around at families sitting at the outdoor tables and others on blankets stretched out on the grass. Children ran around playing chasings and tip while laughing with merriment. The day turned out rather mild, although many from the area promoted a fiercely hot summer due to the so far, lack of rain. What would it mean? If no rain fell –, a drought! Would people and animals die? She knew nothing about this kind of existence, and then a plan began to form in her mind? Treasure contained her thoughts until everyone was finally sitting at the table enjoying their casual meal. Then she brought up the subject, directing it at Connor since his knowledge of the land was paramount.

“I've been hearing the talk of it likely being a very hot summer. Will this cause a problem? What has happened in the past, do you know?”

Connor had a mouthful of sandwich and had to wait until he finished chewing and swallow before speaking, but Treasure had everyone's attention. Connor looked toward Kelvin, “Old Kel can probably tell you more than I can, I never took too much notice to be truthful, and then I went off to war for a few years. What I do know is that it can get drastic because it affects everything and everyone. And no one has any real solutions.”

Nellie looked toward Kelvin, “tell them Kel, tell them of that good idea you told me about.” Nellie was promoting the handyman as their spokesperson.

Kelvin, usually ready to joke about almost everything, didn't at this. In fact his complete countenance was serious for the first time they had known him. “People need to respect water, because it's more valuable than gold in keeping the wheels of life turning. My opinion is, too much water is thrown away. Take water used to wash the clothes, why is it thrown out on an already well-watered ground in the good times? The same with bath and kitchen sink water. What I said to Nellie was that we should save water somehow and re-use it to water plants and small plots of acres when the drought comes.”

All were amazed, what a good idea! And he was so right, and it was even better, or as good as the one formed in Treasure's mind. Everyone began to speak at once until Treasure stood up.

“Quiet, I want to say something first before I forget it. Kelvin's idea is a wonderful one, and I am thinking that his idea with mine could make a big difference to our town when times are as bad as I have heard they can get. Perhaps it's not an absolute cure, but it would certainly be helpful.” She reached across to put some milk into the tea Ella just poured for her. “Okay, this is my idea. Most homes have a tank to collect rain water and some even have wells. But, there is no water tank attached to the church and only a small tank for the school. I propose we get a much larger one in-ground, for the school and another for the church.” Stirring her tea and then taking a sip, she continued. “As for Kel's idea, we could all put in large tanks where our dirty house water could be stored for reuse on vegetable gardens, when the drought hits.”

Connor sat amazed, this girl certainly had her head screwed on right. Not many women would even bother to consider water a matter for concern. Her character rose immediately in his esteem for her. She wasn't the la-di-da self-consumed young woman he once valued her as; she actually had a good brain in a sensible head on her shoulders, which was a rarity.

Marcus Kingsley elbowed Connor, almost reading his mind. Since they were seated at a table separate to other church member's, yet still in proximity, he lowered his voice.

“To know Treasure and her way of thinking is to have known her grandmother and my dearly departed wife, Treasures mother. They were exceptionally clever women who forever found ingenious ways to promote what they believed in. Due to them I was convicted to defend women's rights.”

Marcus cut himself another piece of chocolate cake, looking at it with head down for a moment, then he told a story that Treasure had never heard till now. Perhaps it was the peacefulness of the day, or the sheer contentment of acceptance among friends. For whatever reason Marcus was compelled to share and since none wanted others to hear, they all bent forward to catch the narrative.

“I met my dear wife when I was a nonentity clerk. She came into the bank where I was working to deposit an amount of money endowed to her by her father. She was loveliness in everything about her, unmarried and eight months pregnant. I could see she felt poor in spirit due to, I was to learn later, the loss of the man she thought loved her. We chatted and she asked if I would luncheon with her. Of course I did, I had no family of my own and she was obviously in distress.” Glancing around at the other tables and making sure none others were listening, he continued. “The poor lass were beside herself. She related her whole story to me, with the decision of asking her childless sister to adopt her baby. This was the only decision she could think of that would permit her to have a part in caring for the little mite. She had thought it through from every angle explaining to me how her sister followed her husband on his explorations. So on these occasions she would be able to step in and care for the child as its aunt. This would be a socially acceptable arrangement and one that undoubtedly would reassure the consensual.

He leaned toward Treasure to continue. Taking a huge breath, and as if he wanted it off his chest, he completed the rest. “Your grandfather had the wisdom to set me up in starting a bank of my own. He was a kind man and we all worked together so that no one knew your real identity. In the beginning of the bank it was hard work. Your mother thought I didn't care for having children of our own. This was not so, I just didn't want to burden her with another worry. So you Treasure were the only child and grandchild. Although I found it difficult to express my love for you and your mother, I truly did love you both.”

If the others at their table seemed embarrassed, none showed it. In the time they had all been concurrent, a uniting bond of togetherness was strengthened like that of a related family.

Kelvin was the first to speak. “I reckon these things happen and they are the way God means them to be, for whatever reason.” He didn't wish to sound unfeeling or cold, but just to lay the matter to rest, as there were other more pressing solutions to think about now.

“We should have a town meeting before too much longer and talk about these tanks and take a vote. Hopefully there will be more rain” He looked at the minister. “So what do you think Reverend Elderby? The church won't need, that big a tank, but if putting one in it will help when times are bad, then all can count on using the water for a small price? Then that money could be invested further into other needs for the town.”

The Reverend shook his head. “I don't like the idea of people paying for what can be acquired for free.” He thought about this, and then added, “And what of those who couldn't afford it?” Everyone considered this. It was true, and if only the ones with money would benefit then what kind of advantage would that be.

Nellie was next to speak up. “Well not that it's my business mind you, but when people pay for something they seem to prize it more highly so no one would be squandering it. As for the poor needing it, that's true also, so there would need be a tally book, and when they are able to compensate in some way, then that could be done. Not so they should suffer any you know.” So that settled it, Treasure would carry the debt of larger in-ground concrete tanks for the church and school. It was also decided that the men with families, who needed a wage the most, would be hired for the work. Treasure would leave the result of getting this done to the men of the town with Connor as overseer.

Walking home later and lagging behind with Uncle Marcus, Treasure held onto his arm, telling him how glad she was to have him with them and hoping he would make it to visit more often. This delighted him and now she began to understand the man behind the one she thought she knew. He was a people-pleaser and got much joy from seeing others happy. He didn't ever seem to consider what he would like to do.

“Tell me Uncle Marcus, if there was one thing in the whole world that you would like to do, just to please yourself without worrying if it made someone else happy, what would that be?”

them to our table in case you are under the impression I did, and be warned, that particular family can be a malicious lot. I have represented them as Her uncle beamed and it came from deep within him, as he carried a profoundly hidden secret, never shared yet always prized. “Well, as long as you don't laugh, there was something I loved to do as a boy, but never have time for since I grew older. But, it's the one thing I enjoyed so very much, and perhaps I could come and stay here sometimes and do it.” He looked sideways at her as they walked, knowing Treasure would be scanning her mind to try and figure out what it was. She was like that, she always liked to guess.

“I have no idea Uncle, I have never been aware of you doing anything that wasn't related to work. So is this related to that in any way?”

He shook his head! Looking up at the sky and down at the road, he quite enjoyed her trying to fathom it out. He chuckled. “Well, do you give up yet?” At her nod, he gave in and informed her “I don't believe you could ever guess but it is something quite simple, although you may not associate it with a pompous ass like me. I like to fish. I get great joy in rolling up my trouser legs, sitting on the riverbank and catching fish. How I used to love to do that as a child. Yet when you are a bank manager people would have looked down their noses if I'd been seen, so I have dreamt about it and read much about it, but never ventured to it.”

Treasure could remember having seen magazines specifically about that in his home. Why, this was something he could do here and no one would judge him for it. “Well that seems like something else we could bring about. Perhaps a fishing club with a small prize for the biggest fish, maybe you could get yourself a Tinnie –, oh, I can just see you out in a boat and then bringing home lovely fish for a meal” And so it was decided, Uncle would be a regular visitor and would enjoy his hobby. It was about time he learned to relax, have fun and relish life. Treasure almost skipped the rest of the way home.

Uncle flew out with Connor next day with the promise he would be back a few days before Christmas and remain until New Year's Day. If only her mother could see the happiness coming about due to the relaxed attitude between family and this little town. Treasure knew she would have liked it.

Kelvin was as busy as a bee and right in his element of organizing. Connor was due back in two days, so the town planned their meeting for Friday night. Meanwhile Kel, the reverend now being called Thomas, and the headmaster Greg Brown all made plans of how to produce diagrams for the tanks, to gain town approval. With Treasure supporting all the expense, Connor chipped in to pay the salaries. There was much planning to do because they needed the work well on the way before any rain could fall.

Everyone kept busy with one thing or another and by the middle of November –, just one day after the tanks where finished, the rain fell in deluges, soon filling everything including the river below and making a muddy mess of the streets. People remained indoors as much as possible as the road was awash, turning dirt to slosh which was fun for the children, but not so for the adults.

Connor began venturing over on odd occasions and spending an afternoon talking with Treasure about her life living in different countries, and the customs and the things she missed. Often he remained for the evening meal and later a game of cards with Kel. Treasure no longer felt daunted by him and missed him on his odd jaunts to Sydney or Melbourne. She often wondered whether he had another family there. Could she be jealous? She supposed all being as it was, then yes, she did care for him, a little more than she would have liked. She was losing ground. By the way he looked at her; she could see a longing in those eyes of his for more, so why didn't he ever approach her to go for a walk alone as Thomas did with Ella? Goodness, she turned twenty six years old soon, what was he waiting for? Okay then, she would take the bull by the horns and invite herself on his next visit to Melbourne, and see what happened.

“I'd like to have some time away, and hope you can take me with you to Melbourne on your next trip. What do you say Connor?” They'd just finished an evening meal and were waiting for coffee to be served. If Connor felt any surprise in her asking then he didn't show it.

“That's fine with me, I intend to go again as soon as the rain dries up, and it's much safer then. Have you travelled in a small open small plane before?”

She assuring him she hadn't but she didn't think it would be a problem because she suffered no ill effects from heights. So it was settled. As soon as the rain debated they would be off. Ella was so excited for her. And Treasure assured her it was purely a business venture.

“Just write down the names of those hair colors and butterfly clips for styling.” Ella had bought scissors with her from Paris, so that was no trouble. But she would need other things as well.

The trip was exciting, never had she experienced anything so exhilarating. After landing at the airport, a car picked them up and dropped Treasure in central Melbourne. Connor went on to see about his business dealing and would later stay the night in his own apartment.

After settling in, and checking the local telephone directory for the factory wholesalers, Treasure caught a taxi to her destiny.

She purchased the hair dressing items. Then added some lovely bolts of different materials needed for summer and winter. Accessories such as cottons, laces, belts, artificial flowers, earrings, hair combs, and a variety of different hats completed her personal purchases. Then she ordered two mannequins to place in a window for attracting customers. Beside this, she couldn't resist buying two beautiful large mirrors. After arranging all this to be boxed, and shipped by train, and then by truck, hunger pangs caused her to slow down and consider her need to eat.