Discovering Treasure (7 page)

12

Gaining more understanding

Treasure didn't read her Bible that night, but she did talk to God and thank him for the gift before falling asleep. At first light next morning as the kookaburras awakened her with their cheerful laughter she felt refreshed and ready to read God's message to her. Sitting up in the comfort of her bed while hearing the familiar sounds of Nellie preparing the wood stove in the kitchen, Treasure read 1 Corinthians, Chapter twelve. She read it through once, and then again more slowly. So now she realized that she wasn't the only person in the world to be given a special gift. Why, there were millions of others given it as well. So this meant that all together they were to use the gift as directed by the Holy Spirit. Well, that wasn't so bad then. It was like a student and a teacher. The teacher directed and the student obeyed.

Next she read Chapter thirteen; the love Chapter, and now she herself fell in love with what passed in front of her eyes, and travelled to her heart. How beautiful it was and so perfectly described. Love was the most important feeling and action of all. Nothing could exist without it. Now yesterday—, and her actions over finding Jason were quickly resolved because of love. Love had no fear. She felt no fear in letting people know what she had been informed of by God, because love conquered that fear.

Little by little, truth trickled in and pooled inside her soul and gave her peace. And now her eyes lit upon an old picture hanging on the wall of what used to be, her grandparents' room. It showed an old-fashioned nurse with a scripture verse beneath. Second Timothy 1:7. – God Gives No Fear Ever. This caused Treasure to open her Bible at this scripture, and read it in its full context –

““For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”” So
fear
was a
spirit
. And now the revelation hit home. Fear, was a nasty spirit sent by the devil to torment the believer. It had done that to her last night when she was told she had special gifts given by God. The devil wanted her to fear. He wanted her to be afraid to use her gifts. Well!! She had news for him! If God gave her these gifts then they were hers, and no spirit of fear was going to quench them! She now understood… God gave all who believed, his spirits of— power, love, and a sound mind.

Love filled her heart with enthusiasm. Power helped her to jump out of bed and quickly dress for the day, and the spirit of a sound mind would be with her to keep her on track. How she loved her Bible, Gods Written Word of instruction to her. Kissing its cover, she gently placed it onto her bed stand and then walked over to gaze at that scripture on the wall unobserved until now. Why, her grandparents must have become believers, and from this day forward, she was one also.

Society were a strange lot, the more Treasure observed them, the them more sure she was of her conclusion concerning their restraints. Especially the English, they liked to keep their personal views to themselves like a secret. But hang on. Nellie was British and she was different, yet that might have been due to her Irish viewpoint –, thank God for that straightforward outlook. Nellie liked to share and help others and that was a good way to be. If Nellie hadn't explained about the Gifts of the Spirit then Treasure would have been of the conclusion that she was connected to that sixth sense again. How silly would that be. God's answer was both clearer and much more concise. How could you ever explain knowing something by yourself.? Of course you couldn't, but with God and the Holy Spirit as the guide, why all she had to do was increase her faith until there was no room for disbelief.

That photo of the nurse on her grandparents, wall. She walked up closer to it and read the verse of 2 Timothy 1:7, that a Spirit of Fear was not of God. Astounding! Her grandmother had been a nurse, and a very good one recognised for her work. Treasure now knew her grandmother so much more. A modest humble lady, who lived to give to others.

The sweet soprano voice of Nellie could be heard in the kitchen amidst banging of pots and pans letting everyone know breakfast wouldn't be long. As a last resort she rang a cow bell but that rarely happened with the warmer days, and early risingsun. A door slammed shut and Kelvin's faint voice whispered down the hallway, carrying on his shenanigans, as Nellie called it –, having her on. Treasure shook her head. What would it be about this morning? Hopefully Emma would keep a closer watch on Jason from here on.

Kelvin blew on his tea. “I counted them and without a word of a lie, there were twelve. Now where did that cat come from in the first place? And how could she get with having twelve little ones?” He sipped on his hot, sweet, milkless, tea. Not so for the ladies, they liked their's with milk. It was for this reason that Kelvin, hearing about some cows for sale, was going to ask Treasure if she thought it was a good idea to buy one. After all, they had plenty of paddock to tether it in. He felt he had many good ideas to enlighten the ladies with this morning.

Treasure and Ella made their entrances into the kitchen and took their seats simultaneously. Both reached for the teapot at the same time and laughed, then Treasure nodded at her friend and while waiting, placed milk and sugar in cups for the both of them. Nellie provided all with bowls of porridge again for the third time that week. Ella stared at hers, and without a comment, added some stewed prunes and honey before waiting for someone to say grace. Since it was taken in turns Treasure did the honours. “Dear Lord, thank you for the food we are about to eat, and please make us thankful for it. We would appreciate something different tomorrow, but bless this just the same. Thank you, amen.”

Kelvin gave a sly smile, and Nellie kicked him under the table with her shoe. Treasure's face was aglow. “You will all be happy to know that I studied up on the Gifts of the Spirit and believe myself now well gifted and very thankful, for the privilege. I am going to take a walk farther on in the day and call on the good Reverence about something. But for now I'm going to have a nice cuppa and listen to something I think I heard about lots of kittens.”

Well
, Kelvin thought
, there is no time like the present and there is no use hiding it from the girl's.

“I'm the bearer of good news to say that dear little mother cat has twelve little ones. The informationhas got around double fast, and after that terrible mice plague we faced a few years back, everyone wants a kitten. As soon as they are big enough to fend for themselves, each person who have requested, will get their mouse catchers.”

Before Treasure even had a chance to say they should get one, Kelvin announced that he had already asked and his name was up on the hardware board for first pick.

“It's a good thing I spoke out, Miss Treasure, because they have all been accounted for now, and that cat will have to hurry up and have more because cats are as scarce as dogs around here.” He gave a wink, followed by his cheesy smile.

Hmm. Treasure wasn't sure anymore just who ran the house, but what did it matter as long as everything worked out well, and hopefully it would between Paris and a cat.

Kelvin scratched the back of his head. “I just have a couple more of bits of business to put before you Miss Treasure.” He spoke between mouthfuls of food. “You mentioned you'd like a change in breakfast, and I reckon we could all second that. So, there's that empty chicken pen up the backyard. How would you like me to round us up a few hens, maybe a rooster and some chickens? If I get a move on, I think I know a couple of families who just might be able to help out with these.”

Treasure put her spoon down on the table with a chatter..and a broad breaming smile on her face. “Well I just reckon you better get on and do that Mr Kelvin, but first, you have to show us that new house of yours, we have been kept away from your secret for too long. It's time for us to see your surprise.”

Breakfast was finished and the cleaning up could wait as they all filed out behind their friend to see his latest conquest. It would never have been easy to peek as they all had been tempted to do. Located at the back of the garage, Kelvin's new home received tremendous shade from a huge old MoretonBay Fig tree some 20 feet around and likely 60 feet tall. Probably over a hundred years, its branches stretched way over the roof like a canopy of protective cover. This old English native tree weathered many storms without any danger of it dropping branches. It was a refuge and one of the strongest trees for survival.

Proudly opening the door to his abode, Kelvin escorted them into a twelve by fourteen feet kitchenand sitting room. A door led off into a large bedroom with a small bathing room to the side.“I decided a water closet wasn't needed inside, as I use the dunny dugout situated up the back yard, but I do have a chamber pot for when its raining.” Kelvin laughed in his usual jovial way. Everything was bare except for a huge bed and a chair in the kitchen.

“You must go to Connor and ask for a cover note to buy the furniture and bedding you'll need. And, as a Christmas present in advance, he is to give you ten pounds to lay what you need for your kitchen cuboard. I will write you a note to give to him for that. As for a stove. There is one in back of the garage that was too small for the house. It will need a clean and a coating of black and hopefully will be as good as new.”

Kelvin was lost for words. But he wasn't finished with by these women's benevolence just yet. Nellie told him she had two spare pillows and a quilt because she had just finished making a new one for herself. “Now you'll be needing a couple of blankets for next year's winter.” She turned to Treasure, letting her in on the conspiracy. “You may not know this Treasure, but in the room I occupy is a huge cedar chest full of beautiful bed linen. I have an idea it was saved for someone's Glory Chest. Now I wouldn't suggest using this for a man, but besides that, there is enough sheets and pillowcases in the linen cupboards to start a shop with. Do you think we could give the poor man two sets of sheets, pillowcases, and a couple of towels? Sure he'll be needing them, and, he is a good sort afterall.”

Who could say no to that reasoning? But before the women walked back to the main house, there was one more permission Kelvin thought he needed to ask for.

“Sure I hate to ask any more of you, it's like we are robbing you left and right. But this is something else that's come up and too good to miss. There is to be a sale of a couple of milking cows this afternoon out near Connor's place. He has the hens I want to buy and I could ask him the favour of running me over to the Hansels for that rooster, broody chook and chicks I was telling you of at breakfast. What do you say? I don't mind milking the cow and there'd be fresh cream, milk and butter a plenty, not to say cheese if Nellie knows how to make it. Another good thing is, she'll keep all that grass down in the back paddocks, so we'd have a free mower.”

Treasure laughed. “Go for it Kelvin, but you are responsible now mind you, and no excuses.”

13

Making an important decision

Telephoning first, Treasure made sure that Reverend Elderby would be able to see her at two o'clock that day. He occupied three sparse rooms behind the church, one being used as an office. Two of the congregation's ladies would be in attendance cleaning the church so it would be quite proper to visit as a single woman. When Treasure quizzed Ella as to what her thoughts were about him, Ella couldn't refrain from saying—, again—, how very handsome he was and she adored his most carefully groomed moustache. This caused Treasure to laugh inside. That young woman was such a romantic, which wasn't helpful when Treasure really wanted to get an idea about his spiritual side.

On hearing their discussion Nellie discreetly drew Treasure aside and whispered, “he's a goodun, has the right thirst to see people ushered into the kingdom, and is right knowledgeable about the Holy Word. Ye can't do wrong talking to him. Don't you worry your head, I sorted him out as soon as he appeared on the scene, so you go visit without a worry.” Nellie was just so good at understanding where people were coming from and Treasure had her suspicion that Nellie herself had the Gift of Knowledge.

Treasure guessed his age to be somewhere before thirty and on meeting with him, asked if this were his first congregation.

“Do I look such a novice? “He inquired kindly? He went on to tell her he finished his studies at a Bible College in Melbourne and it was there when using Mr Latham as his lawyer that he was told about the need for a pastor here in Glen Arbor. “It's a funny thing, don't you think, that most people refer to it as Vision Valley instead of its original name. Glen Arbor, is a striking name with a godly reference, I couldn't resist. Then he inquired if she would be interested in a cup of tea or a glass of water, which she settled on the second because she couldn't make out how the tea would come about. He made small talk, and she could see, he was a sensitive man who wasn't used to consoling with his flock.

“What sort of occupation did you have before deciding to become a Shepperd, Mr Elderby—,

Er, Thomas?”

His look saddened almost to the point of despair.

“I would much rather not talk about that Miss Treasure, except to say, I was in Gallipoli during our war with the Turks and I saw unmentionable horror. The good Lord preserved me instead of my friend, and I actually felt a covering of protection all around me in those cold bloodied trenches. It was at that moment I knew what my vocation in life would be. Up until then, I was the disgrace of my family, always in trouble and uncaring about anyone other than myself. But God changed my heart, and here I am.”

Treasure had the grace to remain quiet for a time to allow him to gather control over his feelings. From the look of his always prestige attire and grooming, she never would have guessed his background. But then who was she to judge? She, who had paraded herself to be stared at by hundreds of eyes over the years of her work. Surely that was not the kind of occupation a young woman caring of others did. She was thankful now to have it in the past. Not that it was evil but neither was it of noble character.

“What I came to talk to you about today, Thomas, is that I have been born again. I have given my heart to the Lord, and from reading my Bible I realize my next step is to publically declare my belief and faith.” She stopped there to have a sip of water as her throat felt unusually dry from her nervousness.

“I would very much like to give my testimony on Sunday if you think it would be appropriate and if there is time for it. Then, I was hoping to perhaps be baptized on New Year's Day, weather permitting. I believe it would be a wonderful time to start off the New Year and since it's also summertime, hopefully it would be a warm day.” She stopped for breath and looking at his face, had the pleasure to note the contentment on his features.

“Ah, Miss Treasure, I think it is a wonderful idea and yes, we could have your testimony on Sunday as long as you keep it to fifteen minutes. I was pondering about my sermon, and now I believe it will fit in with a testimony. As for your baptism, I believe you should share the good news with your uncle. I imagine he will be most happy to hear it, since you have now made the same commitment that he has.”

The pastor's office door had been left open during their conversation and Treasure wondered how much the ladies cleaning the church had overheard. She received curious looks from both of them. Looking back at the minister, she had a feeling he would talk to them about discretion and confidentiality regarding matters spoken about in God's house.

On her walk home, she felt the desire to visit Connor at his rooms. She hadn't seen hide nor hair of him since their day coming back from Melbourne. Opening the door of his office, a little bell above gave a tinkle to announce entry. A pretty young thing with a well-painted face sat behind the desk with the air of being one in authority. Treasure presumed this must be Connor's receptionist, a Miss Evelyn Cosgrove from the large land owners of the same name. Instead of putting Treasure at ease with a smile of welcome, the girl stared her up and down before inquiring rather-rudely, what she wanted.

Here we go again, Well, hold yourself my girl, remember you are a Christian now and should be a good example.
So instead of asking if she had a smudge of egg on her nose, like she would have liked to say, she smiled sweetly and asked if Mr Latham was in attendance.

“No! And whom shall I say called to see him?”

Treasure was perplexed for a moment. The girl knew quite well who she was but wished to act superior and make Treasure feel an interloper. Cheeky, cheeky. She took a deep breath and disciplined herself.–
“Don't you doit—, no!
However, before she could stop herself, her mouth opened and words ran out of their own accord. “Ne vousembêtez pas vous-même. Je plus tard. Et je vous assume qu'il sera heureux de me voir. Bonne journe'e. Turning on her heel after witnessing the girl's astonished look, Treasure walked through the door and onto the wooden siding, just as Connor appeared crossing the road from apparently being at the hardware.

“To what do I owe this pleasant surprise?” He leaned forward and kissed her cheek in a familiar manner. “I've just been over to see the vet, got papers signed and visited with some tiny creatures that are the talk of the town.” He opened his front door, and ushered her back inside looking toward his receptionist to see if there was something she needed to tell him.

The girl looked much more subdued, smiled sweetly at him and informed him that Miss Gilroy had called but seemed in a rush not to wait for him.

So that's how the land lies does it? Yes her name was known, as suspected, but why the rudeness? Unless perhaps this Miss Cosgrove had tabs on him for herself.
With a frown, Treasure looked sternly at the girl. “That's not quite what transpired, Miss Cosgrove, but we shan't spoil Mr. Latham's afternoon by informing him of your bad manners, shall we?”

As Connor held the door to his office open for her to pass by, Treasure walked in using her best model glide and seated herself in a chair in front of his desk. Connor apologized while quietly closing the door. “I gather I am going to have to speak sternly to that spoilt miss. To tell the truth I only need someone here to answer calls and take messages. Her father is at the end of his tether with her and asked me to take her on with the hope of teaching her some propriety by working in a professional capacity.”

Treasure took this bit of news in and thought about it. Not having grown up in the country herself but realizing the rebellion of a young heart, she decided not to be so hard on the girl after all. And then she had an idea. “Does this girl's family attend church here in the valley?”

“Yes they do but not on a regular basis. Why?” Treasure told him the reason for her visit to him today, besides the fact she hadn't seen him for a few days and she actually missed him. She wanted him to know about her prayer for the missing child, and then how God had made it known to her where Jason was.

“So much has been happening Connor, and besides yourself, Nellie has been giving me answers. Then when I read God's Word in Corinthians where Nellie told me to read, I got an even bigger understanding.” She paused for breath, she'd been talking flat out and must have sounded like a nut case, but he sat patiently listening with that same tender expression for her that melted her heart.

“The strangest part of all this is, I was just understanding about the bad things God doesn't give to us, and the good things he does give to us, when I looked at a picture on my grandmother's wall, and all of a sudden I realized, she understood the faith as a believer!” Tears now sprang to Treasure's eyes. Fumbling in her Boule's bag, she pulled her handkerchief free. “What I can't understand is why she didn't share it with her daughters and me! Yet the maddening thing in this modern age is that no one talks about their beliefs enough. It's like they are embarrassed to declare their faith.” She dabbed her eyes.

“Now – I have almost forgotten what I came to tell you. Reverend has given me permission to give my testimony on Sunday, and I am hoping you will be there to give me courage.” There, she had said it, and now if he couldn't come that would be all right, but she hoped he would.

He sat listening to her patiently and although some of what she'd said was a bit of a jumble, he got the gist of her explanation. “So why would you like my secretary to be present when you give your testimony? And what makes you think I wouldn't be there?” He would be, no matter what else might come along to try and pull him away. He did need to make another trip to Melbourne but that could wait until early Monday morning. He wanted to hear her testimony and be there to support her.

As far as young Miss Cosgrove was concerned, he was sure a phone call to her father requesting the family join church on Sunday for a special event, would be enough to inspire the family to attend. “I'm very proud of you, you know, you've come a long way from your roaming the world days. I am enjoying getting to know you more and more. Now there is one thing you simply must do.”

She looked at him perplexed, wondering if there was something she had forgotten. She stood up and he, the good-mannered man he was, did the same. “Write a letter to your uncle and tell him everything. I have a feeling he is going to be very happy for you. He will be sorry to miss being here with us all on Sunday, but please request him to be here at the end of next week as soon as he can make it. I want to give you your mother's other letter at that time.” Looking at her kindly he finished.

“I believe it will be a help to you to have him here then as well as for Christmas to New Year. And I am sure he can manage to get away. You might put your heads together and think about two baptisms, since he was talking of it when last here. Now that would
be
a celebration!”

Connor placed his arm around her waist as he escorted her out. He acted polite, but there was nothing the least bit romantic in his actions, which Treasure regretted. Perhaps that was due to the amount of people roaming the town. Or was it that he was cooling toward her? There were never any improper overtures, but his eyes used to watch her closely. There was that magnetism, between them and she felt very strongly drawn to him. She suspected he felt the same, but his wall of protection seemed erected again. Now all she knew was confusion.