Discovering Treasure (13 page)

23

Decisions and changes

On the way back home, Ella talked of nothing else except how to spruce Grace up with a hairstyle. “I'm thinking she would look lovely with it cut like mine and it's so easy to manage. Her hair is brown but I noticed a few grey strays mingled in there, so if I put henna in it, those grey with turn a copper color and look delightful.”

“I'm with you,” Treasure agreed. “And Nellie and I will go over our patterns and perhaps make her two dresses for special occasions. Church would be one, and when Saturday night dances are on, that would be another.”

Ella wasn't too sure about the Saturday night dances? She was brought up to think dancing evil and except for seeing it done in Paris, which was sensual, she'd never tried it herself. This was not ever mentioned to Treasure before, but now Ella did comment on it. She told Treasure about her mother saying it was bad, but her father never spoke against it. In fact he couldn't be remembered saying it was wrong.

“Well Ella,” Treasure concluded. “I haven't been a Christian for long, so I can't comment. I don't feel that dancing suitably could be a problem, but acting inappropriate while dancing, well that wouldn't be nice. I think you need to ask Thomas.

*****

Ella did approach this subject at the church picnic next day. Thomas didn't wish to offend anyone, but he was reminded how King David sang and danced before the Lord, and how his wife looked down on him for his behavior.

“Now, I believe David was right in God's eyes.” Thomas said looking around at those on their table. “What do you say Nellie, you have been a Christian for a long time.”

Nellie's face colored, because she liked to dance. In fact, she loved to do the Irish jig. “Well,” she said at last, “the bible says, in First Samuel 16:7 ‘But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'” This was true wisdom from Nellie's lips. “We are to be decent God-fearing people, but that doesn't mean we mustn't be happy.” Nellie reached for her Bible, “I believe there are many scriptures talking of dancing, songs, and music. Psalm 149:3 for one, “Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.”

Thomas nodded, he knew of more scriptures in the Old Testament that spoke of singing and dancing, to the Lord. However, in the New Testament there was nothing about this, therefore, it could not be done in the house of God. If Christians wished to go to the hall for this on a Saturday night, and as long as all was above board, then Thomas felt it was acceptable.

In the afternoon, Connor and Treasure separated themselves from the others once more to talk about their future. This time they walked to the field behind the house, where the cow grazed. Paris came with them as if to chaperone. “Good old girl,” Connor bent down to pat her head. She was a contented dog, just happy to be close to those she loved.

“Sweetheart,” Connor shifted his hand to take hold of Treasure's. Capturing her eyes with his, he sort to find the right words. “We need to consider where to live once we marry. What are your thoughts? Should it be out at my place, or here at yours? Please say exactly what you believe would be for the best.” He put his hand up to sooth back some strands of hair away from her face. His honesty was mirrored in his show of affection. There was no coercion for Treasure to make a decision in his favor.

“Let's sit over here on this log in the shade,” Treasure pulled on his hand. It was a peaceful spot, with the smell of cow and grass.

“I have been thinking about this. And I believe we need to be sensible. I know your uncle left you his business and his home. But the truth is, when the rains come with floods, your place is isolated. Even your plane has no runway to take off.” She looked around not wanting to sound critical. “Perhaps your uncle should have built on higher ground, as there is plenty of that. But, even considering he did, the rain always washes away the road into town.”

This was a reasonable argument. In fact, living at Treasure's home was a far better solution. He would still be able to access his office and be connected to business. Waiting in wisdom he listened to the rest of her insight.

“Yes, Dearest. Think on this –, say I was about to give birth and we were in the middle of a flood. There could be a danger to the baby. But in town we have medical attention close by. Also, with children, they would be unable to attend school. I hate to ask you to give up your inheritance from your uncle.” She looked out over the vast paddock, seeing in her mind-eye what she proposed as a good solution.

“What I propose is that I sell you a part of my acreage, so you could build a hangar and runway for your plane. This way, you would feel something is still yours.” She produced a good case and should have been the lawyer of the two, or perhaps it was her woman's mind as he had not considered the medical aspect at all.

It didn't take him long to mull this over, as all seemed sensible.“Right then, I agree with what you have said wholeheartedly. To tell the truth, you have considered much more wisely than I. So I will sell the farm to your father then!”

What –? This was news. Where did this spring from?
Treasure frowned.“What has my father got to do with this?” Surely he should have told her about anything they may have discussed.

Connor understood her feelings; however, unless he knew he was willing to sell then, it was no good talking about it. Now that he was sure of doing it, he could tell her.

Yes! The time was right –, so he proceeded to tell her of her father's desire to sell his estate in England and live here near his daughters. “I wanted to hear your ideas about us before saying yes to him.” He ran his opened hand down the side of her face looking at her mouth.

“To tell the truth I don't care where we live, as long as we're together.” He kissed her lips tenderly. And then he repeated her father's proposal for the farm.

“He feels it could be ideal for a quarter horse stud. And, he would keep Matilda and Roy on. If all went well with his plan, he would employ a couple of good aboriginal stockmen. He spoke to me about the floods and the drought. So, in consideration of that, he'd build a huge shed on higher ground with a portion enclosed to keep dry food for the stock. He'd also put in a couple of large tanksand an extra dam to collect water for when a drought hits. He is a clever man with good ideas.”

Standing to go back to the house, Connor brought up his last request.

“When can we be wed?” With patience he didn't feel, he waited –, counting the seconds under his breath. When no immediate answer came, he pursued it. “I realize it's only been three months, but I feel I've waited for you a life-time. We are both mature. You're twenty-six, and I'm thirty-three sowe are both old enough to know our minds. Please my darling, let's set a date.”

Treasure contemplated Primrose, and considered her birthday was to be in May. No! That date wouldn't be right at all, she must consider both Marcus and Frank.

“Well, we got engaged on my birthday, so you pick our wedding date, that's only fair.” She looked up at him, knowing whatever he chose; it would be a good date.

“I think early March before the big wet comes. That will give you time for your dress. It will also allow time for the license and Frank's purchase of my place. Let's go look at the calendar and then tell the others our news.”

The date worked out to be the seventh of March, a Sunday and that could allow all of the church attending. Everyone would be asked to come and bring a plate, no one was to be left out, and it would be up to the people themselves then, whether they could come or not, which was kinder.

“Two months,” Nellie shrilled when hearing the date. “Land sakes! How will we get the material in time?”

“There's plenty of time Nellie,” Ella answered, taking the reins. “Because we will look up patterns and materials to buy from Myers Drapery Emporium catalog. Then Treasure will phone and make an order with Connor picking it up when it's ready.

Nellie was flabbergasted. “And when will those fancy sewing machines get here?”

“Don't worry Nellie; they should be here sometime this week. Besides that, let's just be happy for Treasure and Connor, it's an exciting time for them. Why, if we aren't happy, they might elope and that would be terrible.” Ella ran to hug Treasure and Connor. “I am very happy for the both of you.”

Connor sat on the verandah with Frank after the evening meal. Frank smoked and listened to what Connor had to say. “You can come to the office tomorrow, and we'll get your sale papers fixed up to be sent to England. You know it takes six weeks for the papers to arrive there, back here and back there again. So, if all goes well, with your sale in England, it should be done in around six months.”

Frank thought about this and could see no quicker way around it. He also knew Connor and Treasure would be married in March and after their honeymoon, wouldn't desire a houseful of people.

Frank scratched his head. Connor hoped he wasn't going to suggest a delay in the marriage. Instead, Frank made another proposal.

“How about I move out to your place, before six months, and pay rent until its mine. And if I can, I'd like to do that while you two are away on your honeymoon. I am hoping Ella will come with me and Marcus as well—, until his place is ready, and it may well be by then. What I am suggesting is that you two need this place to yourself. You don't need a house full of people to come home to.”

He stood up and paced the floor. “Nellie's quarters are toward the back of the house, and since Kelvin's, are out back, neither will be the burden on you that we would be.”

Connor breathed a sigh of relief. Frank was a good man and a thoughtful one with sense enough not to want to intrude into a new married life. It was a sound idea, but it would be legalized for safety. Connor stood up and shook hands with Frank, thanking him for his thoughtfulness.

“Please come tomorrow afternoon and by then all the papers will be drawn up and legal to be signed.” Both men felt a load removed and future smooth sailing ahead.

*****

Grace made her appearance at a quarter to ten Monday morning. She was invited in for a cuppa before the big clip. That long hair, rolled into a bun made her look ten years older. When Ella showed her into the salon, Grace looked around in admiration. She felt like a regular socialite, and by the time Ella was finished with her, she'd look like one also, but a pleasant one. Ella talked as she let the long mane of hair down.

“Now are you sure you are ready to be a beautiful professional lady?”

Grace nodded, yes she was very sure. A new job, a new town, new friends, and now she needed a new her.

Ella directed her, “I'm going to take you over to the other wall without a mirror so that you can't see it until it's done.”

Seated in front of a picture on the wall depicting a French village, Grace looked at this for a time before closing her eyes, to allow the style mistress full control. Grace heard the scissors chopping away what seemed to be her old life, before being asked to follow Ella to the wash basin. Here her head was tilted until her neck strained. Quickly Ella washed her hair and sat her up again. Now a basin with color and a brush to apply came into view. In no time at all, this was over and Grace was allowed to rest with her eyes closed again for a short time. Finally, she was taken back and her hair was rinsed clear with water. Up she came again and her hair was rubbed and rubbed until almost dry. Then it was gently combed into place.

“It has to dry naturally and won't take long. Can I get you another drink?” She stood and waited patiently for Grace to make up her mind. “Would you like a hot or cold drink, Grace?”

Grace opted for coffee essence this time with two spoons of sugar and some cream. Nothing was nicer than a hot drink when one had a cold head Grace thought. She enjoyed her drink while Ella swept up. The longest tail of hair would be saved and later sent away to be used in making wigs. It was no longer any use to the owner, but it would be to someone else.

Finally, Grace's head was tilted back slightly and Ella plucked out some of her eyebrows. This not only hurt, it itched her nose, and trying hard not to, but with eyes watering, Grace gave an enormous sneeze. Ella laughed apologizing, so that her shy client felt no embarrassment. With a little powder, rouge and lipstick applied, Ella stepped back surveying her handiwork with a smile. Nodding her satisfaction she exclaimed, “we are going to have to beat the men from your door, you beautiful thing! Come on now, up you pop and sit here in front of the mirror to admire yourself.”

While Ella ran to fetch Treasure and Nellie, Grace sat transfixed! This couldn't be her, surely! She looked like someone from a glamour magazine. She wanted to laugh then cry as emotions ran wild. Nevertheless, no sound came from her mouth because all she could do was stare in wonder!

“Taking me away from me work, just to look at a hair style, what next—,” Nellie fussed. But the moment she saw Grace, her eyes popped and mouth opened in astonishment.

“Is this the same Grace? I can't believe the difference. Where has she been hiding?” Nellie was beside herself. Never had she seem such a transformation.

Treasure was struck dumb also. She had witnessed much of Ella's work over time, but this was a total alteration. And seeing Grace improved for the best she knew her uncle would be stumped. He already showed his interest in this woman, and now she didn't know how he'd react. The same, she hoped. And! If he wasn't careful, there would be lots of competition.

24

Preparations

Fun, fun, fun, was the only way to explain all the preparations leading up to Treasure and Connor's special day. Beautiful patterned white Chinese silk material lay in folds spread across the dining room table as Nellie prepared to cut the pattern. She had never worked on elegant material like this and her heart thumped hoping and praying she didn't make any wrong cuts. She looked across lovingly at the fancy sewing machine. Yes, It! definitely was a wonder! And no one would ever suggest she sew by hand again. Except —, when it came to all those tiny glass-like beads fashioned around the neckline and down one side of the bridal dress. But that would be the finishing touch and one Nellie trusted no one but herself to perform.

Ella, the only attendant, already possessed— a dress –, made to perfection and hanging in her wardrobe. It was a deep emerald green, suiting the color of her eyes as well as Treasure's. Slinky slim and with a low waist it fell with elegance to just above her ankles. It also possessed the glass beads, perfectly shaped into a flower and stem on the right shoulder. Her head gear was a simple green velvet ribbon around her forehead with a large deep pink rose set to the side. The whole effect suited her blond hair as well as harmonizing with the coloring of the bride. Treasure was to carry a bouquet of white flowers and Ella, the same kind except in deep pink.

Since Thomas was to be the Best Man, an out-of-town minister would officiate for the ceremony. Here Marcus requested a Salvation Army captain who was a friend from Sydney. This wife, also an officer, was the angel who brought sunshine into Primroses last days. This sweet couple, Phillip and Tuesday McCall, arrived one week before the event and quickly struck up friendships with the whole town. They were staying at Connor's home and enjoyed helping Matilda with some of the cooking and other preparations. Nothing ever seemed a trouble to them and laugher echoed everywhere they went.

Two evenings prior the wedding they met with Treasure and Connor at Treasure's home for a last minute talk together. Phillip and Tuesday, married for some twenty-five years were a fine example of marital bliss. They spoke in turns about couples living in a marriage according to God's commandment. Even though we were all saved by grace, they affirmed, coming together in marriage was a joining of two spirits and as such, there must always be, total trust. If a disagreement occurred then it should be talked out together with a resolution to prevent hostility and anger. Sometimes they might need to walk away from each other and think well before coming back to express their feelings.

“Apologizing when wrong, is the way to help humility to grow and for pride to dissipate,” Captain Phillip, told them kindly.

And Captain Tuesday added with a knowing smile. “Kiss often and express words of love for each other, and above all, have fun together and laugh a lot, it's what keeps the devil at bay.”

Treasure and Connor considered this wise advice, with both understanding; it came down to praying together and remaining close to the faith.

*****

March the seventh, their special day arrived with the sun trying hard to peep through a canopy of fog. Treasure awoke a few minutes before seven. Lying in her big bed as a single lady for the last time, she looked again at that beautiful nurse picture and scripture. For the rest of her life this room would be her marital sanctuary, just as it had once been that of her grandparents. A magpie warbling its unique sound broke the silence before a couple of others joined in with caroling. Was this a prelude for happiness? It made Treasure's heart rhythm in its own song of joy.

Out of bed, there was no time for dawdling. Her dress and veil hung beckoning to be displayed on her in occasion of the day. Donning a dressing gown, she joined Nellie and Ella in the kitchen. The men, except for Kelvin already resided out at Connor's to give the ladies ample space for their preparations. Uncle was to arrive just before the time. A cup of tea and only a piece of toast was all Treasure could manage. Nerves were getting the best of her, and the toast was forced down with the sips of the hot sweet drink. Nellie and Ella did a little better, but even they were feeling the excitement of the day.

“Did you experience this nervousness on your wedding day Nellie,” Treasure asked.

“Oh aye, I did, I still remember –, how could I forget, it poured raining, a bad omen from the beginning.”

“Nellie! – That's superstition. How can you say that?”

“Yes well, the Irish mix everything together, but as a couple we had our good and bad. More of the bad I'd say. My Gerard was always poorly, but we did have twenty three years together, only no little blessings for it, no children that is. For that I am sorry. I pray it will be very different for you, Treasure.”

Treasure smiled and blushed, putting her head down quickly and hoping her flush went unnoticed.

“Come on then, off into the salon. We will work on your hair first while Nellie clears up here.” Ella ushered her sister in front of her as they made their way to a hair basin. A huge kettle of hot water poured first then some cold added before Ella filled the kettle and ran it back to the stove.

“Let the water just get warm, and then bring it back in please, Nellie.”

Treasure sat back, allowing her long hair to flow into the tepid water, and Ella commenced the shampoo. With her eyes closed, Treasure thought of many things, one was to imagine Primrose was with her, to enjoy the day. Would she have? Perhaps yes perhaps no! One could never know which way Primrose would sway.

True! She loved to see Treasure happy. But then again, to take second place in Treasures life, with a husband and then children in front of her, well who could tell whether she would have viewed this as favorable? Treasure had a feeling it would not have been. It could even have eventuated in a cold war.

Stop thinking like this!
She pulled herself back to the now. All was finished with the tub, and with a towel wrapped around her head she was led in front of a mirror. “Okay, do you still insist on a coronet of braids?”

Treasure smiled and nodded lazily.“We have talked about this already, Ella. Do you really think it will look better with some in the coronet, and the rest left hanging long at the back?”

“Yes I do. This is a wedding, your wedding, not a modeling session.”

“Okay, then, you're the specialist here, so do it your way. It will please both of us, I'm sure.”

No one had ever seen Treasure's hair hanging down at the back, not even Connor. It was mostly in a single plait or French roll, except for that time in Melbourne. So this would be a change. It made no difference to the veil as it was to be pinned to her coronet, and would fall to her mid back. The braiding with thin white ribbon entwined took over an hour. It looked rich in color and regal in style. Nellie wandered out with another cup of tea for each of them on a tray. She stood staring and shaking her head in disbelief, before setting the tray down.

“You look like a princess, and yes indeed you are, in looks and poise!” She nodded.

They drank their tea in silence. Young Ella had done it again; she worked magic with her hands and a comb. It was Nellie's turn now. With hair washed yesterday, she was to have two braids crossed over at the back and pinned up inside themselves on the sides. Nellie's new dress was an apricot shade that suited her coloring to perfection. She argued with Treasure in the beginning but after trying it on, her smile never ceased.

Grace Newman's new dress was deep lemon, and something she would never dream of owning a few months before. Together with her new hair style, she made a pretty picture. One that Marcus was sure to relish as he never tired of looking her way. She was to walk to the church with Nellie fifteen minutes before Treasure, Marcus, and Ella arrived, riding in the wedding car chauffeured by Kelvin.

At ten o'clock, the sun finally shone through— predicting a perfect beginning of autumn weather. Ella peeked through the front window to see horse carriages and wagons tied with ribbons and streamers rolling down the dusty road to the church.

Remembering Paris and her six puppies locked in the wash house, Ella ran out to make sure all was well with them, before getting herself dressed. With eyes continually wandering to the clock, Ella quickly combed her own hair and artfully applied her make-up. She did this in record time and then went with Nellie, to help Treasure into the wedding gown.

“Careful, Nellie, I don't want one hair out of place,” Ella ordered. It was no easy task to hold all of that material up, and slowly inch it down with Treasure's arms going into the sleeves. A tug here and a tug there down and finally it was down over her waist and hips.

Nellie breathed a sigh of relief. Next all the little buttons at the back were fastened from the top to below the waist. Nellie and Ella held up Treasure's dress while she balanced against them stepping first into one shoe and then the other.

Ella gave a smile of satisfaction, all was well. She turned to Nellie, shooing her out of the room. “Now off with you Nellie, Grace will be waiting at her gate. You both sit together on the second seating from the front. Don't forget to be next to the wall so that you have easy access to stand at the organ for your song.”

“Yes, I'll be fine, Miss Ella, and you, Miss Treasure, God Bless you my sweet girl, I'll see you in the church.” She ran out the front door as the grandfather clock struck the half hour of ten.

“Okay, it's just you and I now, my pet; I'll get the make-up case and be right back.” As Ella left the room, Treasure could hear Kelvin starting the car to warm the engine. Hearing Marcus voice they knew he was already there waiting with Kelvin. Time was drawing near.

With Treasure seated, Ella whipped a towel around her dress and then began making up her face. It was to be light, natural-looking and highlighting her high cheekbones. Finishing off with tiny white flowers stuck into the front and sides of her hair coronet, all was complete. Ella stood back to survey her masterpiece. Treasure looked like the angel she was. As the clock chimed on the hour, both women walked out front to the car. Ella held up the back of Treasure's dress, just to be sure of no soiling.

It was a short slow drive, but took ages. Everything now moved in slow motion. How did one concentrate when something so serious that effected the rest of your life was about to happen? As she alighted from the car, Treasure's legs felt like jelly. Could she get into the church without collapsing? Perhaps she should have forced herself to eat more that morning. The major part was getting up those stairs and then she could lean on Uncle Marcus's strength. Yes, it was right for him to give her away, and when Ella's turn came, Frank would do the same for her.

Arriving inside the church door, Treasure looped her arm through that of her uncle, while Ella made sure her dress sat properly at the back. Then Ella stepped around in front, waiting for her cue to begin the walk. Captain Tuesday sat at the organ and began to play the wedding march. Ella as the maid- of-honor walked slowly forward. Connor stood with Thomas by his side at the altar, both looking handsome and fully assured. Uncle handed her over to Connor and stepped backwards, to keep standing throughout the ceremony. Captain Phillip nodded for the congregation to sit, and then he began.

Connor couldn't stop looking at Treasure's face, partly concealed through her veil. Captain Phillip McCall's face reflected the kindness of his character. He took his time going through the marriage verses and script. Everything was spoken with feeling, as if this was the first time for him to perform a wedding. Try as she might to listen and take in the words, Treasure traversed in and out of dreamland, nothing seemed real. In no time it was over, and they walked to a small table to sign the legal papers.

While they signed, Nellie stood and accompanied by Captain Tuesday on the organ, began to sing, “Oh Promise Me.”

This drew tears from many, some because of the beauty of the words and others from guilt for not keeping them. Nellie was told later it was the highlight and sealed the service perfectly.

It looked to be the whole town, who poured out of the church, to seek and congratulate the happy couple. This was a wedding never to be forgotten, because the church held together as a family united in kindness and sharing the love.

Uncle Marcus quickly took his place beside Grace to show everyone they were becoming an item. And Grace radiated with her own significance, at being the woman beside such a distinguished looking Christian gentleman.

Treasure, in her happiness, didn't fail to see this and rejoice for them. Leaning close she whispered in Marcus ear. “Don't wait any longer, Uncle, ask Grace to marry you, you make the perfect pair, and it's your time.”

What a woman Connor reflected, watching his new wife. On the most important day of her life, she was thinking about the future of others.

With her arm in his, Treasure walked around among their wedding guests until at last it was time to depart. Her yellow car dressed with streamers and packed to take them to a secret destination, stood waiting. Throwing her bouquet backwards she turned to see Evelyn caught it, and the young girl's countenance was aglow.

Running to the car, Connor packed Treasure into the passenger side while he raced around the other side to sit behind the wheel. With waves and the car horn tooting, they drove off at full speed, to begin a new life together.

At the end of the wedding lunch and after helping to clean up, Marcus walked Grace home. Here he asked for her hand in marriage, and was accepted. Since Grace had school classes during the week, it was decided they would drive to the nearest town about an hour west and buy her ring on Saturday, spending the day together. Grace couldn't stop praising God that night, and first thing the next day, Marcus got straight onto the builders, to commence their new home.