Discovering Treasure (14 page)

Epilogue

March 7, 1931 and it was Treasure and Connor's fifth wedding anniversary. Due to much sadness in Australia and all over the world with the Great Depression, there would be no specific celebration for this couple, still so in love. Treasure sat alone on the side verandah contemplating the last five years. Her three-year-old twin sons lay having their afternoon nap while she waited for Connor to arrive home from a trip to Melbourne. He rarely went these days, with his business in town enough to cover his family's welfare. Connor was now the town judge and presided over minor cases every Monday. Treasure was six months pregnant, healthy and blooming. Nellie and Kelvin remained in their employ but more like cherished friends. Neither knew how they would exist without the other.

Kelvin had asked Nellie for her hand in marriage, thinking that perhaps since everyone else were making a good job of it, he and Nellie could do the same. Nellie was stunned by the request. She informed Kelvin that although he was a wonderful man she did not wish to marry again, yet she hoped they would always remain close friends. At first Kelvin felt undesirable, but then after much deliberation he decided she was right. He was a bachelor, so why get married and ruin a good friendship with Nellie.

Treasure thought back to her honeymoon, and the time of getting to know Connor intimately as a husband. She thought of her shyness, and his tender consideration. He was to her, perfection in every way. His devotion to their sons, yet his gentle disciple, would help Adam and Joel to understand, a faith and trust a in their heavenly Father. Treasure reached down to pat Paddy, Paris's son's ears. Like his mother, Paddy was special to the family and the boys spent endless hours playing ball with him. Paris of course was with Ella who couldn't part with her special girl.

Three months following Treasure's wedding, Marcus and Grace married with the Captains' McCall, travelling to Glen Arbor again, to officiate at their wedding. And to everyone's delight, they also had a son two months older than Treasure's twins. They named him Andrew Phillip. These parents of a single child were determined not to spoil him, and so far he was a lovely well-mannered little boy. The pride in Marcus, walking down the road holding the child's hand was a special sight to see. They visited Treasure and Connor on a regular basis so the children could play and bond well together.

Ella and Thomas lived in their residence next door to the church. They married six months after Treasure and Connor when Thomas was able to present a home to his wife and a secure future as the town minister. Yes, he had proven himself and with Ella beside him, they kept the church thriving. Ella led a ladies timbrel brigade and Bible study group. Thomas himself was in charge of the men's study and social group, so the church flourished.

Much was emphasis was placed on the sanctity of marriage with both women and men ministered to on God's teachings. Ella still worked in the salon, but only for one day a week. Customers wanting her services, needed to book her early. Her once apprentice Evelyn, worked alone on the other days. She was now engaged to a young man working in Marcus's bank. Ella and Thomas had a two year old son named Eli Joshua, who was a ball of energy and kept them on their toes.

Frank lived out on the farm with Matilda and her husband Roy, and their ever visitingfamily. Frank was working up a good herd of wild brumbies that he tamed for sale. He was courting Joy, the widowed sister of another property owner. They seemed to blend well in temperament but at first the lady was reluctant to attend church. Apparently her first abusive marriage lasted twenty- five years until he passed away in 1930. Gradually as counseled with love by Treasure, Grace, and Ella, she began to confide the hurt she'd suffered, sharing her pain in detail. There was much prayer for her healing and salvation. Frank confided to his daughters, there would be no marriage unless Joy could feel forgiveness. He was aware that otherwise and in time, this hurt may turn to bitterness which could destroy a marriage.

While Treasure sat reminiscing, Nellie came to find her, explaining another traveler was in the kitchen. Since the Depression, and with many men wandering the country for work, Treasure had a sign erected on the front gate that welcomed them for a stopover and meal. Because of there being so many of these men or Swaggies, as known, they were not prepared to take all in, on a permanent basis.

Occasionally though, one would come that God placed on their hearts to care for. Frank had taken in two such men so far, and they proved to be decent. With one bad experience of having money stolen, Treasure and Connor were extra careful, who they trusted. Strangers were no longer permitted to sleep in the house. Instead, Kelvin erected another room on to the side of his quarters with a separate entry, and it was here the men could rest for a day or two. However, on the second day they were expected to split wood, and it was usually then that it could be seen whether they would show appreciation or be unpleasant.

Frank was the one to advise them. If a man was of value and had integrity, then he expected to work to support himself.

So with this new man, Treasure wondered? Would he fit in? To greet her, he rose from his seat and shook her hand. He seemed a nice man and was well spoken. Treasure let him know her husband was the town judge and lawyer. Often this sent many a person, scurrying off. Yet this one seemed pleased to hear it. He only ate a small portion off his plate, and from his thin state; Treasure didn't pursue him to eat more, but sent Nellie to fetch Kelvin. It was too early for the evening meal, so Kelvin took him to lie down and would take him a tray later.

When the twins awoke, they raced around calling out-loud for their father. Treasure and Nellie settle them by explaining about the sick visitor who needed quiet. Connor returned home about an hour later. After a wash and afternoon tea, he sat outside on the verandah with Treasure, watching their son's take turns on the swing.

Later that evening opening his bible Connor read: Matthew 25:35 “For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in.”

The End.

 

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https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6018468.Crystal_Mary_Lindsey

http://crystalmaryauthor.blogspot.com.au/

Other Books by This Author:

Shadows of Time – Crystal Mary Lindsey – Christian, Fiction, Romance Abused without Mercy – Annie A. Cozens – Christian Non Fiction – Domestic Violence, Self Help,

 

 

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www.vividpublishing.com.au/discoveringtreasure

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