Discovering Treasure (3 page)

4

Beautiful Vision Valley

Driving slowly to the top of a long hill, the car was stopped, so they could sit and observe the picturesque valley below. The dirt road continued on, winding halfway down the valley, and into a town larger than the one previously stopped at. It nestled securely on plentiful acres of flat land. At the bottom of the valley, ran a river, shining like silver, glistening in the sun rays. It threaded around like a thin snake coursing the length of the valley before disappearing beyond sight.

“Oh! How pretty it is,” Ella broke the mesmerized silence.

Treasure nodded in agreement. The beauty that spread out before them –, was splendor past description –, it required no words. Treasure alighted from the car and for the last time before arriving at their destination, she gave the dog another drink and the last piece of sandwich. Looking closely at him, she now noted tiny dark brown specks, crawling in its matted coat.

Oh no! Fleas as well! —. But, they could be got rid of in time, and this poor fellow would mend well with proper care.
“Okay, let's be off then.”

Back in the driver's seat Treasure placed the car into gear and began the long slow decent. Thank God it wasn't steep, her reflexes slowed, as fatigue from their extensive day settled into her bones. But still the sun hadn't set, and hopefully she would recognize her grandmother's house at the far edge of the town.

“My granny's lawyer told me he's stocked the house with groceries and had it cleaned. Apparently it was quite a job, standing vacant as it has for the last two years since my grandmother's passing. The grass had to be scythed and the huge yard cleared. I asked him to re-paint the house inside and out, so I hope he followed my directions, as he assured me he would.” With both hands holding the stirring wheel steady over ruts, Treasure appraised the town while cruising through. Her last time here was as a small child. The one thing she could vividly remember was her granny's sitting room and the afternoon sun shining through French windows leading onto the veranda. There was also the mahogany piano, where her mother sat and played. That would be familiar to see again.

She spotted the two-roomed school house and yard where she'd sat happily in the dust, drawing pictures with a stick. The old church stood forlorn next-door on a large lot of land with an acre or so between. Both school and church were in need of a good coat of paint. Next a hardware store that also sold animal produce and goods. How often had she stood by Granny's side listening to the local chat? That quirky little doctor's house was gone and so likely was he? Treasure thought of his shiny bald head and the wide bracers holding his pants up over his enormous tummy. That stomach had intrigued her as a child, because it bounced up and down when he laughed. Her grandmother caught her staring at it once, and read her the riot act on their return home. Yes, his house was gone and in its place stood a long building with a hospital sign out front.

‘Doctor in Residence;' read a plaque tacked to the front door. On the opposite side of the street stood a grocery store, with a fruit and vegetable stall out front. A couple more shops, one with country clothes and foot wear, and another looked like a book, newspaper, and magazine store. A haberdashery was the largest and most impressive building, with a police station, post office and a lawyer's office. Seeing these through adult eyes, everything looked smaller. There were a few horse and carriages parked, as well as a lorry and truck, plus one small car.

People turned to stare as the strangers drove on by. Treasure, feeling cheeky, smiled and waved, which some non-too sure bystanders, hesitantly returned with half-raised arms.

“You!” Ella laughed. “They don't know what they're in for.” She laughed heartily again conjuring up the pranks Treasure was sure to pull, especially if some of these people were snobs like her aunt once warned about.

“Ah ha, there it is my friend, the house that Jack built.” Seeing the puzzled look on Ella's face, she added. “My grandfather's name was Jack and he had this house built back at the turn of the century. That wasn't long before I was born; or rather it was finished at that time. Apparently, people came from all over to look at it; being modern for here, with an indoor bathing room and separate water closet.”

Turning into the driveway she drove beside the whitewashed clay brick house. It was large with wide verandahs on all sides. Around at the back they found a four car-garage, with doors open and a smaller square building off to the side. “That's the wash house, Ella, with a wood-burning copper and funny hand-washer.” Seeing the quizzical look on her friends face she added. “And yes, there is running water from those huge tanks. It's well set up don't you think?”

Indeed Ella did. In fact looking around she was very impressed. She never expected to see a stately home like this, situated in an Australian outback town. “Why Treasure its lovely and real homey with all the shade trees, and large yard. Does that field beyond, belong also?”

“Hey mate,” Treasure responded with a tired laugh, “that's called a paddock here, and yes, it's a good few acres.” Dog lifted his head as the car came to a halt before the garage. He probably wondered what would happen to him now.

Escaping the confinement of her car and crossing the grass to a small set of shrubs, Treasure looked to the side of them. Just as directed, the door key was uncovered from under a pink flower pot. Walking up the back steps onto the covered verandah, she unlocked and flung open the heavy wooden door. It wasforever—, and what seemed a life time ago, since being in this house. A faint timber and paint smell reached her nose, not the mustiness as expected.

It looked like the lawyer was dependable and for that she was thankful. Walking down the hallway and looking briefly in each room, it seemed so meaningless somehow, without her family. There was no one left who mattered, except for Ella. Treasure silently thank God, in her own way for her friend, and she felt humbled. No longer was she an icon. She was just a woman like any other, striving to make life have some meaning, and with that came the understanding, that she was better off than many.

She turned and retrieved her steps back to see what kept Ella. As expected, her kind friend was still beside the dog, talking to it in a soothing voice and stroking the rust brown and white fur.

“Come on Ella.' Treasure spoke gently. “We'd best bed him in the wash house for tonight. I'll go see if there is something to put on the concrete floor, for him to rest on. Tomorrow when we've had a break; we'll give him a bath and see about cutting his hair, to clean him up.

In the garage, she picked up a few dilapidated feed bags with her finger tips, shaking them slightly as she walked. Accumulated dust flew, but they'd give comfort from the cold concrete flooring. Thrown down in a thick heap, they'd serve the poor dog well, just for tonight. An old saucepan without a handle was retrieved off a shelf to hold water. Half filling this, it was placed beside the dog's makeshift bed. Heading back to the car, she helped Ella to carry him in.

A picket fence lined the perimeter of the buildings, so hopefully even if the wash house door stayed open for the night, there would be no problem of the dog getting out or possibly another one entering in to harm him.

Treasure stood looking out across the expanse that was now her land. The long boundary fences of barbed wire had some broken sections, and her favorite jacaranda tree grew towards one corner, with purple flowers still blooming all over. How she'd loved to sit high up in the branches, fantasizing about a faraway magical land. She could still hear her grandmother's voice calling to her and pretending she didn't know where Treasure sat hidden. Inhaling deeply of the fresh country air, Treasure, gave a sigh, and then turned back to reality, and the work at hand.

It was time to unload and both girls carried their gear into the house. Tomorrow was soon enough to attend to the majority of unpacking; only their personal items need be extracted tonight. In the ice box they found milk, butter, eggs, cheese, tomatoes and apples. Ella searched out the canisters, finding tea, coffee, sugar, flour, and a loaf of bread in the bread-tin. Their provisions were adequate. If necessary the other half of the sandwich could be Dog's breakfast. Before darkness fell, Treasure walked into the kitchen and sitting room lighting the lamps. She and Ella didn't need to be staggering about tripping over in the dark.

“Okay, we have two front bedrooms and both are clean and ready for use, so choose which one you would like and I'll have the other.” Treasure led Ella to the first one as she spoke, checking that the French doors leading to the verandah were locked –, which they were.

“Say, it's a good thing we have the dog isn't it? A watch dog,” Ella elaborated. “Now we need to think of a lovely name!” Ella threw herself onto the bed in the first bedroom they entered. “I'm happy with this one,” was all she got the chance to say before the telephone rang.

It rested in Treasure's grandmother's office on top of a huge desk. Sitting down, Treasure picked up the receiver, holding the stick mouthpiece with her other hand. The town lawyer, Mr Latham, greeted her, sounding younger than Treasure anticipated. But perhaps that was just his voice. He remained stiff and formal, not what she expected from someone working in a country town. He politely asked whether his undertakings to straighten the house met with her approval. Treasure assured him with thanks, that they did indeed, which softened his voice.

An appointment to visit was requested for the next afternoon at four. He needed to explain the wills; both her grandmother's and her aunt's, and he hoped she would be rested sufficiently by then. “Sure, that's fine.” Treasure assured him. But questioned? “Why the hurry?”

“I need to fly to Melbourne, Miss Gilroy, and may not return until the following week, so would like to take any business request from you, with me.” He cleared his throat. “I won't speak about this any further on the phone.”

Treasure remembered then, about country towns and party lines, so other ears might be listening. She thanked him politely and asked if he knew how to get rid of fleas. Soft noises, perhaps female giggles, whispered over the line. Ella would need to be cautioned about this. Treasure thanked Mr. Latham for his information, and quickly hung up.

*****

A crowing rooster welcomed the morning, forcing Treasure from her slumber. A short time later the Kookaburras, known as the bush clock, began their raucous cackling. Treasure stretched, and then lay looking around at what was once her grandparent's old room. She luxuriated in their massive bed.

With a busy day ahead of her, she dragging herself from the soft comfort then wandered into the kitchen to light the wood-fueled stove. It slipped her mind about this needing to be done every morning. She was thankful for find kindling in a large baker's basket, ready for use. Waiting until the fire caught, she filled the kettle placing it to boil and set cups on the table for herself and Ella. Then she raced back to make her bed and dress in the garments from yesterday. Since they might have to wash their own clothes, they better make the best use of them. After years of pampering, it could be a rude shock for either girl to have to do their own laundry.

“Treasure, where are you,” Ella called through from the kitchen.

So she was up, good
! Peeking around the door corner Treasure shouted a “Boo!” then laughed as Ella jumped. “So—, how was your night?”

“I had the best and calmest sleep I've had in a long time,” Ella smiled. “And you?”

“Great,” Treasure answered, “so as soon as we eat, we better get a move on, there's a lot to do today.” Plonking onto a chair she let Ella pour their tea. It looked and smelt fantastic. “Now for starters, Ella, can I leave you in charge of doing everything necessary for our boy outback?” Watching her friend and receiving a nod of approval, Treasure carried on, writing down each job and who was to complete it, as she spoke.

“Okay then, that's good, so I'll walk to the shops and see what I can get for him to eat. I was given expert advice that cooking oil in the rinse water gets rid of fleas and helps itchy skin, so I'll buy that also.” She placed a large slice of bread on a plate in front of both of them with butter and jam beside it. This would be good enough for their breakfast until they got better at the using the stove for meals, later in the day. Spreading her bread, Treasure's mind raced with all the chores ahead of them.

“I think after his bath it would be a good idea to shake those bags out Ella and keep turning them on the clothes line in the sun, hopefully that should kill any remaining vermin.”
Gosh, what am I doing, as if we haven't enough to keep busy and now we also have to look out for a flea bitten dog, well, it better learn to earn its keep and be a watch dog!

Her face must have shown what she was thinking because Ella gave her a startled look. Treasure had the grace to flush with guilt, but added with gentle care. “Also Ella, please take care if you talk on the telephone, because I believe it's a party line. That means the whole valley will enjoy getting to learn our business.”

5

A well kept secret.

True to his word Connor Latham arrived punctually at four o'clock. He had seen a few black-and- white plus sepia photos of Treasure but wasn't prepared for the stunning redhead who opened the door to his knock.

“Hello Mr. Latham.” With a puzzled expression she held out her hand to shake his firmly. “I was under the impression I was dealing with Granny's lawyer who has served her for years.” She waited for an explanation.

“Same occupation and business, different name,” he answered her politely.

“Ella,” Treasure called out, “The lawyer is here –, we'll be in the study.” Following this, she led the way, walking straight into that room to sit professionally behind her grandmother's desk. She was staggered by her own physical attraction to this man. After meeting and being pandered to by some of the handsomest and charismatic men in the world, this was the first time she had actually felt any inner commotion by a man's appearance and voice. Her heart hammered as she waited for him to inform her of the will contents that apparently were of specific importance. Wasn't it a simple matter of her grandmother leaving her estate to her aunt and then her aunt leaving that particular estate to her? What could be difficult in that?

“Miss Gilroy,” he began after holding eye contact for a puzzling time. “Firstly, people in this area know very little about you, aside from the fact that you are Lady Seymour's granddaughter. Your grandparents retained a position in this town; they were held in high esteem yet were never restrictive towards anyone. Just the fact that your grandfather came from generations of landowners around here was enough. But then your grandmother did significantly well through her nursing experience to improve health conditions even teaching the women of the area. All in all, this gave them exceptionally good standing.”

Treasure sat with her hands clasped together in her lap, wondering where this was going. He was extremely serious, which led her to believe she was to learn something unpleasant and perhaps even distressing.

“I have the difficult job of informing you of certain personal matters and I am sorry that I, a perfect stranger am the one to do this.” He bent down to open a case and withdrew something that looked like a letter. Leaning back in his seat, he regarded her with sadness etched on his face. “I want you to know that what I am about to tell you, has been held in the strictest of confidence, and will continue to be.”

Treasure just nodded without speaking. She didn't wish to break his train of thought.

“Miss Gilroy, this is a small town and your grandparents had a position to uphold. It was because of this that what happened to your mother –, your real mother –, was always kept from you. There is no easy way to say this. The couple you considered to be your parents were in fact your maternal aunt and uncle. And your Aunt Primrose was actually your natural mother.”

Treasure sat stunned and stared at him! She felt like someone had slammed a door in her face! Numbness gripped her features. This information completely rocked her world. “But –, why was this kept from me? It explains so much!” She rested her elbows on the table to support her head in her hands. With eyes downcast her tears silently tumbled, sliding down her cheeks, they dripped in a pool on top of the desk. Her flat raw feelings left no room for embarrassment.

The lawyer fumbled around in his pocket, producing a clean handkerchief with awkward calm, and pressed it into her hand.

“I'm so sorry to be the one who dropped this bomb!” His tone portrayed compassion. “Believe me, I kept telling your grandmother, that either she or Primrose, were the ones to tell you!”

Treasure couldn't speak. She didn't want to speak; she just wanted to be alone with her thoughts and try to make some sort of sense out of all this. Life was so unfair – and then a new thought came. W
ho then was her father?
What a mess! Wiping her eyes and blowing her nose she cast those watery green eyes at him waiting for whatever else he had to say.

“Look,” he began. “I think you have heard enough for one day. I have a letter here written by your real mother, Primrose to you; perhaps it will clarify and make sense of everything.” He handed her an envelope with her name on the front in her aunt's—er, mother's handwriting.

Not knowing what else to do, he placed the rest of the papers back into his case and clicked it shut. Standing, he stood gazing, first at her for a moment and then around the room ending with his eyes on a portrait of her grandparents and two daughters. “Not that it's much comfort at a time like this, but many families have their secrets. I am sure what your mother did was with the very best intentions.”

Treasure pushed herself up from her chair using its arms as if to strengthen hers. Without a word and holding the letter clutched to her bosom, she walked with him to the front door and opened it. Halting in close proximity, he now used his free arm and placing it around her waist, unexpectedly drawing her up against his chest. Just as quickly releasing her, he stepped back onto the verandah as he said softly.

“You're too beautiful to mar your face with tears. Smile and be happy for all the gifts God has given you. Look forward to the joys coming into your life. That's why God placed your eyes on the front of your head, to look forward and not back. I'll return and see you next week after my trip to Melbourne. In the meantime, read that letter and pray for God to give you understanding, forgiveness and love.” With that he turned politely and walked away.

She watched his straight-backed casual saunter on the dusty road. His black hair, longer than a man's usual length, curled on the top of his collar. He left an impression on her heart of pure goodness.
Why was that?
She had no idea. And he was right; it was no use crying over spilt milk. What was done, was done. Now she needed to tell Ella about this and read the letter aloud between the two of them. No more family secrets. Since Ella was now her family, this should be shared with her.

“Ella, where are you.” Receiving no answer and closing the front door behind her, she ran through the house to the back, supposing Ella was with the dog. Treasure was right. “There you are, I need us to sit down and talk.”

Ella looked up from chatting to the pet. She had him clean, his hair was cut and now she was busy brushing his coat. The dog looked almost happy; he lifted his head at Treasure's voice and wagged his fluffy tail. “Why, don't you look pretty?” Fondling his ears and patting his head made her feelserene. This poor dog, he suffered alone and almost starved to death, now he accepted his new home with trust. Shouldn't she be accepting of her blessing? Of course!
Why make life complicated
!

Ella looked so relaxed. “Guess what, Treasure? He! is a she!” She smiled. “And, if you agree, I think I know a good name for her. What would you think about naming her Paris? She looks so sweet, and I think she deserves a pretty name. Once she gets some meat and muscle on her bones, she will be the most beautiful dog in the whole town.”

Treasure was dumbfounded! A female dog, why that meant puppies galore, and what would they do then?
What was that about complications?

“Ella.” Treasure attempted to stop her voice from sounding vexed! She failed—. “You will need to do more than make her pretty, you will need to see a vet and find out how to stop her having puppies all the time. We can't keep lots of dogs here, one is enough!” As usual Treasure was the logical one, but there had to be a solution and it would be Ella's responsibility to find one.

“Please come inside for now, and since Paris is all cleaned up and hopefully flea free, she can come with you.” With that Treasure walked back into the house and made her way to the sitting room while opening her letter as she went. She wanted to get this over with and listen to Ella's opinion. Sitting on the settee, she unfolded the pages and stared at her aunts, – mother's letter to her! Watching as Ella seated herself, she began to read aloud.

“My dearest darling, how I love you, you will never know how very much. Many times I wanted to tell you this and yet, the moment never seemed right. Firstly I had to fight for you to be born and then I have been fighting for you to have a happy life since. You once asked me, not so long ago how you would know when you fell in love? Well, you will know believe me. It's like you get struck by thunder, and that person will mean more to you than anyone else in the whole world. He may not be handsome, tall, rich, educated or the same nationality. It's got nothing to do with that, it's got to do with an inner connection that some call a soul. It's very deep. That's how I felt about your father, I loved him more than I can tell you, and I believe he loved me also.

Our problem was, surrendering to that love without a pledge, and a promise until death do we part. He was working for the government surveying land in Glen Arbor. I was a young impressionable girl and didn't consider that he may leave one day. All I thought about was the now. He tried to tell me he couldn't stay but I wouldn't listen. He was on a contract and needed to leave and return to England when it was over. There was no way my father would let me leave and go far away over the ocean. So when his time was up, he left. He wrote for a time and then stopped.

By then I knew I was expecting you but didn't tell him. I wanted him to return because he loved me, and perhaps he thought about it, but it was a long trip and I don't think he wanted to make his home in Australia. I kept my pregnancy to myself as long as I was able. My mother being a nurse considered I should have an abortion when she found out, but I could not do that, I wanted his baby more than anything. I always thought that one day we would travel to England and find him, and we did travel there, but, I only half found him.

If he was happy to meet you then maybe, just maybe, life could have been different. By the time I did find him, there were other problems. My life with you was the best gift in the world, you made up for everything. The strongest part of your father you inherited, were his green eyes. And every time I looked into them I saw him. Why did my sister and her husband adopt you? She was younger than me by a year, and she was married. It seemed the best solution as far as society goes, to pass you off as my sister's child. She had her appendix out at fourteen and it ruined her insides so she could never have children. Your uncle Marcus showed no interest in children that I could see? In fact I don't think he was normal because a marriage of convenience was all he seemed to want, or so I thought at the time. I did learn differently from him later. But to you and Ella, I became a star. Thank you both for that.

So that is my story. I know I am dying so your grandmother's home will go on to be yours. I hope Ella is there with you as she is a special girl. This is not the end of the story. I want you to live three months in the valley and then my lawyer will give you a clue about your father. I believe you will be surprised. But you and Ella both need a good rest as you have both worked very hard, and the valley will recharge you both. I do truly love the pair of you.

Your Mother – Primrose xx”

“That's strange.” Ella took the letter and studied the signature. “Why did your aunt – or mother as we now know her to be, sign herself as mother, almost to the both of us? Do you suppose she saw herself as my mother also?” Treasure reached out and took the letter back, and studied what Ella referred to.

“Yes! I see what you mean, that is strange indeed – but like you said, perhaps she saw you as a daughter as well; I know I have always looked upon you as a little sister. And she always looked out for your welfare as well as mine. She was a truly wonderful person and I believe I am very glad she was my mother, I just wish she could have shared that with me when she was alive.”

“Life isn't always how we would like it to be is it? I mean, perhaps she also had her husband to consider. Even though they may not have had a normal marriage, he was also a convenience for her wasn't he. It seems he supported her money wise and perhaps he paid for her to take you to France and travel to England. We will never know. He may have also known you were really her child!”

Treasure put her hand to her mouth. She had not thought that far ahead, but perhaps he did. She now felt she owed him an explanation for departing and not being at the house after the funeral.

“I can't phone him, but soon I will write him a long letter and explain that it was too much for us to be there for the wake. I will tell him we are here and invite him to come and visit whenever he would like. I am sure he would appreciate me having some manners. I will also thank him for his goodness to myself and my mother over the years.” She pondered this some more then added. “Before I put that last bit, I will ask him if he knew about my beginnings and what I meant to aunty, and then I'll see what his answer is.” Treasure folded the letter and replaced it inside the envelope. There was more she wanted to speak to Ella about, but first she needed to light the lamps and decide what dinner was to be.

*****

Ella took care of clearing up and washing the dishes. It had been a quick meal of fried liver and vegetables, with some lovely apple cobbler purchased from the baker's shop. Paris devoured the leftovers, even the veggies. She would be given porridge in the morning for breakfast the same as her owners. It was good to see her lying contented on a floor rug between them.

Treasure still thought of her as him, having purchased a new collar with a length of rope. Ella promised to take Paris for a walk to the produce store the following day to talk to the vet. They had learned a Mr. Wallace—; new in town, had a small room for an office at the back of the store. He was preparing to build a house, with two rooms on the front as a veterinary clinic. Treasure met his young wife and little son Jason when she purchased the collar and found them to be very pleasant.