Discovering Treasure

by Crystal Mary Lindsey

  Since her size was similar to that of Treasure herself, it would be a good beginning to gift Evelyn with a baptism dress comparable to the one being made for herself by Nellie. Treasure again could hardly wait for those new sewing machines to arrive. What a difference they would make. Evelyn approached Treasure at the conclusion of the service to ask what was required of her as far as apparel for the baptism. With a smile and a hug, Treasure invited her to come by the house in her lunch hour the next day to be measured for the dress. They were a simple design of soft white material with a small collar, sleeves and a plaited belt. The dress would be lined so not to be revealing when wet.

  Marcus himself was nervous about what he should wear. It was his first time to own a swim suit but he felt it was inappropriate to wear with church members watching. Understanding the predicament everyone felt, Thomas explained. The women could wear a modest dress and the men were to wear swim suits if they had one, and would borrow a dark blue gown from the church to wear over that. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. It was many years since a baptism and that was mainly due to the fear of how they would look with clinging wet clothes. Thomas assured, there was to be a professional photographer, but no official photos were to be taken until the one baptized, was dressed in appropriate clothing once more.

  New Year’s Eve saw everyone join in socially. It was an amazing time for a country town where farmers usually kept early rising hours. However, on this New Year’s Eve the baker and grocer extended their opening times. Tomorrow— they intended to sleep in, like everyone else planned to do.

  People walked up and down the street, eating pastries and talking happily about the previous year’s events, and the New Year to come.

  The congregation was growing and the well-liked Reverend discussed the question of having a parsonage built next door to the church.

  The new bank branch was looked forward to, and this meant a new job or two for a local. Ella’s hair salon was mentioned because of the lovely job she had already achieved on the ladies who were willing enough to try her. It was fast becoming a fact that she was no ordinary hair stylist but a French one no less. In fact, the town was progressing, and all for the good of everyone.

  At three o’clock the following afternoon the five to be baptized—, together with the spectators who wished to join and encourage them, walked down to the river. On the way, they sang the old Negro spiritual song, “Down in the Valley to Pray” – Joy followed as all took up singing the song. Worshipping God was what it was all about, baptism and singing, surrendering and love.

  Of course this was a funeral song, but as Thomas spoke before taking them through their proclamation of faith, they were dying to self and rising again as born again believers. And, there was only one, who could show them the way—, the Lord Jesus.

  Each stood in turn at the side of the water, until led a little way in and spoken to, asked the question of faith, and then down under the water, rising again as a fulfillment to the promise. A new creation! All who watched this and remembered their own baptism shared in the understanding of what it meant. And as each person was brought up out of the water, everyone clapped in encouragement.

  The extra unknown lady who was baptized that day turned out to be the new schoolteacher. Introduced to all as Grace Newman by Thomas, as he confirmed her choice to receive Jesus and follow his teaching. Grace was a believer from back over many years, and yet up until now, could not find the courage to formally speak out her faith.

  Ella was the designated person to wrap each woman in a towel as they emerged from the water. As this was placed tenderly around Grace, and she was welcomed into their spiritual home, her thankful tears of acceptance fell. The woman could have been in her early forties, and was pleasant to look at with dark brown eyes and hair. But it was her humble sweet nature that touched Ella the most. Soon other women came forward to hug her and introduced themselves, making her welcome. Evelyn was already wrapped in a towel, sitting in a waiting car. Grace was led to be introduced and seated next to her. Not long after, Treasure came and then all three were driven back to the church, to dry off and don their own clothes.

  The men in the party were taken to Treasures house to change and then all returned to the church for a formal ceremony. Each received a certificate with their name and the date written on plus Reverend Thomas Elderby as presiding minister. This was the solemn time when their photo could be taken in front of the pulpit. Ella also gave each woman her own prize of a free hair style, written on a piece of elegant paper and valid for one month.

  After a few words of welcome as new parishioners by Thomas, everyone wandered home. Knowing Thomas, Connor and Grace, had nothing planned for the rest of the day, Treasure invited them over. Grace resisted at first—, she was likely shy and being new to the district, didn’t wish to be a bother, but once she got there she fitted in well. They soon learned of her almost twenty years of teaching experience. Most of that time being in city schools; in fact this was her first country challenge. Up until now Glen Arbor was a one teacher school, now with more families moving into the surrounding area, an additional ten children, created the need for another teacher?

  Everyone felt that since Grace shared her story, they should take it in turns and tell her a little about themselves. Frank went first and had everyone laughing when he got to the Pommie, Kraut story. “I bet they are still trying to work that one out,” he told everyone.

  Marcus came in last, and informed how his house in Sydney was for sale and he hoped to have his new home built here before winter.

  “Gosh Uncle, it’s not like it’s going to snow!” Treasure wondered why the hurry, then guessed that he, like she before him had had enough, of the rush and bustle.

  Treasure swept her hand around to include everyone. “So you see, Grace, you are not the only newcomer here. The only almost genuine stock among us is Kelvin who arrived in his late teens, and stayed. Unlike Connor, who came and then went off to university and war. I was going to add Nellie, but she came in her twenties as a bride from Ireland.”

  Grace looked around at all the pleasant faces. It seemed she wouldn’t be the outsider she imagined.

  Kelvin looked on bemused, he’d seen many come and go, but hoped all of this lot stayed, as they felt like family, and that to him was a new experience.

  “Paris comes home tomorrow, and then you will meet another member,” Ella announced. The surprised look on Grace’s face added humor, and it wasn’t certain whether they should kid her along or tell her who Paris was.

  Marcus turned toward the sweet woman, his heart rejoiced in her for some reason, so now he confided, “Paris is a well-loved part of the family. She has been away, become betrothed and is now expecting!” – He allowed a gap in his words for effect. “Yes, Paris is expecting puppies,” he concluded in his slow drawl. At this even Grace laughed at the trick –, almost pulled on her.

  On Grace’s departure that night, Ella wasted no time in asking when she would like her hair fashioned. “I’m not trying to push you or anything,” Ella continued. “I’ll start back on Monday, and so far I don’t have an appointment. People are not too sure of me as yet.”

  On hearing this and knowing how difficult it was to gain the confidence of others, Grace agreed ten o’clock sounded an easy time for both. Happily, Ella escorted her to the door, but Marcus was right behind them.

  “We can’t allow a lady to walk our lonely road alone and when it’s almost dark. I have a lantern here and will escort her myself.” With a smile to Ella, he ushered Grace out onto the verandah and with his hand under her arm he walked with her the length of the road to the schoolhouse residence.

  Grace was unsure what to do when they arrived. This was the first time for her to have the attention of a gentleman. But there was no reason for concern, Marcus said he’d wait until she was safely inside and then be on his way, and he was. Grace thought about him, considering she’d enjoy learning more about socializing. Life as the daughter of two elderly par
ents who relied on her for everything was now a thing of the past. With their demise within a couple of months of each other last year, she only need care for herself now, and that felt strange. A new hair style might be just the thing. Never having given much time to her appearance and with a nice gentleman on the scene, one never knew what could happen.

  Paris was happy to be home and although she looked healthy, she smelt, so into the huge tub she went and Ella scrubbed her clean. With a good towel dry and a huge bone to chew on, it was a dog’s life for sure. In another two months approximately, Paris would be a mother. So many people requested a puppy, and not knowing how many would arrive, Ella wrote names down in her diary. To be fair, it would be first in, first served, and two were already promised to the Wilson’s.

  That afternoon the tabby kitten also came home to live. Paris looked at him, and the kitten snarled, but from then on they kept the peace.

  On Saturday afternoon Ella and Treasure wandered over to see Grace. Not announcing their visit, they hoped she would be pleased to see them, and she was.

  “We brought scones,” Treasure announced, “hoping to have a cup of tea with you.

  Grace was all too happy since the women also brought some milk; she’d been using the powdered kind.

  Ella, looked at Treasure first—, before informed Grace. “We sort of supposed you might want to ask us questions about living here. We don’t know everything but as much as we do know, we’ll share with you. That way you won’t feel like a fish out of water.”

  Grace wasn’t sure what to ask, and then she thought of Marcus, so her first question was what kind of a man he was?

  Treasure could best answer that. So in the next half hour she told Grace, as best she could, how caring and kind he was of others. Not wishing to run her mother down or tell family secrets, she just said, she would be very happy if he found a lovely Christian wife and decided to marry again. She added that he was the kind of man to treat his wife like a queen. Believing now was a good time to confide this, it was added that his greatest hobby was fishing. He also relished doing this while basking in the sunshine, down on the riverbank.

  “Up until now,” he hasn’t done any of that because he has always desired to make others happy.”

  Grace beamed to hear all of this. “It’s difficult living in the city and it’s also hard when you have obligations to others. I know how that feels.” She went to tell of only going to a few gatherings with other young girls as a teenager. She told of never having a holiday, no one to confide in because as teacher, you were the one to listen. She spoke of coming home tired from school with student work to mark, and her parents to care for.

  “I don’t want to appear unthankful, but in the last year I felt like a prisoner. And it was a release when my parents went to heaven.”

  Oh goodness, Ella and Treasure looked at one another. They both felt terrible. Compared to Grace, the life they’d shared was a picnic. What could they say or do?

  Then Treasure had an idea. “Look, Grace, if you like, we will be your best friends, and any time you wish to confide in us –, please do. We will help you whatever way we can, and I am very sincere about that. I’m sure Ella will agree.”

  Ella’s eyes sparkled. “And our first job is to make you a new person. Wow!”

  She raced on talking, “you have been baptized, and tomorrow is a picnic lunch after church, so you can sit with us. That’s if you’d like to, of course. And when you come in on Monday, for a new hair style, think about getting your hair cut. And –, think about letting me cut it, my way.” Ella’s eyes danced with knowing, as she spoke.

  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 floo
d. 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.”