The House of Secrets

by Denise Burdett

  “I hope so Georgia, I hope so,” said Nan running her hands down her clothing.

  “Would you like to wear my lucky key?” she asked Nan, holding it out from her neck.

  “I can’t believe you still have that old thing,” said Nan sounding slightly amused. “No, but thank you anyway.”

  Georgia watched the two women leave the room. She would go back to the storeroom via the window. She didn’t want to go down the hall for fear of being caught in that part of the house. Her nan didn’t need any more trouble today.

  Georgia hurried to the storeroom window. Turbo followed close behind. Looking around to make sure no one was watching she opened the window easily, and with Turbo, crawled in.

  HIDDEN DOCUMENTS

  Georgia opened the box that Turbo had knocked over earlier. She removed the soldier’s medals and the engraved jewellery; underneath were two old plastic pin containers. One was pink the other blue. Her nan would have used these during her dressmaking years. They had clear lids but Georgia couldn’t see anything in them, as directly beneath the lid was tissue paper. She carefully lifted the lid on the pink box and removed the paper.

  Gently unfolding the paper she discovered it contained a small piece of blonde hair, a curl tied with a little pink ribbon. She folded the paper with the hair, put it back and closed the lid. She opened the blue container and just as she had thought, it too contained a lock of hair. This was a much longer lock of hair tied with a blue ribbon. Carefully she lifted it out and held it up. It was a darker shade of blonde than the other hair and was about thirty centimetres long.

  As she closed the lid on the blue container it slipped from her hands and landed upside down on the floor. On the back was a sticker with the initials EJS and the date 1969. She lifted the pink container and turning it over found it too had a sticker with EJS, but the date was different, 1957. There was a twelve-year difference between each of the strands of hair. Whoever the hair belonged to owned the jewellery that she had found this morning.

  Rummaging further through the large box she found some medals and ribbons from a pony club. They were for a variety of awards and achievements. Georgia shrugged wondering who these belonged to as well. Nan didn’t like horses and had forbidden Beth to have anything to do with them.

  Georgia resigned herself to the fact that they must have belonged to one of her Nan’s relatives. Although Nan was an only child, she had often talked about playing with distant cousins in the garden when she was young.

  “Funny that,” she said out loud. “Mum, Nan, and I are all only children.”

  Turbo, who had curled up on the floor in the corner for a sleep, opened his eyes at the sound of her voice but quickly closed them again. She replaced the lid on the box and its contents, putting it back on the table from where Turbo had knocked it down. She continued looking through the other boxes. There were lots of dressmaking bits and pieces, and old school books belonging to her mum. As she closed up the last of the big boxes she noticed a large decorative box on the top of the bookshelf: It would take some getting, as all the shelves were pretty cluttered and it would be difficult getting a good foothold.

  Georgia looked around the room. There was an old armchair in one corner with a dressmaker’s dummy on it. She removed the dummy and dragged the chair over to the bookshelf. It helped but she still wasn’t tall enough to reach. Searching the room again she remembered the foot stool that she had used to open the window yesterday. Georgia placed it on top of the chair. She wobbled it a few times to make sure it was secure. She would have to be careful, but it could work.

  Georgia climbed the tower she had created and stretching up managed to grab hold of the corner of the box she wanted. As she pulled, dragging it off the shelf, it slipped from her grasp and tumbled down on top of her. It wasn’t an overly large box, about the size of a shoebox.

  It hit her on the head then hit one of the shelves. Somehow she managed to catch it without losing her balance. Once sitting safely on the floor, Georgia untied the string that held the box securely shut. The box was a large old chocolate box. The lid of the box had a picture of three women in a garden.

  They all wore long dresses and carried parasols. It looked as though it would have been an expensive box of chocolates as some of the writing on it was in a different language. Inside the box were lots of newspaper cuttings. The paper had browned with age but Georgia could still make out the words. She made herself comfortable and hoped that she would be in for a good read; after all they were bound to be articles about her nan’s family – surely no one would keep articles about other people’s families.

  The cuttings all appeared to be placed in date order. Typical of Nan, thought Georgia, everything has to be in order. The first article was of a garden party; it was a fundraiser.

  ‘The MacLeod family are ever ready to open their home to a good cause,’ was printed under a photograph of people watching a small band who were playing in the gazebo. Many of the following articles were similar. Photos and a short story about whatever event had taken place. There was Nan’s twenty-first birthday, and her engagement to the handsome soldier. The article on Georgia’s grandparents wedding read:

  On Saturday well-known local girl Elizabeth MacLeod married the dashing Lieutenant Fred Simons. The bride, who looked beautiful, wore her mother’s wedding dress and carried a bouquet of gardenias and orchids.

  The bride’s mother, Annie MacLeod grew all the flowers for the bouquet in the hot house on the family’s property. Guests travelled for many miles to watch the young couple exchange their vows at St Patrick’s Church Collis. Guests were then entertained in style, on the grounds of the MacLeod property under a giant imported marquee.

  No expense was spared as the only child of Annie and Maurice MacLeod entered a new phase of her life.

  The groom’s family was unable to attend it as they have business overseas; however they did send their heartfelt congratulations along with a beautiful fountain all the way from Italy as a gift to mark this wonderful occasion. Mrs MacLeod has let everyone know that she can’t wait until the rooms and halls of the family home are filled with the laughter of grandchildren.

  The photo accompanying the article showed indeed a very beautiful bride and her handsome groom. Both appeared very happy. The next article covered the event of Annie and Maurice MacLeod building a new home in the town of Trustcott. Annie was suffering with arthritis and needed to be near medical centres. The Macleod’s had handed the grand old home over to their daughter and new son-in-law.

  The couple were expecting their first child and the MacLeod’s wanted them to enjoy the house and grounds with their new family as they had done with Elizabeth many years ago. There were two photos with this article; one of the older couple standing outside their new home, and one of Georgia’s grandparents holding up a new sign for the old house.

  Apparently the property had always been known as MacLeod’s but had never been officially named. Fred had the sign made for Elizabeth when she told him she was expecting. The home would now be known as Casa d’Amore – House of love.

  “How romantic,” Georgia whispered. Turbo had woken, came over and was rubbing himself against her. “You think so too,” she added, and with that he jumped up onto her knee knocking the box scattering the contents over the floor.

  “Now look at what you’ve done,” said Georgia annoyed. The articles that she had read were still neatly stacked beside her where she had placed them. The ones that she was yet to read were now spread all over the floor.

  “Now I’ll have to put these in some sort of date order before I can finish reading them,” she said pushing Turbo off her knee.

  Kneeling on the floor she started to gather up the cuttings. She planned to stack them first, then put them in date order, and then commence reading them again. But the bold headline on one article caused her to abandon her plan and she began to read.

  MISSING IN ACTION

  The town was saddened today to learn that local m
an Lieutenant Fred Simons is missing in action in Vietnam. Fred became well known to the members of this community after his courtship and marriage of local girl Elizabeth MacLeod. The couple live at the old MacLeod property Casa d’Amore with their young family. Fred, who has been in Australia since he was sixteen, originates from Italy. Although his parents are deceased, his extended family are well known wine makers in the Veneto region.

  The family have been told of Fred’s status and while distraught they are holding onto the hope that he will be found soon. Prayers will be held for Fred and his young family at St Patrick’s Church tomorrow evening at 7pm.

  Beneath the article was a photo of a girl about Georgia’s age holding the reins of a pony, Fred Simons standing beside her, and Georgia’s nan holding onto a toddler sitting on the pony. The caption read –

  ‘Here is a photo taken of Fred and his family last year at his young daughter’s second birthday party’.

  The toddler was obviously her mother, Beth. The girl holding the pony looked familiar but the quality of the faded cutting made it difficult to see her face clearly. Probably a distant relative thought Georgia. Thinking that there must be more interesting articles she picked up the largest cutting. It was a couple of folded pages. It had a full size photo of her grandfather on one page, and the article about his death on the other.

  The bold typed heading said it all –

  TRAGEDY FOR LOCAL FAMILY

  Lieutenant Fred Simons 2/11/32 – 6/5/69

  The late Lieutenant Fred Simons was laid to rest today in the grounds of the Collis cemetery. Fred came to Australia from Italy with an uncle in 1948. He unfortunately lost both his parents in World War II. He is the youngest of five children and the only one to immigrate to Australia. On arrival in this country Fred continued his education and joined the army. He was extremely bright and quickly made the rank of Lieutenant. He met and married local girl Elizabeth MacLeod. Fred was popular with the local community always willing to lend a hand whether it is during bush fire season or at his daughter’s local pony club.

  “Daughter’s local pony club?” questioned Georgia out loud. She was quite confused. Her nan would never allow her mum to join the pony club, and besides she was only three years old when her dad died. She continued to read:

  Fred was leading a company of soldiers when they were ambushed. It took some days before a support group arrived to assist but sadly they were too late. The squadron had been split up during the attack. This resulted in the search and identification of the injured and deceased taking longer than expected.

  The community will no doubt rally around Mrs Elizabeth Simons and her daughter Beth. Our hearts go out to this family who have suffered two terrible tragedies in a matter of weeks.

  “Second tragedy? What was the first one?” said Georgia looking directly at Turbo who had stood and started to stretch. “Maybe one of Nan’s parents died. I’m sure if I keep reading these cuttings they will tell me.” Turbo didn’t seem to be the least bit interested. Strolling over to the open window, he disappeared out onto the veranda.

  “Sorry to bore you,” Georgia called out to him. Picking up the cuttings one by one she read the first line. If nothing interesting jumped out at her she put it in the stack. When she had picked up all of the cuttings she placed them back in the chocolate box.

  ‘I’ll come back another day and sort this lot out in date order,’ thought Georgia.

  Just as she was about to tie the string she noticed a cutting under a chair. From where she stood she could read part of the headline.

  LOCAL MOTHER MOURNS …

  Georgia bent down to pick it up a strong gust of wind came through the open window blowing the article from under the chair and further along the floor under a cabinet.

  “Darn!” she exclaimed out loud. The headline looked serious and these cuttings were about Nan’s family. Georgia would have to move the chair and some boxes in order to reach it.

  “Hello.”

  The sound of the voice interrupted Georgia’s thoughts and made her jump.

  There standing outside the window was Ellie. Georgia put the chocolate box of newspaper cuttings down, and went over to speak to Ellie through the partly opened window.

  “Where did you get to yesterday and what are you doing here now?” Georgia asked.

  “Sorry about that. I hid when I realised we were going to get caught,” said Ellie.

  “Well thanks to you and your problem I’m grounded.” Georgia sounded genuinely annoyed.

  “I’m really sorry,” apologised Ellie. “But I still have my problem and you are the only one who has ever really helped me. Can we still be friends, Pleeease?” Ellie was down on her knees her hands clenched. She was begging. Georgia couldn’t help but laugh at the way Ellie said please.

  “Okay, apology accepted. Hang on a minute, I’ll just tidy a couple of things here and I’ll come out with you.” Georgia quickly tied the string around the chocolate box. She had not forgotten the cutting that had slipped under the cabinet. She placed the box on the floor beside the cabinet to remind her to collect the cutting next time she was there. Looking around she decided to leave the stool and chair where they were. She would need to place the chocolate box back in its original position once she had sorted out all the cuttings.

  Georgia hoped that her nan didn’t need to come into this room before she had time to put everything back as it was. She crawled out through the window to join Ellie; she pulled it down, leaving the window up enough so that it could be easily opened. The two girls ran to the gazebo.

  NIGHT EXPEDITION

  The two cars in the driveway meant that her nan and mum were busy with the accountant and solicitor. The girls didn’t speak until they reached the gazebo.

  “I am really sorry that I got you into trouble,” said Ellie.

  “You should’ve heard old man Bratten go off,’ said Georgia. “I thought he was going to burst a blood vessel or something. Nan and mum both said I had to be punished, but I don’t think either of them thought I had done anything too bad. I’ve been grounded until further notice.”

  “What did you tell them?” asked Ellie a little concerned.

  “It’s okay,” said Georgia. “Your secret is still safe. I told all of them that I was looking for Turbo. He saved the day. It’s a good thing Mr Bratten is fond of cats and has taken a liking to him.” At that moment Turbo strolled into the gazebo. He brushed against Georgia but then made a beeline straight for Ellie and sat beside her on the bench seat.

  “He seems to have taken to you too,” she added.

  “I feel really bad having to ask you this, but I really do need your help –”

  “Didn’t you hear what I said?” said Georgia interrupting. “I’m grounded.”

  “Just listen to me for a moment please,” begged Ellie.

  “Go ahead, speak, but I’m not promising anything,” said Georgia crossing her arms.

  “Well I’ve being spying on Bratten,” said Ellie sounding concerned. “He was in his yard this morning talking with his gardener. They walked over to the big tree and were talking about what to do about it.

  Bratten said he didn’t like the fact that someone could use it to climb into his yard. The gardener came up with the idea to cut off the overhanging limbs, but Bratten wasn’t happy with that.

  “He wants the whole tree removed! The gardener got out his mobile phone and was talking to someone about how soon they can do it.”

  “You can’t cut trees down without permission from the council, even I know that,” said Georgia.

  “Bratten was on his mobile phone to a friend in council this morning, it sounded like it’s all been okayed,” sighed Ellie.

  “Well you’ll have to go and get your box soon won’t you,” said Georgia firmly.

  “They’re chopping the tree down tomorrow. I have to get it tonight otherwise they are sure to find the box. I really need your help. I can’t do it by myself,” pleaded Ellie. Georgia thought for a few
minutes before making a decision.

  “Okay, tell me your plan. I’m not saying I’ll help yet, but tell me anyway,” said Georgia sounding a wee bit interested. Ellie smiled.

  “Well this morning when I was spying on Bratten I noticed Turbo come over the fence. Bratten was pleased to see him. He fussed with him, playing and giving him treats to eat. He even carried him around the yard, stroking Turbo while he was talking to the gardener. If I didn’t know better I’d think that Turbo was his cat.”

  “Yes,” said Georgia. “Turbo went over the fence when I was sweeping this morning. I called and called to him but he wouldn’t come back. He didn’t come back for some time.” Turbo opened his eyes. If she didn’t know better, Georgia would’ve sworn that Turbo was smirking at her!

  “Traitor,” she said glaring him.

  “We have to go back tonight,” continued Ellie.

  “We?” interrupted Georgia.

  “Please, you promised to listen,” begged Ellie.

  “Okay, go on,” agreed Georgia.

  “If we go back tonight, we have to take Turbo with us. You stay in the tree like yesterday. I’ll get close to the house, but this time I’ll take Turbo with me. Bratten has sensor lights. They will come on with me moving about the garden. When he sees Turbo he’ll think it was him who triggered them. That will stop him from investigating any further. If you wear dark clothing, Bratten won’t see you. The sensor lights don’t shine all the way up into the tree.”

  “You have forgotten one thing,” added Georgia. “I’m grounded and if I get caught I’ll be grounded for life!”

  “I know I am asking a lot, but please help me. Tonight is my last chance,” begged Ellie.

  “All right let’s do it,” said Georgia, hoping she wouldn’t regret her decision. She put up her hand for a high five but before Ellie could respond Turbo leapt from her side and into Georgia’s arms. She managed to grab hold of him so he wouldn’t fall. Both the girls laughed.