Angelina smiled at the thought of Mel, her handsome husband-to-be. She was sure she had found her soul mate, and there was not a doubt in her mind that her future was going to be as perfect as it could be. They were a great team.
It seemed the whole town had turned out to see their popular store manager marry his beautiful bride. William and May had trained down and were overjoyed for Mel on his big day.
And afterwards, Angelina and Bella had a new clientele: brides and their wedding parties. Magnificent bridal gowns were made to order, as well as the bridesmaids and flower girls.
Mel was kept busy with the grooms outfits, as his taste in modern clothes was well respected. These were usually ordered in from catalogues from Sydney and Melbourne, and the money kept right on coming in.
Chapter Thirteen
Twelve months after the grand wedding, Mel had arranged an anniversary party at the City Hall. It was a lavish affair, fully catered, even though Bella insisted she could have handled it. William and May had trained down for it, and accepted the assumption they were family to Mel. In their hearts, they were.
Angelina was almost at full term with their first child, radiant with that special glow, and Mel thought she was more beautiful than ever. He had never dreamed he’d be this lucky, and was extremely grateful for everything life bestowed on him.
“Is your back still aching, my darling?” Mel asked as she paused while preparing to don her beautiful gown Bella had lovingly made for her.
“Terribly,” Angelina said while flashing her smile. “But it’s not going to ruin this night for me; you have gone to so much trouble.”
Mel moved to her and eased her onto the padded stool. “Let me rub it for you, poor thing. I wish I could help you with these pains and inconveniences, dear one. I’m so sorry.”
Angelina turned her head to catch the look of concern in his eyes. She couldn’t believe how lucky she was to have found someone like Mel. With his dark good looks and amiable disposition, she felt she’d hit the jackpot. She moaned as another wave of intense pain crashed into her lower back.
“Damn it!” she gasped, finding her eyes watering after the onslaught. “That was a bad one.”
“Shall we try an aspirin?” Mel asked. “Would you rather not go, my darling? We can stay here, you can lie in bed if you want. I’m sure our guests will enjoy themselves whether we are there or not.”
“Not on your life!” Angelina smiled bravely. “Help me into my gown, husband dear, and then let’s go and celebrate.”
Mel hardly left her side throughout the evening. He could see the strain on her face, though her gorgeous smile rarely wavered. He reluctantly made a brief speech, thanking all for coming on this important night, and stating again how lucky he was to have Angelina as his wife.
Albert and Bella enjoyed themselves immensely, rarely having the opportunity of having so many friends and acquaintances together at one time. Albert’s bellowing laugh constantly bought a smile to Mel. He was glad that his in-laws fitted in so well.
Dr. Anthony squeezed into a vacant seat beside Angelina just before midnight. “You are looking a bit strained, my dear. Feeling all right?”
“Yes, I’m fine, thank you Doctor. I’m having severe back pains, but nothing was keeping me away from this wonderful party Mel so thoughtfully planned.”
Dr. Anthony studied her face, then his gaze softened. “I think you’re about ready to bring that baby into the world. Do you plan on staying long?”
Angelina looked at him, her eyes sparkling. “You mean…I’m about to give birth? Oh my God!”
The Doctor nodded with a smile as he beckoned Mel over from his talk with Sergeant Green.
“I think your wife needs to go home now,” Dr. Anthony said. “I’ll follow you. I think it’s time.”
Mel paced the living-room. Angelina’s moans were very distressing, making him feel so helpless. He loathed himself for causing this pain for his beloved wife. His mind kept going to Dan Jones, poor fellow. His wife had died last year giving birth to their third child, and poor Dan was left with three young children and a farm to run. As if the devastation of losing one you love was not enough. He tried to keep Dan Jones out of his mind. That would be just too painful.
William and May sat silently in the arm chairs, while Bella and Albert busied themselves making tea. All their thoughts were with Angelina in the bedroom, fighting to give birth with Dr. Anthony giving her encouragement in his soft tone.
Four hours later Angelina screamed in pain, and Mel rushed to the door of the bedroom. Then there was the bellow of a new born announcing his entry into the world. Bella had been called in to assist the doctor.
Bella was bending over the bed, and her soft voice uttered the important words “Welcome to your home, beautiful baby.”
“Come in, Mel,” Dr. Anthony called, relief in his voice. “Come and meet your son.”
Mel cried as he cradled the baby, bending to kiss Angelina’s forehead. This gorgeous creature had endured much to give him a son, and he’d be eternally grateful.
The grandparents joined forces to prepare tea, toast, bacon and eggs for breakfast, and all ate with relish. It was hungry work, waiting for a child to be born.
Chapter Fourteen
The christening was a happy affair at the cottage behind the General Store. The baby was called Edward, after William’s father, and the sheep farmer was overjoyed. He felt that this was his grandson, and his heartstrings beat a little tattoo with emotion. The Kanaka who had cost him a hefty sum of five pounds years ago, had repaid him over and over. His life was full now, thanks be to Mel.
Two years later Elizabeth was born. Mel was overjoyed and thankful that everything had gone well for the birth of his daughter. His love for Angelina seemed to get stronger, and he sometimes felt as though his heart would burst.
Their clothing enterprise was phenomenal. Public demand for the Angelina line went from strength to strength. Stores in the major cities could not get enough of the Angelina line, so a warehouse was necessary to distribute the huge boxes. Angelina and Bella as the founders, stayed with the designing and sourcing of fabrics, with up to twenty machinists working in their factory. The local ladies who worked for them thought they were the luckiest people in the world. A female earning wages was a rare thing, and they endeavored to give their best.
1926
Mel and Angelina had built and opened Emporiums in many cities. Their two children, Edward and Elizabeth, were part of the family dynasty, Edward as the company lawyer, and Elizabeth handling the distribution side of the business.
They owned three beautiful homes in New South Wales and Queensland, and they moved between them with the seasons. Leonardo now had an impressive property near Scone where his dream was played out. He was a much respected thoroughbred breeder and trainer, but never forgot the early generosity of Mel. Their friendship was absolute. Mel had stood behind Leonardo for the purchase of the property, and had bought two beautiful mares to start the breeding program.
Joe looked them up now and then. He drove an automobile, which brought a huge wide smile to his face. He was chairman for the Landowners Association on the granite belt, where fruit and vegetable growing was taking precedence. It was the first time an Aborigine had been given such a responsible position. His ability to read, write and balance figures was highly respected. William had supported him all the way, so proud one his ‘blacks’ had ‘made it’ in this mad world of commerce.
Mel answered the telephone, the insistent ringing rousing him from an afternoon nap. To think just a few years ago he pushed hard to have one, and now it was cursed rather than blessed with its shrill insistence.
“Leonardo! To what do we owe the pleasure of this call?” Mel asked. Then added with a chuckle “And how are Patricia and the twins?”
“We are all well, Mel. Thank you for asking. A friend of mine, Harry
Telford, is taking delivery of a very fine horse bought sight unseen at auction in New Zealand. The pedigree of this animal is most impressive. Would you care to accompany me to have a look-see?”
Mel chuckled, glad to be included in Leonardo’s busy life. Leonardo was aware, even though Mel had an impressive stable of motor cars now, that Mel still appreciated fine horses. He kept Baylord in retirement at Jumbuck Downs, and loved to visit the stud now and then to breathe in the smell of lucerne hay and horses.
Arrangements were made, and Mel smiled in anticipation.
Angelina smiled at him, that smile that still made Mel’s heart race. “Mel Milo, you will be fifty years old in just a few years. When are you going to slow down?”
“When I’m too old to hurry,” Mel replied with a hug.
Harry met them at his Sydney stables with a strained look on his face. “Come look at this colt, but promise not to laugh.”
He led them through, past many stalls with magnificent horses housed in them, and stopped outside a stall at the end. He seemed hesitant, but led them in to view his latest acquisition. The silence was ominous, as they took in the ungainly colt with the longest legs ever. But his face was a concern, covered in warts.
Leonardo let out a hissing breath. He hadn’t realised he’d held his breath in dismay at looking at this unlikely racehorse. “What have you got planned for him, Harry?”
Harry shrugged. “Dunno at this stage. I talked David Davis from America into buying him sight unseen solely on his pedigree. But he’s not a pretty sight, is he?”
“What does Davis think of him?” Mel asked.
“He’s bloody furious, that’s what! He refuses to pay for his training, says this will make him a laughing stock.”
“He could be a good runner,” Mel said, running his hands over the colt’s shoulder and down his front leg. “He’s got good muscle already, and you could work on that.”
Harry looked just a bit relieved. “I was thinking of training him anyway, at my own expense. I’d like to give him a chance. You reckon he’s worth a try?”
Leonardo had been silent as he studied the horse. “Can you lead him out to the yard? Let’s have a good look at him.”
Out in the sun the horse gleamed. He was a red chestnut, and he had a magnificent coat. Harry led him around the yard at a trot, and both Leonardo and Mel liked the way the horse moved. The potential was there, they were sure. Harry seemed much relieved as he led the colt back.
“Harry,” Mel said softly. “That horse deserves a chance. He’ll do his best for you. Train him well, and if things get tight, give me a ring. I’ll not step on any toes, but if you need any assistance in his keep, let me know.”
Harry was grateful for the offer. He was not a particularly successful trainer, and not a rich man, and the task he had set himself was daunting; but hell! He’d give it a go. He’d survived Davis’ temper tantrum and abuse, so what else? Davis had reluctantly agreed to sign a lease on the horse. He’d been hell bent on selling ‘the embarrassment’.
Leonardo also was grateful for Mel’s offer, for he saw great potential in the colt. “He’ll grow into those legs and move like a dream with the right training, Harry. And you’re just the man to bring him out and make him a champion.”
Mel also had that feeling. Yes, this horse would be a champion, and he’d watch his career with interest.
It was 1929 before the big horse made his big impression on the racing world. He had been named by Harry, a name suggested by a medical student of a Chinese immigrant family. The original name Farlap meaning ‘lightning’ or ‘sky flash’ in Zhuang and Thai was changed to Phar Lap, to comply with the requirements of the Melbourne Cup. Harry was thinking positive.
Harry’s controversial methods of training Phar Lap was the talk of the racing fraternity. Some thought it too harsh, but the big horse did everything that was asked of it. Obviously a close relationship had been formed between horse and trainer.
His name was on everyone’s lips. It was leading into the great depression; things were tough, and Phar Lap gave a lift to sagging spirits. Davis sold Telford joint ownership, and the unlikely horse did them proud. Mel was jubilant. He knew it would happen, but it felt so good. And Phar Lap won again and again. He was phenomenal.
At one of the Melbourne Cup races, Mel and Angelina were there to witness another win for the big horse. Leonardo’s horse had come in third, and the group was jubilant.
Angelina looked across the sea of faces and her breath caught in her throat. “I’ll be back in a moment,” she whispered to Mel.
Mel watched her working her way through the crowd, and felt the same admiration and love he’d always felt for her. She was still a beautiful woman, and had a sense of style and grace all her own. He couldn’t imagine a life without her.
It took some time for Angelina to track down the face she had glimpsed in the crowd. The woman in question was dressed in an outfit obviously thrown together without much thought. The once stylish dress was a little worn and grubby, hat a bit too gaudy, and the shoes worn down at the heel.
Too much makeup drew attention to the sagging features and tired lines. Life obviously hadn’t been kind.
“Mia?” Angelina said softly as she moved to the woman.
Mia gasped as she recognised her sister. “What the bloody hell are you doing here?”
“Your brother’s horse just ran in the big race. He got third place,” Angelina said proudly.
A big man with a big belly and puffy eyes moved to Mia’s side. Angelina didn’t like the way he looked her over with a sneer on his twisted mouth.
“Mixing with the toffs now, are we?” he said to Mia.
There was an awkward silence. Angelina decided to speak up. “I’m Mia’s sister. We gave up looking for her years ago….obviously she didn’t want to be found.”
“You’re right there. I didn’t want to be found. I was not going to be a slave to that useless farm, and I was not going to allow you to take anything else from me. You ruined my bloody life taking Mel away from me. And look at you now, bloody Lady Muck.”
Angelina bristled. “He was never yours to take. You were just a rebellious kid of sixteen. You could have had a good life…”
The big man thrust his big face into hers. “You dare to insinuate she don’t have a good life? Who do you think you are, Lady Muck?”
Angelina bravely went on. “It would be nice of you to let Mum and Dad know you’re still alive. You broke their hearts.”
“Are you going to give me the money to travel back up there to see them, then?” Mia asked.
“I don’t think so,” Angelina said quietly. “If you can’t afford to travel, send them a letter or something. That would be a nice thing to do, wouldn’t it?”
The big man gave Angelina a shove. “Shove off, Lady. We don’t need the likes of you telling us what to do.”
He roughly grabbed Mia’s arm and dragged her away, to be quickly lost in the crowd.
“What was that all about, Sweetheart?”
Angelina spun around to the familiar voice. Mel and Leonardo had concern on their faces.
“Did you know who that man was, Angelina?” Leonardo asked.
“Did you know who the woman was?” Angelina countered.
Leonardo drew in a deep breath. “Some moll here with one of the biggest gangsters in Melbourne. He’s a well-known thug and gang boss. Take care, Sis. He could have you killed, just like that.” He snapped his fingers.
“That ‘moll’ was your sister, Mia.”
“Oh, no!” Leonardo squeezed his eyes closed. “Mia has sunk to that?”
Mel took his wife’s hand. “Let’s go find a drink, eh?”
When Phar Lap was taken overseas, causing a rift between the two owners, Mel felt the warning vibes, but he had no say in the matter. And when the news broke in April 1932 tha
t ‘Australia’s wonder horse’ had died, Mel cried. Both he and Leonardo were broken hearted.
Chapter Fifteen
Mel was delighted that his children had married well and were happy with their lot. It had been a worry when Edward was being pursued by a leading Sydney legal firm. Their offers to get the talented young lawyer to join their team were outrageous, and Mel let them know it whenever he had the chance.
Level-headed Edward was aware of the consequences of joining up with a big firm like this. Mel had always allowed both Edward and Elizabeth the flexibility to put family first. The work load of a large law firm would not be lenient, and Edward was well aware of that.
After many months of pursuit, the Sydney company withdrew all offers. Mel was proud of his son. It had not been necessary to offer Edward an outrageous wage rise to stay, though Mel was prepared to do so if necessary.
Edward was loyal to his father and all he stood for. To think that a slave from the Pacific Islands could accomplish what Mel had accomplished was a phenomenal feat, and Edward was so proud of him.
It was the year 1950. Mel had been without Angelina for two years, and had somehow survived the heartbreak of her passing. He could not dispute the way she went to her God. She had been taken in her sleep by a sudden heart attack, and had not suffered. But Mel had. He was inconsolable for a long time. His children and grandchildren feared he would be taken too, so complete was his grief.
But life goes on, and he busied himself with selling and acquiring real estate. His insight was incredible. His son, Edward, sat with him late one night on one of his many visits.
“Dad, slow down. There’s no need for all this frantic accumulation of property. You don’t need the money. Hell, you’re going to leave us with a big enough headache as it is.”
Mel leaned back in his armchair, swirling his brandy. “I need something to focus on. My life seems so empty now.”
Nothing Lasts Forever Page 12