Discovering Treasure Read online

  Discovering Treasure

  CRYSTAL MARY LINDSEY

  To find out more about this book or contact the author, please visit:

  www.vividpublishing.com.au/discoveringtreasure

  Copyright © 2015 Crystal Mary Lindsey

  Biblical Extracts from New King James Version

  ISBN: 978-1-925341-80-5 (eBook)

  Published by Vivid Publishing

  P.O. Box 948, Fremantle Western Australia 6959

  www.vividpublishing.com.au

  eBook conversion and distribution by Fontaine Publishing Group, Australia

  www.fontaine.com.au

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

  Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

  Matthew 6:19-21 (NKJV)

  Thank you

  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for inspiration.

  Husband Ray, my greatest encourager.

  Femia Hope (former Hillsong photographer).

  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.536776506356111.127164.124410434259389&type=3 for my beautiful cover.

  Daniella ‘Carbone’- for the naming this book.

  Jessica Benham, my lovely model.

  Wendy Chorot, my amazing editor.

  And all of my family – for your continued support.

  Table of Contents

  1.Changing times

  2.Professional ladies.

  3.En route to new beginning.

  4.Beautiful Vision Valley.

  5.A well-kept secret.

  6.Meeting the town folk.

  7.Treasure learns about prayer.

  8.Exciting town improvements.

  9.Church is a surprise – and Uncle’s revelation.

  10.Causing a stir.

  11.Treasure’s special gift.

  12.Gaining more understanding.

  13.Making an important decision.

  14.Dealing with fear.

  15.Treasures testimony.

  16.That other letter.

  17.Stories to warm the heart.

  18.Uncle Marcus makes a decision.

  19.Meeting Treasure’s father.

  20.Frank settles in.

  21.Happy surprises.

  22.Baptism and meeting Grace.

  23.Decisions and changes.

  24.Preparations.

  Epilogue.

  1

  Changing Times

  Gone – Missing –Vanished – Lost

  Newspaper headliners screamed out words of warning. Little did they realize their announcement mean nothing, because the person in question had disappeared of her own accord?

  The fast world as Treasure knew it was now becoming the past; because from now on, life for her would be much different. It needed to be for she was tired. Tired of being paraded on show to people who only cared about themselves and how they looked. Tired of keeping up— false appearance. She felt like a wilting flower, drooping from the constant glare of being stared at in the spotlight.

  Many would wonder where the beautiful model known only by her first name, disappeared. Society gossips would be busy making up assumptions and spreading rumors. Someone as well known and almost idolized as Treasure was could not drop out of circulation without a word, as it was incomprehensible. Had she left because of her aunt’s sudden illness? Or run off with some handsome lothario. The media had a field day, conjuring up front page headlines that pillaged in the money from the sticky beaks.

  Treasure’s name was linked with many available wealthy and not so wealthy playboys who delighted in escorting her to famous events, hoping she may fall under their seduction. None could understand how she kept herself free of commitment. Treasure truly was a rarity in the fast society! She was a rare gem, and uniquely unique as Aunt Primrose always said. Owing to this, her aunt would state, there was no reason for anyone to know Treasure’s surname.

  “My niece doesn’t need another name, for she is a pearl darling; she is a special jewel of her kind and no one need know any more than that.

  Mystery and intrigue is our delightful Treasure.”

  Lady Kingsley had a way of speaking in a soft belligerent tone while raising an eyebrow, which signaled the end of conversation. Should anyone dare to question further they suffered her long cold stare! And this meant, they would never get a second chance at any resemblance of future acknowledgement from her. A disastrous fate, that none desired!

  As fast as Treasure appeared on the front cover of The Ladies World fashion magazine in 1915 stunning every man and woman who looked upon her face, she now vanished from Paris in September of 1925. This happened without a word or seemingly a trace. Subsequently, she returned to Australia.

  No sooner was her aunt laid to rest in the peaceful serenity of Waverley Cemetery looking over the cliffs of Bronte and out to the sea, than her niece drove out of sight from public life forever.

  *****

  Treasure looked over and smiled at her closest friend, Ella, seated beside her in her uncle’s Buick. His lordship, or otherwise known as Uncle Marcus the pompous oaf, would ride home leisurely in a chauffeured car like the royalty he was not! However, like his wife, he too liked to keep up a distinguished appearance. Because of that, Aunt Primrose insisted with her dying breath, that she must be laid to rest among the glorious poets and other distinguished notaries. Flamboyant in life and the same in death, nothing less would suit her style.

  “Well what now?” Ella yelled above the engine roar. “Do we go to the after funeral ta-do at the palace like good little girls or don’t we?” They both roared with laughter knowing the pomp and paraphernalia that neither wished to participate in. There was even to be – a string quartet.

  “I see no reason why,” Treasure answered. “My devotion for Aunt Primrose never extended to Uncle Marcus, and I have no idea why they remained married. His first love was always the bank and his money; he showed no amorous love at all for my aunt while she lived, so I am not going to be caught up in his pretense now that she is gone. Aunty would never have expected it!” Treasure’s beautiful green eyes shone with the reminder of the love lavished on her by her aunt. With no children of her own, Primrose took her beloved sister’s child in without a word. She was more of a mother than Treasure’s own had ever been. With eyes now looking straight ahead at the road, with careful attention to maintain the 25 M.P.H. speed limits, so not to get stopped and booked. Treasure reminisced aloud.

  “You know Ella; I always wondered what became of my parents when they left me with my aunt the very last time I saw them. I was told they were going to America, until aunt finally broke her silence one day and informed me, very seriously, that my father and mother both enlisted to help in the war efforts. Yet what was so mysterious about that?” She glanced sideways at Ella for some sort of assurance and got it, yet from a different angle than expected.

  “You have the same kindness in you as your aunt you know; behind her strict frivolous façade was a warm heart that loved you above and beyond. I wonder why she never had a child of her own.” Ella looked out the open window watching the countryside pass on by as they travelled back to Uncle’s home. “So tell me the plan again,” she continued. “We get back to your uncles, leave his car there, pick up your new car packed with all our belongings, and depart from city life forever. It
does sound exciting, and you were so clever to purchase a vehicle that has never been associated with you. Although, the color and design does still stand out some —, “she tittered.

  Ella glanced over at Treasure. She never failed to be impressed by her friend’s beauty and serenity. To Ella, Treasure was her liberator, the sweet girl who had come to her rescue in London so long ago. She’d been taken off the streets and given a home and a future.

  Treasure was smiling to herself, no doubt remembering something about her aunt that tickled her fancy. Without taking her eyes off the road she began to seriously tell Ella things she only ever discussed casually before this. Now she opened up, and spoke of the close relationship with the woman who had been her surrogate mother, protector, and manager.

  “Fifteen years old, Ella.” She spoke as if to herself, screwing up her eyes in thought. “I was at such a young and impressionable age. I remember both parent’s hugging me and telling me, I would be left safe with my Aunty.” Her face took on a distant look. “Mother wore a lovely crimson frock and father looked handsome in his grey pinstriped suit. They didn’t look like a couple fearful of travelling with a war raging.” Treasure adjusted her driving glasses. “They were setting off on another adventure as they saw it. It was an upsetting time for many, not just for me but for all who had their families abruptly cut up out of necessity. Men became soldiers and wives usually became the strength left behind on the home front.” Her hand’s tightened on the stirring wheel.

  “My aunt was a positive person and never liked to acknowledge any kind of suffering. She tried to maintain a normal and interesting life for the both of us. My uncle was kindly yet always, as Aunty said, had mathematics in his head instead of a human brain.”

  With this she laughed out-loud.

  “They were probably in love once, I suppose, yet I never witnessed an ounce of affection pass between them. They had what looked like a business relationship, he earned the money, and Aunt Primrose kept the house running like a well-oiled machine. Nothing was ever out of place, dinner materialized on the table promptly at six every night, and when guest appeared, as they occasionally did with Uncle’s work, there was conversation and merriment.” With a deep sigh Treasure, shook her head in wonderment. “I don’t know how a couple can live together like that without love, Ella, I really don’t! There is no way I would want to.” She glanced sideways at Ella and then quickly back to the road again.

  “Well my dear, goodness knows what is in front of us, but I feel confident that good things are going to happen. I have only a vague recollection of my grandmother’s home, but a country town sounds appealing after the rush of city lights, and decadent selfish people.”

  Ella nodded in agreement, and the two were quiet for a time. Treasure concentrated on her driving, and Ella basked in the knowledge she was still with her friend. There would thankfully beno surprising changes with Aunt Primrose’s sudden death. The two would remain together. It was hard to imagine the passing of the years until now, and the days, of London, and Paris, with Milan, and New York, as well for Treasure. It had been a busy time of planning and work for all three. Ella settled back for the ride and let memories wash over her.

  *****

  She could recall the first time she met Treasure, outside an eating house in East London in the late autumn of 1918. The war had begun to fizzle out and a terrible flu pandemic had overtaken the city. Newsboys, yelled out the dreaded consequences, and newspapers had been full of it with people dying, causing terror in the hearts of all. It had not been a time for crowds or venturing out, but through necessity, some like Ella had no choice.

  She stood shivering in the cold, while holding a handkerchief in front of her mouth and nose, pensively watching people rush by. Her light weight threadbare coat, didn’t offer much protection from the icy wind. At fifteen and having gone through the small amount of money in her pocket, Ella knew the real fear of being destitute. Her eyes gazed through lavish restaurant windows, where fancy dressed people sat eating and talking at tables. She couldn’t comprehend their nonchalant air. A cab stopped near-by, with a young woman alighting. Lamplight flashed on her beautifully coiffed hair and looking further; Ella observed the stylish grey woolen suit and shoes to match. Their eyes met and held for a long moment with bewildering recognition. Was it that, or something else? Ella had a feeling of déjà’ va –, yet was sure she didn’t know the other.

  Under her breath she prayed, “Please God, don’t forsake me, I’m so cold and hungry.” Looking up she realized the woman lingered at the door and looked at her with a quizzing expression. Forcing a weak smile, Ella gazed into Treasure’s eyes and fantasized herself in the presence of a guardian angel.

  “Hello Mam,” suddenly shy, she couldn’t think of a word to say. And then the perfectly chiseled lips of the other opened, and answered her back. Unbelieving that an elegant lady would speak to her Ella tried to clarify what was said. “Are you inviting me inside with you, Mam? I’m afraid my clothes are not up to the standard of this establishment.” She hastily pushed her handkerchief deep within her coat pocket. Treasure smiled, reached out and took Ella’s hand, drawing her inside to the warmth.

  “Have we met somewhere before? I feel that I have always known you.” Treasure’s face held a puzzled expression, it was so strange yet she somehow knew Ella must remain with her. Having experienced that sixth sense before, Treasure knew never to deny that inner prompting. Now it meant hanging on to this girl. In time more of why?— would be revealed!

  If Treasure’s aunt was surprised to see her niece with what looked like a skinny street urchin she gave no acknowledgement. With the grace of a true lady, all she said was, “Well I’m glad you got here safely at last. And who is this friend you have with you?” Primrose sipped elegantly on a cup of tea, holding the handle delicately between two manicured fingers.

  “Aunt Primrose, I would like you to meet, ah –” Treasure’s eyes looked with puzzlement at Ella for backing.

  “Ella Dittmar,” Ella responded with soft clarity!

  “Dittmar! That’s German. I once knew someone by that name –, long ago!” Aunt Primrose stared into Ella’s eyes, then she waved her hand flippantly, as if shooing away her thoughts.

  “Oh well,” she prattled on, “the wars over, so let’s forget England and Germany and problems with all of that, and get on with our meal.”

  Treasure couldn’t have agreed more. She wanted nothing unpleasant attached to her new friend.

  “Yes— Ella! Of course,” she responded as if her aunt hadn’t spoken. She nodded to the waitress pausing at their table. “And we’ll have two more for tea please, and a menu as well –, when you can manage it?” She smiled sweetly, putting a finished end to what just transpired.

  The waitress nodded her white capped head, while giving Ella an opened-eye stare. Suddenly realizing she may appear insolent to her patrons, she soothed the white apron down over her long black dress and rushed off in a dither. Treasure smiled at Ella, revealing a dazzling radiance. Raising her eyebrow’s she gave a wink of conspiracy. Ella fell under her spell right then, and knew she had found a mischievous confidant.

  Without question Ella remained with Treasure. At first she took on the role of lady’s maid, while in reality they were more like sisters, with Treasure holding the reins as the eldest, by three years. Never once did Ella feel like a servant. Even Lady Primrose enjoyed her presence, but then anything that made Treasure happy, always seemed to add to her aunt’s pleasure. Ella often caught Treasure’s aunt gazing at her niece adoringly. Did aunts usually do that? Not ever having had one herself, Ella often wondered.

  Then the most astonishing occasion so far in Ella’s life happened in Paris of that same year. This was all due to one of Lady Primrose’s brainwaves, as she called them. Having just returned to her hotel after spending hours having her hair dressed in the latest finger wave fashion, she declared how tired out she was. It was a sin she declared, for women to have to waste ages listening
to brainless idle gossip. And all this, while waiting their turn between shampoos, style and dry.

  “It was ridiculous girls, quite ridiculous,” she announced dramatically while flopping onto the settee. Remaining in the supine position for a time while both girls stared, she then unexpectedly sprang to life to run and grasp Ella exuberantly by both arms.

  “I have it! Why didn’t I ever think of this before?” She stared into Ella’s face. “Why you would be wonderful Ella. You would be remarkable in fact! You are a natural with hair,” immediately as always, her thoughts jumped ahead of what was to be said. “How would you like to be an apprentice to the famous Marcel, and learn to do hair professionally?” Her enthusiasm quite rocked the stunned pair she spoke to. For someone declaring to be so tired one moment, and then jubilant the next, neither girl could understand her excitement!

  2

  Professional ladies.

  Lady Primrose’s idea stunned Ella! Her – learn to be a French coiffeuse! Never in her wildest fantasies would she ever imagine such an admirable position. But what could a little mouse like herself do in an elegant establishment? Her eyes glowed, and then looking at Treasure she suddenly realized what this might mean.

  “But Madam Primrose, I could never leave Treasure and yourself, I couldn’t stay in Paris without either of you.” The thought of being left alone in a foreign city, as she thought might happen, alarmed her. Tears quickly sprang, rolling down her cheeks. No matter how she’d love to learn fashioning hair, there was no way she wanted to be alone without Treasure.

  “My dear girl,” Lady Primrose smiled while fluttering both hands and only thinking in her own head. “I would never suggest such a thing. You will be fine, you already know so much and all self-taught at that! No! I will speak to Marcel myself, and suggest he teach you what you need to know in a year. They are always so busy, I am sure he could use extra help. And—, I am in the position to recommend him to the very best.”