Discovering Treasure Read online

  Her eyes dropped in false modesty, before lifting again with a cheeky, all knowing smile. “Yes he will be more than happy to oblige me, and it will work out well.”

  “But Aunty,” Treasure interrupted loudly to get attention. “Where will we be for this year that Ella is learning?” Her beautiful eyes roamed from Ella to her aunt. Surely her dear friend was not expected to live alone –, or worse, with some stranger.

  Aunt Primrose stopped in her tracks, for she’d been ready to flee the room, she spun around, surveying the faces of her two distraught girls –

  “Well we’ll be here in Paris of course! Oh my, I forgot to tell you, what a feather head I am sometimes. I went to see Madame Jeanne-Marie of the famous Lanvin Fashion House before my hair appointment, and she is eager to see you, Treasure! Why she was thrilled to perhaps have the chance to add you to model her exquisite designs.”

  Her smile radiated utter confidence. Treasure and Ella now looked from the older woman to each other in open-mouthed wonder, before rushing to hug Primrose. Both girls knew this was an opportunity not to be missed, as Primrose rushed out of the door to attend to her latest inspiration. They sat together on the lounge holding hands and hoping against all hopes, all would turn out as well for Ella, as Primrose believed it would.

  In the meantime, Primrose rejoiced over her victories as she descended in the elevator. No longer weary she asked a bell boy to hail a cab for her. As per her usual scheming, she’d made sure her niece was known of in Paris, as soon as they arrived. Telephoning two of the most popular newspapers, she informed them of a famous guest in their midst. Yes! She’d set the wheels in motion. Treasure’s status rose to instantaneous acclamation on the front pages of Le Figaro and Le Monde as the world famous elusive model currently visiting Paris. They praised her beauty and poise, so who was Madam Jeanne-Marie of Lanvin’s, not to cash in on the model’s popularity just as Primrose supposed she would.

  However, Madame did insist Treasure’s reputation must always be beyond reproach. She stipulated ‘no dramatics!’ Treasure would obey the rules without question, which meant arriving at the salon on time – and not sleepy from staying up late. Her aunt negotiated for a four day work week since each day stretched to ten hours.

  “She needs to look her best Madame; I will simply not have her fainting from weariness.” And as always, Lady Primrose won.

  Was she truly nobility, or had she received the courtesy title as an award? Of course not! It was all a ruse and a part of her pretense, yet it worked wonders with those who wished to impress the elite.

  Ella got her one year apprenticeship much to her surprise. She was a quick and likable student as well as always willing to wear the latest L’Oréal hair colors. Her bob redesigned into the newer version called The Shingle Cut suited Ella so well that every woman who saw it, clamored to have the same coif. Ella became a star in her own right and flourished as a result. The beautiful part about her was that she remained the same humble sweet girl, Treasure had first met; without an arrogant bone in her body.

  That year passed quickly with all three women keeping busy. Treasure caused a stir everywhere she went. At a time when most women wore their hair to the shorter fashion of the day, Treasure kept her long red stresses, in a style past her shoulders. She embraced her diversity. Slightly above average height, slender and with her large green eyes and pale skin she couldn’t fail to be noticed.

  Before New Year 1919, it had to be decided by the three, what to do next. Since the end of the war, life picked up, with people thronging to Paris in droves. An enchanting experience of the artistic and intellect, it was fast becoming known as the golden age, and golden it certainly was for both Treasure and Ella. Never could they have believed beyond their wildest dreams how in demand each would be for their various talents.

  The decision to extend their time for another year and review again then, was met with applause by both girls’ employers. Ella loved her job and her clientele, and passed on valuable conversation from the shop customers.

  Lady Primrose managed to get herself involved in the importing of silk from China through a connection of her husband’s back in Australia. Marcus Kingsley didn’t seem to mind his wife globetrotting the world. He did write to her once a month to see how she was, always reassuring all was well at home and their housekeeper Mrs Maloney looked after him adequately. Primrose could just picture the woman taking his shoes off and replacing them with slippers. She knew Marcus would lap up the attention, being one of those men who enjoyed the privilege of consideration, and he disliked performing menial tasks.

  Breathing in deeply, Primrose knew that since they no longer share marital bliss, the easiest way to cope was by developing outside interests. And she had done this very well with Treasure and later with Ella. Now it looked like she may have a personal interest of her own. Beginning with a trip to China for one week to visit a woman by the name of An Hua’ng in the town of Lijiang.

  “My goodness Aunty, one will never know what you are going to do next,” Treasure shook her head as she listened to the excitement in Aunt Primrose’s voice.

  “Darling, I was beginning to get bored, and when Madame Jeanne-Marie inquired if I would be interested, well, darling, I said yes! Immediately!” Her hand’s worked as she spoke to express herself with artistic elaboration. “Let’s have a nice hot cup of tea shall we, and I’ll give you all the particulars. It’s going to be wonderful, you will see. Your uncle knows this place I am to visit and has assured me that I will be safe, and of course I will be taking an interpreter along with me.” She danced into their small kitchen to make the tea, while Treasure, who felt like her head was full of cotton wool from her aunt’s newest escapade, slowly wandered after her.

  Taking a seat at the table, she watched her aunt and for the first time noticed how thin she had become. What a selfish clot I am. She makes sure everything is fine for Ella and myself and has been pining away without me even noticing. “Aunty, this all sounds wonderful, and, I am happy for you as long as you keep in touch. Who will be going with you? It’s a long journey and to a strange oriental country. I will need to ask Ella to keep you in her prayers. Of course I would pray also, but I don’t understand much about doing that sort of thing.” She blinked and looked stumped. Somehow wishing she did know.

  Aunt Primrose set cups, saucers, milk, sugar, and tea pot on the table before sitting down to reach across and gather Treasure’s hands in both of hers. “Listen my darling; I love you with all my heart. All is going well for you and Ella at the time being, and this is very interesting to me. Can you imagine, seeing firsthand how silk is made by those wonderful little silk worms or moths, whatever they are? To see how it’s gathered and dyed, some left plain and others patterned to various designs for women to wear all over the world. I am so intrigued; I feel I have found my life destiny.” With a slight smile on her lips and eyes closed, she slowly shook her head as if seeing it all in her mind’s eye.

  Looking on, Treasure couldn’t help but understand her passion. Silence settled between them for a time, the muffled sound of cars on the road outside, seemed a hundred miles away as each woman dwelt in their own world. Treasure squeezed her aunt’s hands. She understood. Her aunt was a giver but now was her time to receive. Her marriage wasn’t productive and not having any children must have hurt her. Again Treasure wondered about her own parents; how they could take off by themselves always leaving her behind. Since she was a little girl she’s been left mainly with her aunt and occasionally with her grandmother.

  “Aunt Primrose,” Treasure suddenly blurted out, “why didn’t my parents love and care about me? Didn’t they ever want me! You have always been more of a parent to me than my own. Why wasn’t my mother, your own sister – caring of me the same as you are? It has always baffled me. I know you don’t like me to ask or question but I find it strange. Then, for both to go off that last time, and never return –, why do that?” Her eyes watered, but shaking her head she refused to let a single
tear fall!

  Primrose couldn’t answer. There were things that happened in families that people didn’t talk about. Primrose didn’t understand everything about her own mother. Many mysteries were meant to remain mysteries, for whatever reason. Yet now Primrose got up from the table and leaned against the sink, turning on the tap to wet her hands, and in turn her face. She pondered how to reply. Treasure deserved an answer but how much would be safe to tell? Taking a deep breath, turning and looking Treasure straight in the eyes, she sat down at the table once more.

  “I wish I could tell you everything, and one day you will know. I hope when you do, you are forgiving and understand. For now I wish to say this. Your mother always loved you more than you can imagine.” She looked down for a moment as if pondering what to say next. “Now, as to why your parents went away when you were fifteen, you will remember the Great War was roaring. Then your father decided to enlist. He was thirty-seven you know, and past the normal age for that, but he wanted to go. So your mother chose to be a Red Cross volunteer and hoped to be situated somewhere close to your father. They were inseparable.”

  Primrose hand strayed to her mouth as if divulging an unspeakable secret, and then softly she whispered. “They were killed!” Sadness flooded Primrose’s face, she knew she sounded blunt, but how else could she say it. “Your father went first in mid-1916, and your mother followed a few months later when a bomb fell close to a tent she worked in.” A tear escaped and rolled down Aunt Primrose’s cheek. For a cheerful lady, sadness consumed her now, and she suddenly took on the haggard appearance of one much older.

  “Your grandmother was still alive at the time, and we spoke on the telephone about what to tell you. It was decided to say nothing, but to interest you in a career of sort’s. Neither of us knew what or where that would be. Then a few weeks later I took you to The Palace Emporium in Sydney, where they were having a fashion parade. Your interest was taken with the models and the clothes. You were so fascinated that you watched every move of those girls. One of the photographers who was too busy to notice you at first, went to change the plate in his camera and spotted you. You know the rest. Your grandmother was thankful for the diversion. She felt it took all our minds off the loss of Mary and Angus. I kept your grandmother informed of your progress and all the excitement. I let her know by regular letters where we were, and at times, I sent back newspaper or magazine articles about you. She has been with you in spirit all the way.”

  Primrose beamed as she said this, and Treasure could tell from the love in her voice that even at the times she felt so alone, her aunt and grandmother always had her back.

  Treasure nodded. This was all so much to take in at once, but at least it seemed her parents didn’t just abandon her, they perished as many other victims of the war did. And to know that her grandmother, who always seemed so distant, more over cared, was a heartwarming thought. Now it was time to let them go.

  “Thank you for telling me this Aunt Primrose, it helps to know they are now at rest, I still feel at a loss, but then I suppose many who lost their loved ones at that terrible time feel the same.”

  Ella barged in the door of their apartment at that instant and Treasure called out for her to join them in the kitchen for a fresh cup of tea. Primrose got up to turn the kettle on again, and then with a weak smile for both girls’ sake, she made herself cheerful by announcing.

  “I believe we should go out and dine tonight to celebrate, what do you say?” Treasure smiled. Again Aunty was jumping ahead in her assumption that Ella knew what had transpired between them.

  “Don’t worry Ella there’s no problem,” Treasure reassured, “Aunty just got some wonderful news that she is venturing out with her own career, and us to share with her, that’s all.”

  3

  En-route to new beginnings

  Seated in the Maxim’s, Ella wished the evening could go on forevermore. This was their first visit to the fashionable restaurant yet without Madame Jeanne-Marie it was unlikely the three would have gained entry. Madame gallantly insisted they be her guests; after all she knew Lady Primrose was going to make her name even more reputable, when the beautiful China silks began to appear in her fashion house. Velvet and lace curtains embellished Maxim’s windows, plush carpets adorned the floor and beautiful chandeliers ushered in the lighting like twinkling stars casting shadows across the ceiling. The whole breathtaking effect was more magnificent to their eyes than ever described by others. Madame, realizing their awe, picked up the menu. “We are here to eat, ladies, and I am hungry.” Looking over the top of the delicious selection and smiling, she teased. “May I do the honors and order for all, we can’t eat the decorations,” she added with satire.

  Other patrons, and then a photographer’s sudden recognition of Treasure, meant their privacy for the evening had been forgotten to some extent. After the photographer gained permission to take snaps of the foursome, Madame had informed him in a whisper of Lady Primrose’s quest to purchase beautiful silks from China. Of course, Madame had sworn him to secrecy—, knowing there would be no such thing, and then waved him away concluding the interview as their courses arrived. The photographer strode towards the exit. His hand on the door, he turned in after thought and snapped a final picture of Treasure.

  *****

  Ella, now aimed her own camera at Treasure and snapped a photo, before placing it back in her bag on the floor of the Buick.

  “Hey what was that –,”

  Ella grinned, “I wanted to remember you like this, with your hair blowing, hands on the steering wheel, and your face crunched up in concentration.”

  “My face crunched up in concentration?” Treasure reached over and slapped her friend’s arm, while she made a face.

  Ella beamed, “What days those were in Paris, Treasure, I’m glad we ended up staying there for so long even though you had a few modeling trips to New York and Milan. Gosh, your photo’s looked so great in those wedding gowns on the Milan catwalk. Did it make you want to meet that special Signor someone?” Always the romantic, Ella dreamed often of her knight in shining armor. Yet having been well versed by, Lady Primrose, never to accept less than her imagination, she knew to be patient and wait for her Mr Right.

  Treasure, on the other hand had no such fantasies. She once asked her aunt how she would know when the right man came along. “Oh, you’ll know all right,” her aunt had replied with twinkling eyes. “Why! I still remember the love of my life” Her gaze wandered off in the distance. “And even though it was a long time ago, I am reminded of him every day.” She had turned to grip Treasure gently by both of her arms staring straight into her eyes. “He will put a song in your heart my darling, a beautiful tune never to be forgotten.”

  *****

  Stirring the car up the drive of her aunt’s old home in the inner Sydney suburb, Treasure wondered about those strange words. Surely Aunt Primrose could not have been talking about Uncle Marcus? For Treasure could not imagine him putting a song in anyone’s hear. – Daaaaah!

  *****

  In another hour’s time, they were well on their way driving west to their final destination. Both now wore breeches and short-sleeved cotton blouses. Treasure sported her hair with a braid down her back, and neither girl wore makeup. They wanted to fit in with ordinary country folk, as much as possible.

  “Will you miss dressing hair?” Treasure inquired of Ella.

  “If I thought I would, then I never would have agreed to come with you,” her friend answered. “God has got a wonderful future in store for both of us, I feel it in my bones,” Ella’s eyes shone. “And I know he has led the way. Now tell me about this mysteries grandmother of yours. We have lived together all this time and all I have heard, were vague snippets from your aunt. Is there some secret?”

  They were driving into a small town with a dirt road down the middle and only a few buildings, on either side.

  “There’s not a lot that I know to say. I’ll tell you more over a good hot cup of tea and s
omething to eat. I’m famished and you must be also.”

  Treasure parked outside what looked like the only shop, café. It wasn’t much of a place for a social gathering, except, a few young men loitered out front, drinking sodas and watching the fancy car and two women with interest.

  Stopping the car at a petrol bowser, Treasure pulling a brown felt hat from the rear seat, and plopped it onto her head. With a murmured hello to the male group, she hooked her arm through Ella’s and the two strolling inside.

  Barely had they placed their refreshment orders, than one of the youth whisper loudly. “Did you get a gander at the color of her hair mate? Before the hat, it looked like it gave a spark! Never one to let anyone get the better of her, Treasure called back to him.

  “Have you got a hose handy Junior? Say –, your face is the thing on fire now!” With this tease both girls laughed aloud. The boys –, startled at first, soon realized it was a joke, and not slinging off, so joined in with ruckus cackles.

  “What a happy lot you all are today.” The pleasant looking serving lady, shuffled around the counter bringing with her a tray laden with a pot of hot tea, and everything else they needed to quench their thirst. “The sandwiches won’t be long,” she assured them. “So where are you two ladies off to?” It was a simple enough question but Treasure wasn’t sure if she should answer? Looking at Ella and getting a nod in agreement, she guessed it to be harmless.

  “Glen Arbor actually, in Vision Valley is where we’re headed. How long do you think it will take us to get there?”

  With a look out of the window at their yellow Packard coupe, the woman leaned her head to one side and screwed up one eye to think.

  “In that? And with the conditions of the road—, I’d say a good three hours.” She wiped her hands on a tea-towel, and on second-thought, squinted in the sunlight to get a closer look at their car, before looking both girls up and down.