Chapter 10— FRANK HEMSWORTH

He was an Australian too, transferred to Callington town from Sydney city by the Governor, so he could be in charge of all the mines here, he was the richest man in Callington, he was respected everywhere. He constructed local roads and built primary schools with Government's approval. He was splendid at his work and his money.

He was quite taller than I am, taller than my Father, with a huge figure. He didn't look old like my father. I was sure glad he didn't smoke, nor did he drink too much, but he still had a little bit of a bad breath, so funny! His teeth were slightly stained from old age, his arms were long, just a little below his waist.

He was slim and manly with a white full beard and dark brown hair. He had a warm and friendly look with a well drawn face frame. He was well kept all over except his mouth.

He was once just Uncle Frank to me, he had been father's friend all along. Father asked him for money, he promised to give father enough but only for a price and father agreed willingly.

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THE BIG HOUSE

The moment I arrived at Frank's house, I was amazed at the sight, it was huge and really high up! All in white, with a big gate surrounding the building. There was a mighty water fountain in front of the house inside the gates. It was a three storey building with enough rooms, four kitchens and ten restrooms.

The house was almost empty, there were paintings on every wall, beautiful ones! The mansion had a lovely creamy scent and there were six maids, six cooks, two gate men, two security men, a Gardener, a butler and a driver. There were nine men and ten women in that whole massive building, working!

As I stepped into the house, I thought to myself— what would I do here? I had imagined singing, with loud echoes vibrating through the mansion while all the maids would watch me with sincere surprise and curiosity. Or I'd sleep through the day or I could just run away, there was absolutely nothing I could do here!

There were four big halls that held stunning Chandeliers with golden lights shinning. Frank's house was lit with beauty and brightness, it was just the type of house one needed for a vacation!

A beach was close by too. So perfect! I could go to the beach everyday, I thought. But that'd be too much, I hadn't settled in yet and was thinking of how to occupy myself, something to take my mind off the marriage, Frank, the house and just everything.

Then! There was the dining with a long brown, thick table with ten high chairs on both sides, all brown. The house was literally a palace. No wonder my Father wanted it so much. But it still wasn't enough to sell me out.

"He'd sure miss me", I said aloud.

"What?", Frank asked feeling surprised.

"Oh, nothing!"

"Ah! So you speak!", he mockingly said.

"I'm not dumb, Uncle Frank!".

"Don't call me that anymore, I'm your husband you shall address me with something more appropriate and casual!". He said with all seriousness; his Sapphire clear bright eyes devouring mine. I grew to detest him, he was just too old.

MAY 2000

Three months now, I still hadn't seen or heard from David, it was frustrating. Frank gave me a personal maid who'd take care of the things I needed. I did nothing in the house— no cooking, washing, cleaning or running. Emilia accompanied me to the market to and fro.

I was taken to a nearby boutique, it was just fantastic! I could see different people— men and women. I bought enough clothes, Frank had told Emilia the type of clothes he wanted for me and I obeyed. Gowns, skirts, shawls, heeled shoes, handbags and makeups. Things I needed to dress up with for any sophisticated event. All the while, I grew fond of Emilia!