The Plantation - Di Morrissey [134]
‘The honeymoon suite is up those stairs. The function area is this way. Please follow me.’
Obediently they followed Ti.
Everywhere they looked Julie wanted to stop and spend time examining the artifacts, the antiques and especially the photographs. She thought that although the furniture was dark wood, oriental and large, it was interesting and suited the huge rooms. Richly coloured antique rugs with elaborate patterns were scattered on the decorated marble and polished wooden floors. Light through the tall windows filled the rooms.
Ti pushed opened two tall carved wooden doors. ‘Here is the function room.’
‘Wow,’ said Christopher.
‘It’s called the Rose Room,’ said Ti.
‘I see why,’ said Julie. ‘It’s lovely.’
The room was gracious, with floor-length windows swathed in ruched cream silk. The windows looked out onto a private courtyard garden. Ten round tables, each set for ten places, were covered in heavy cream damask tablecloths with pink linen napkins folded into the shape of swans atop each setting. Bouquets of roses and small white and pink peonies were arranged in the centre of each table, surrounded by candles and crystal goblets. The gold chairs were covered in deep rose brocade, and the cream carpet was patterned with delicate woven pink-hued roses trailing pale green leaves.
To one side there was a small dance floor and beside it a podium. The large marble fireplace had a massive gilt-framed mirror above it, reflecting the private garden. Paintings and antique embroidered Chinese silk tapestries were hung around the room.
‘This room has been set for a function to be held this evening, but we can adjust to your special requirements. The garden area is very nice for photographs.’
Ti led them through the French doors to a small covered terrace and a walled garden. A brightly coloured bougainvillea arbour and a lion’s head fountain were set against the cobblestone wall. Colourful crotons in tall urns framed the backdrop.
‘As well as weddings, a lot of private corporations like to hold lunches and dinners here,’ said Ti. ‘Do you think this room will suit your needs?’
Christopher held Julie’s hand. ‘It’s very tasteful. We both like it very much. It’s a pity we can’t see any accommodation.’ He glanced fondly at Julie who was trying not to giggle. ‘My fiancée has a special reason for wanting to stay here, don’t you, darling?’
Julie stared at him, then quickly took up the cue. ‘Oh, indeed. You see, I’m related to this house, to the Tsangs, that is … my aunt …’
Ti gave her a surprised look. ‘Really? What was your aunt’s name?’
‘Bette Oldham, she was Australian and she married Tony Tsang.’
‘So she would have been a second or third wife?’
‘I don’t know …’ Julie stumbled to a halt, aware of the great gaps in her knowledge of the marriage.
‘Julie has just found out about her aunt’s connection with this house,’ said Christopher, putting his arm around her. ‘She’s come from Australia to try to find out more …’
‘And you just decided to get married while you’re here?’ asked Ti.
‘I’m working at Butterworth at present,’ said Christopher. ‘Malaysia is a great place for a honeymoon.’
Ti nodded. ‘I understand. Come inside, there’s someone you might like to meet.’
Julie glanced at Christopher, who shrugged as they followed Ti inside. They crossed a landing and were ushered into a small sitting room.
‘Just a moment, please.’ Ti left them.
‘Look at that,’ exclaimed Christopher going to a large glass-fronted display cabinet that was filled with a collection of beautiful glass pieces. ‘Art Deco. Art Nouveau. It’s all Lalique. There’s squillions of dollars worth of object d’art in there.’
Julie joined him, gazing at the carefully lit figurines, vases, bowls and perfume bottles. ‘They’re exquisite. How did you know what they are? Do you