The Plantation - Di Morrissey [165]
‘The communists? Do you really think the British would be forced out?’ asked Bette.
‘The insurgents are a tiny minority. I’m sure when and if independence comes, it will be through co-operation and agreement with Britain. We need each other. But in the meantime, areas of the country are quite unstable,’ said Tony and he glanced at her. ‘It is fortunate that my business can spare me for a bit so that I could accept this invitation. I’m glad I did.’
‘I remember Roland and Eugene telling me something about your business, but apart from saying that you are an excellent businessman, I’m afraid I don’t recall anything else.’
Tony smiled. ‘After my father died I diversified, but at the end of the war it was difficult to export to our traditional markets – Siam, Burma and Sumatra. But being Chinese I was able to overcome these problems through the kongsi.’
‘I’m sorry,’ said Bette. ‘What are kongsi?’
‘When the original Chinese immigrants came to Penang they formed associations, or clans, and built clan houses. These were like clubs, in a way, where newcomers could stay, be introduced to important people, given employment and helped to settle into their new city, so they became places to honour the achievements of the family clan. Some of the kongsi are very elaborate. Would you like to visit one?’ he asked.
‘I’d love to, it sounds fascinating. Is there a Tsang kongsi?’
He smiled. ‘Yes. My family has been here for many generations. My father’s ancestors fled persecution from the Manchus and came here not long after Penang was settled.’
‘You have a very colourful family story, Tony. Mine seems very bland in comparison.’
‘I think that all families are interesting. They are made up of individuals and although the family might present a united front to the world, scratch the surface and you’ll find the dominant and gentle, the weak and strong, and people with different talents, tastes and desires,’ he said.
‘Yes, that’s for sure,’ said Bette, laughing. ‘That sounds just like my family.’
They reached the front lawn where people were gathering for the lavish tea and cakes set out on rattan tables covered with embroidered cloths.
Tony held out a chair for Bette and she sat down as Lorraine announced plans for croquet and tennis for those who were interested.
‘Will you be playing?’ Tony asked her.
Bette shook her head. ‘No, I’d like to explore a little. This is such a pretty and unusual setting, and cool enough to go hiking.’
‘Don’t get lost, Bette. Stay on the paths,’ advised Andrew.
‘I’d be happy to go with you,’ said Tony. ‘I know the area, my family have a bungalow up here, although I don’t seem to have much time to use it.’
‘Thank you, but I don’t want to take you away from a game,’ said Bette.
‘Nonsense, a good walk will do me good. And Andrew is right, you can get lost quite easily in the hill country,’ said Tony. ‘Besides I think I’ll enjoy your company more than I would those frenetic tennis players.’
‘You always were quick to corner the prettiest girl at the party,’ Andrew said cheerfully.
In sensible shoes, Bette set off with Tony. In no time at all they were deep in the thick forest.
‘Is this jungle? These trees remind me of what I imagine an old English forest to be like,’ said Bette.
Tony stopped and gazed up at the trees. ‘You’re right. Not all of these trees are native. Some would have been planted here when the first Europeans came – to remind them of home, I expect. You’ll find more original jungle as we go in further.’
‘Are these the secret paths where you brought your girlfriends?’ teased Bette.
Tony laughed. ‘No, I was too shy. When I was young we used to come and stay here in the hot months and the caretaker’s son, a Malay boy, showed me all his favourite places.’
The path soon narrowed, so Tony took the lead. They didn’t talk. Occasionally Tony held back an overhanging branch, or pointed out obstacles like roots and rocks that