The Plantation - Di Morrissey [68]
‘I do wish I could have met her or known more about her,’ said Julie.
‘There could well be people still alive who knew her,’ suggested Mrs Ping.
‘Really, do you think anyone might remember her? My aunt would have been in her late eighties now, if she were still alive.’ The thought that she might be able to meet someone who had known Bette thrilled Julie.
‘I’ll make it my personal challenge to find out something for you. Where are you staying? Do you have a mobile phone number?’
‘Yes. This is so kind of you. We’re going upriver in a day or so, where I doubt there’s any reception. I’ll check in with you when we get back.’
‘If you have some time before you go, perhaps you’d like to go out to the wildlife sanctuary. I’d be happy to take you. I work there as a volunteer. Here’s my number. Give me a call if you find that you have time,’ said Mrs Ping.
‘You mean to take me to where the orangutans are? That’d be fantastic. I’ll have to check with my friend arranging my trip to see the Iban. He’s an anthropologist and he has a small team with him. I’m tagging along.’
‘Lucky you. What’s your name, by the way?’
‘I’m sorry. I’m Julie. Julie Reagan.’
‘I’m Angie Ping. We shall see each other again, soon.’
When Julie told David of her meeting with Angie Ping at the museum bookshop, he was pleased for her.
‘There you go! See, I knew you’d enjoy it here. There’s so much to see.’ He hugged her. ‘We’re going to have an amazing time.’
Julie found herself, unusually for her, taking a step backwards. David’s enthusiasm was a bit smothering and, while she found his company enjoyable and his help invaluable, she thought he could be a bit over the top at times.
‘How are Matthew and Barry going with the preparations?’ she asked.
David frowned and sighed. ‘The usual hold ups and delays. The men bringing the boat downriver on the last jungle leg of the trip had to attend some ceremony. A burial, I think. So they’ve gone to the Ruming long-house, which will delay us a few days. But transport from Kuching to the first-stage landing is all on schedule. Unfortunately, I have to catch up on paperwork. Getting expeditions up into the backblocks requires a lot of form filling and discussions with the authorities. Just when you think you’ve given them everything they want, they think of something else.’
‘I see. That sounds frustrating,’ said Julie.
‘It is, but it will all work out. I’m sorry for the delay. I’ll try and keep you entertained while we’re stuck in Kuching,’ said David.
‘Please, you have enough to do. Actually, this delay is great as I’ve had an invitation to go out to the wildlife sanctuary with Angie from the museum, and I’d like to do that.’
He gave her a quizzical look. ‘You move fast! A stroll in the jungle with the men of the forest … go for it. I had hoped to take you myself, but I don’t want to leave Kuching in case the authorities think of something else they want me to do. You can tell me all about it over dinner tomorrow night.’
Julie was tempted to say she might have other arrangements. She’d been thinking of having dinner with Angie Ping, she seemed such a nice woman, but Julie didn’t want to offend David – he had arranged the trip and was looking after her. Instead she said, ‘Sounds good. I’ll be in touch. Now this afternoon I’m off to see the rest of the city. Kuching is really delightful.’
6
ANGIE WAS DRIVING JULIE out of Kuching on a good road but within minutes the jungle asserted itself. A deep green presence on the periphery of towns and villages, it was a living wall between those who lived on its edge and those creatures who lived within its heart.
‘This is so kind of you to take me to see the orangutan sanctuary. I’m really looking forward to it,’ said Julie.
‘It’s my pleasure. I just love going there and seeing my friends,’ replied Angie.
‘You mean the people working there?’
‘Well, yes. But the orangutans are also my friends. Wait until you see them, then you’ll know what I mean. Most times several of them show