Chapter 23: In Conclusion

The OWLS Club was officially opened on a Friday night, it was indeed a Grand Affair.

Fireworks on the roof lit the sky, somehow, Erica had conjured up a couple of powerful spotlights which lit the front of the building and made the whole affair look like a Hollywood Premier. The subscription to the club was sold out two days after the news broke the previous weekend. Kathleen not wanting to miss a business opportunity set the base annual membership fee at seven thousand dollars. It seems the waiting list to become a member now reaches almost twenty-two months. No one ever knew that there were so many women with so much disposable income.

The family and many others gave interviews to the world press. France 2 paid a ridiculous amount of money to become the first TV Broadcaster to show the world the 4 new Toulouse Lautrec paintings. The French media did, despite Jean-Paul’s reservations, come to Australia, in large numbers and gave extensive coverage to both the opening of the OWLS Club and the four new works of art.

Emily and Mia became the faces of the LGBTQ+ community, and they were so happy to do so. Emily became the face of the club. Both were minor celebrities. There will be more stories about their romance and life together in the coming months.

Terrance and Cynthia became more involved with the family business side and moved back into Port Adelaide. They took a particular interest in the 15 boxes of rare raw gemstones. But that is another story for later on. Cynthia was a frequent visitor to the club and made many more friends while there. She said she enjoyed the ambience of the library, in truth, no one could honestly say they saw her in the library, reading. There is a rumour that stated she starred and was found at the end of the maze in a very private room. But they were just rumours.

Anita and Erica finally made a home together, although still shy when out in public, they did dine at the La salle à manger OWLS Club once a week. Yes, they were very comfortable there. Anita could relax, she would dress very provocatively and openly tease, kiss, dance and show the love she had for her long-time lover and now partner. These too have much to tell about their ongoing life.

The KORKED Wine bar went from strength to strength, Ash and Ellie made the most of being next door to the most exclusive women’s club on the continent, quite possibly in the Western World. Their opening hours were extended and extra staff were put on. Kathy and Michelle still went there every Friday evening for a meal, the wine and for catching up with friends. Ash and Michelle continued their friendly banter, Michelle complaining about the cheap weak Australian wine she sold and Ash telling her where to go. And they all laughed about it.

Louie was invited to the Grand Opening and arrived with a well-known Actress on her arm, Kathy turned to Michelle and mentioned to her that the said actress had an interesting ‘necklace’ on, don’t you think? Not too sure if that is a story in the making or not.

Margaret and Elizabeth didn’t stay together for long, Elizabeth became well known around the KORKED wine bar, while Margaret became closer to both Kathleen and Michelle. More stories about their adventures in the coming months as well.

Miriam didn’t become either a member of the club or even frequent it. She did however look after their financial affairs. She remained unmarried but started taking a keen interest in a particular book club her mum made her aware of.

Myrtle, the flamboyant public servant, true to her word did become a fully paid-up member and spent a lot of time there, which seemed to correspond with Cynthia being in the club. It seems they too have a story to tell.

Now for the tunnel. Oh yes the Tunnel, is a story already taking shape in the author’s mind.

The Birkenhead Tavern and the two cottages were purchased by the AFT [Ambrose Family Trust] and everyone is still looking for that grey cinderblock wall there. But as it was explained, if you break through the wall, from the tunnel side, without knowing what was on the other side, you might be breaking into something you haven’t ‘banked’ on.

As Mia told the family at their engagement party, held in the La salle à manger OWLS Club. There is more there than meets the eye.