Ricky

by Sheila Hunter

  John Landon had noticed this too and came to Ricky one day in wonderment. "Ricky," he said, "have you seen that sketch of the little girl that Will is doing?"

  "No, I haven't, but I saw the old black man he was painting the other day. Is the girl good, Mr Landon?"

  "It is amazing, Ricky. That boy seems to have come alive. I always knew he was good but this is wonderful. Whatever happened to him over there has turned him into a genius. I saw that old man, too, it is marvellous. He seems to be painting faster than I have ever known him to do."

  "Yes, it is as though he can't help himself. He is just on fire. You don't think he'll burn himself out do you, sir?"

  "I don't know, but watch him. He is so cheerful I can't believe it. It is so good to see him so happy," said Landon concernedly.

  "He really is happy, I am glad to say."

  "We certainly started something sending him off like that, Ricky."

  "I can't claim any credit for that, Mr Landon. I didn't want him to go, but you seemed so certain that it was the right thing to do and it was. You'd think he'd been there for years instead of months."

  "What do you make of that experience he had, Ricky?"

  "I can't say I really understand it but whatever it was it certainly touched something inside him. But, I am sorry to say that Tad doesn't accept it, though. He's being rather hard on Will and that worries me."

  "Yes, I've tried to talk to Tad and got nowhere so decided to let it lie until it sorts itself out."

  "Do you understand what happened to him, sir?"

  "No, but I'm not dismissing it either. I hope it lasts for he is quite a changed person. All light and sunshine."

  Tad had noticed this, too, but wouldn't try to understand. He never really taunted Will but was rather avuncular in all his dealings with the young man. Whenever he spoke to Will, which was no more often than he could help, he was rather patronizing. Ricky was wondering how they would get on while he was away, for he knew he could not depend much on Amabel at the moment for she was continually uncomfortable and her feet were so swollen that she could do little but sit in the dining room, which was the coolest room in the house, on a comfortable chair with a stool for her poor feet. She was very well except for her feet, and she was looking forward to the time when her babe would be born and she could resume her normal shape. The new nursery maid, Emma, attended to all her wants and was fast becoming an essential to Amabel in this male dominated house. Emma had been a hostel girl who had gone to the babies' home to learn to be a nursery maid.

  Ricky had to be content that Tad would not start anything that would upset her but nevertheless set off for Rocklea with divided thoughts. He told himself not to worry about the home affairs and leave himself free to take pleasure in his visiting Jenny frequently. This he tried to do.

  However, things took a different turn, for only the day after Ricky left Tad came to Will about 10am on that Saturday morning and asked him if he would send Joe for the doctor for it seemed as though Amabel's time had come.

  "Yes, by all means, Tad. And what about Mrs Landon, would you like me to go for her?" he asked.

  "Would you, Will? I would be most grateful. I don't like leaving her. I could send Joe, but it would be good if you could go while he is after the doctor. There's no knowing where he will be at this time. He may have to go looking for him. And Will, would you mind slipping in next door to get Binksie. And Will, you will hurry, won't you?"

  "Yes I will, Tad, but I don't imagine there's much hurry. These things take time, I believe," said Will.

  "A fat lot you know about it," said Tad bitingly, "it's Amabel, don't you realise?"

  "Yes, all right, old fellow. I know you are worried and I'll be as quick as I can possibly be. I think I'll take the sulky, it will save Mrs Landon getting her carriage. I do hope she is at home."

  "Oh...Will, she's got to be. Amabel needs her."

  "Don't worry, I'll find her where ever she is."

  Will rushed downstairs and called for Joe to saddle a horse and go for the doctor and for the stable boy, Bill to get the buggy ready, calling for Mrs Keen to go upstairs to Amabel on his way through. Then to the girl's hostel to tell Binskie and out to the stables again to take the reins of the sulky and set off for Landon's.

  Will was fortunate that Mrs Landon was at home and he soon had her packed into the vehicle and returned to the house as quickly as he could. There he wandered around for a while hoping he could do something then as no-one came to allay his concern he retired to the studio and began painting.

  Tad came in some time later and said, "Can I stay for a bit?"

  Will paused in the midst of a brush stroke and said, "Certainly, Tad. Make yourself comfortable. Is everything all right?"

  "I suppose so," said Tad. "They won't let me in. The women, I mean. Will, this is horrible, to see Amabel in such pain. I'll never put her through it again, I will be sure. I was only thinking of myself."

  Will just smiled for he really had no experience in saying the right thing to a man in such a situation. He looked at Tad and then went on painting.

  Tad sat still for a while and then said, disgustedly, "You're no help," and left the room. Tad returned a few times during the afternoon, just coming in, sitting for a while and then leaving after saying a few pithy words. They had a rather silent dinner, for even though Will tried to make a little conversation Tad gave him only non-committal replies. Will felt sorry for him but said little knowing that whatever he said would not help.

  At about eight o'clock, Tad burst into the studio and fired at Will, "Will you stop that infernal painting and pray or something? Don't you know that my wife is up there going through misery and all you do is paint ... paint ... paint."

  "I am sorry, Tad. It is what I do best and I haven't seemed to give you any sort of comfort when I have said something to you. I thought it would be best if I just stayed here in case you want me."

  "You call yourself a Christian. Can't you pray or something? You can't imagine what agonies Amabel is going through. Can't you pray for her? If there's such a thing as a God surely he will answer you. Why aren't you praying?"

  "I am praying, Tad."

  "I don't believe you. I haven't seen you."

  "I haven't stopped praying since you first told me."

  "I still don't believe you. I haven't seen you on your knees. Ever."

  "Tad, there is more than one way to pray. I told you I haven't stopped praying for her and I feel a wonderful peace about Amabel. I am sure she will be all right, and the baby. I am praying for you, too, Tad."

  "I don't want your prayers," Tad slung at Will. "I am all right, I just think you ought to pray for Amabel."

  "I assure you, I am praying for her. In any case, why don't you pray for her yourself."

  "How on earth can I? I've told you I don't believe in God, haven't I?" he almost sobbed.

  "Do you know, Tad, I think you do believe in Him. You've just had everything go your way that you didn't think you needed Him."

  "Well, I need Him now. For goodness sake, Will, help me," Tad sobbed.

  "Before I can, you have got to tell me whether you do believe in Jesus, Tad. I know it is hard to admit to it after all this time, but I did and I am different, all through me. Tell me whether you have thought about it and what you truly believe."

  "Yes, I do. I saw how changed you were and it really annoyed me, but I do have to admit that you are very changed and I do want to be like you."

  "Not like me, like Jesus. You really mean it and not just because of Amabel?"

  "Yes, I think so. I'm just so mixed up inside that all I want right now is for Amabel and the baby to be all right. I want to ask God for help and I can't do that unless you help me."

  "Right let's kneel right down here." They knelt like two little boys and Will prayed for Tad to accept the Lord as his Master, and then encouraged Tad to say it himself. He stumbled over the words but said what Will had told him to. Then Will prayed for Amabel and the baby, sp
eaking in such a way that Tad had never heard before. He spoke in prayer as though he was chatting away to his best friend and this surprised Tad a great deal. He had expected him to start intoning and almost groaning like some of the clergy were apt to do.

  "Let's have a cup of coffee to buck us up, Tad," said Will, after they stood up, "we need it don't you think?" Will rang the bell and an excited Maria came to see their wants."

  "Would you bring some coffee, Maria? I think Mr Tad is feeling a bit weak and needs some sustenance."

  "Yes, Mr Will. Mr Tad, don't look so worried. It often takes this long the first time. Mrs English will be fine, you'll see."

  "Thank you Maria. I must admit it is a trial. I do need the coffee, though."

  The two brothers sat and looked at one another for a moment or two and then Tad said, "Thanks, Will. I don't know how I feel at the moment. All churned up, I think. But somehow I feel calmer."

  "You certainly look a bit better."

  Tad looked up at the easel where Will had been working. He could only see the back of the canvas that was there for Will had been facing Tad when he had come into the room. "What are you painting, Will? May I see it?"

  Will indicated and he invited Tad to come and see. They walked together and stood before the canvas. Tad looked at it with surprise written on his face.

  "What on earth have you been doing, Will? If I didn't know it I would say it was...it is. It is Amabel's face. What's it all about?"

  'Well, it's my way of praying, Tad. Just look at it and see what it tells you."

  Tad looked and could see that Amabel's likeness was portrayed in a faint but light way amid the painting. She was smiling and yet there was concern. Tad could see love, anguish, joy and wonderment. Yes, all these things in the expression on his beloved wife's face. All across the painting were very misty figures, perhaps angelic ones, there were some sharp lines that didn't seem to be part of it and yet were. There were hazy shapes of baby figures and one stronger one that was painted in the Raphael style of a fat chuckling babe. There were arms reaching out for the baby who looked as though it was enjoying a big adventure coming into its unknown world.

  Tad backed away from the picture and turned to bring a chair up. He brought it back, sat down, and gazed in rapture at the concept of it.

  "Do you understand, Tad?"

  "Yes," was all he said. Willwas amazed at his stillness. Then Tad said, "This tells me more than you could ever say. It is your prayer, isn't it, lad?"

  "It is," said Will, simply.

  Maria bringing the coffee broke the spell a little, but Tad seemed to want to sit there, eyes glued to the painting as though he mustn’t let go. Will was concerned that the painting might become too important to his brother but decided to worry about that later. They quietly spoke on occasions but the time didn't hang now and they were surprised to realise that it was ten o'clock, when they could hear Mrs Landon call, "Where are you, Tad?"

  "Here, Mrs Landon." Tad shot to the door. "Is Amabel all right, is she all right?"

  "Yes, she is fine and you have a lovely boy. And I have a lovely grandson," she said, giving Tad a bit hug.

  "Will, did you hear that? I have a son."

  "Yes, I heard it, old man. Congratulations."

  "Are you sure Amabel is all right, Mrs Landon? When can I see her? Please?"

  "Come on, you can see her now." She laughed as Tad was about to shoot up to their rooms. Remembering his manners, he turned to wait for his mother-in-law.

  She just said, "Off you go and see her. Will, do you think we could all have something to drink?"

  Will took her into his studio where they sat and quietly looked at one another and smiled, content with the results of the day. While they waited for their refreshments they wondered what Tad was thinking of his lovely, tired, Amabel and the scrap of humanity that was their son.

  CHAPTER 20 Dimity puts her foot down

  "Come along, Dimity, we are going to visit Mrs Thorne," said Mrs Roger.

  "Oh, no I am not, mama," Dimity said petulantly. "I told you I am driving out with Mr English. He will be here soon."

  "I am surprised at you speaking to me like that Dimity," said her amazed mother.

  "I am sorry if I sounded rude, mama, but I did tell you."

  "Tell me!" said the astounded mother. "Tell me! You should have asked me. In any case I would have said, no. I will not have you going about with that man. Alone, too."

  "Oh, mama, you know it is all right for girls to go out in a carriage alone in the daytime. You have said so yourself," retorted Dimity. "Any way he is not 'that man', he is very pleasant, indeed."

  "My dear, please don't get too fond of him. I am only thinking of you. I agree he is a personable young man, but, dear we don't know who his parents are."

  "But that doesn't matter, mama. You were quite happy about him until that Mrs Thorne talked to you about him. Please mama, please let me go?"

  "Your papa said I was not to permit you to have anything more to do with him. You will find you will forget all about him as soon as we return to England," said the distraught mother pulling on her gloves.

  "But mama, I don't want to go back to England. I like it here much better. Oh why did papa have to have that row with Mr Pentacost. He liked it until then. Please make him stay."

  "My dear I am unable to do that even if I wanted to. Once your father makes up his mind he is unchangeable. He is certainly unchangeable about that Mr English. He doesn't want him here. I must insist." She looked dubiously at her daughter. Mrs Roger was a small rather dumpy lady who liked to think she was very severe with her daughter. She thought she had won the day until she saw two tears squeeze from the big brown eyes. "Oh, Dimity, love, you haven't fallen in love with him, have you? You know that is not allowed. We will choose a nice husband for you in England and you will soon forget this man."

  "I don't want a nice husband, mama. I love Will, and I won't forget him. I didn't while he was in France and I will never forget him," cried Dimity.

  "Oh dear, oh dear, why did we ever come to this frightful place? We were so happy at home and now look what's happened. Oh dear, oh dear, come here and let me dry your eyes. Come on, now. There, there. A brave face. You know girls just cannot marry the first man they see, they have to remember their position. You must remember, dear, that you have a position to hold."

  "Mama, he isn't the first man I ever saw, and I love him and I will have him. That is if he wants me," Dimity forgot herself so much as to stamp her foot.

  "Dimity love, your father will be in a rage if he hears you say such a thing. Please don't mention it to him. I assure you that you will forget him when we leave. You must, dear, we won't allow you to marry him."

  "But, mama, what is wrong with him? The Landons hold him in great regard," asked the weeping girl.

  "Dimity," said her shocked mother, "he has apparently no background, as well you know. He is an artist, and perhaps you do not know what unsavoury reputations those sort of people have. For that matter I would not wish to tell you," Mrs Roger thought hard, "and he is a cripple, too, into the bargain. And... I am sure there are lots of reasons, dear, why we would not want our only chick to marry such as he."

  "Mama, you know he is not any of those nasty things you are thinking about. You liked him greatly until Mrs Thorne said all those terrible things. Don't you remember you said what a pleasant man he was and it was a pity he had such a bad leg? But that's all you could find wrong with him. And he is very well thought of here in the colony."

  "But would not suit in England, I am thinking, dear," said her mother wishing she had not voiced her opinion of Mr Will English so well when they first met him.

  "But he is not going to England, mama, and I will not either if he wants to marry me. Mama, I have made up my mind, I will not go back to England with you. I am staying." She stood in her full small height and looked down at her astonished mother.

  "Dimity! Dimity!" was all her mother could say as she fell back o
n the cushions.

  At that moment the door opened and the maid announced that Mr English was waiting for Miss Dimity below.

  "Thank you, Barnes," said Dimity, "please ask him to wait a moment. Would you take him to the study."

  "Yes, miss," said the maid and left.

  "I am sorry, mama, but I am going out with Mr English. Please don't worry about me, I will be fine. I must get ready." She gave her mother a quick kiss and ran from the room.

  Mrs Roger was left wondering about the waywardness of spoilt daughters. She sat for some time, then decided that she had no heart in visiting Mrs Thorne today, so sent a servant with a message to that lady, then returned to her room to remove her outer clothing and lay on the bed to recover from what she thought of, as a nasty experience.

  Will greeted Dimity with a gayety that was a surprise. Dimity enquired, "You seem very happy Mr English?"

  "Yes, Miss Roger, I have just become an uncle and I find I like the experience."

  "Oh, has Amabel's babe come? Please tell me," exclaimed Dimity.

  "Yes," laughed Will, "we all had a baby boy last evening. It was quite stressful."

  "For your poor sister, indeed. But tell me is she well?"

  "Yes, ma'am, very well considering the worrying day Tad and I had, and young Master English looks fine, too, if I am any judge, which I cannot claim to be."

  "Have they chosen a name for him?" was the ever interested female's query.

  "Yes, he is Master Henry English with a few extra names in the middle which I cannot remember. But on mature thought I would say John was one of them. Now, babies aside, where would my lady care to go on this warm spring day?"

  "I have no preference, Mr English. Where would you suggest?"