Ricky

by Sheila Hunter

  "I believe there are some interesting ships in port Miss Roger and I have heard that one is a steamship, if that would interest you. We could go by the wharves and then to Mrs Macquarie's Chair. Perhaps if we have time you may care to walk in the Botanic Gardens. I have the hood up in the buggy which should shade you. If you are too warm we could pull up beneath the trees at the gardens."

  "Thank you, you are most considerate," said the now prim Miss Roger.

  Will swung himself up, in his usual style, into the carriage. He had an ability to do this down to a fine art. He was able to swing up so that he could land neatly into the vehicle without making it rock and at the same time protect his weak leg.

  "You are very skilled at doing that, Mr English. I like to watch you. You make it look easy," said Dimity, admiringly.

  "I hope it doesn't embarrass you. I try to manage without doing that," said Will shyly.

  "No, I am not embarrassed. I think you have overcome something that at times must be quite irksome."

  "You are most understanding. It is not every young lady who would be willing to be escorted by a cripple," said poor Will feeling his disability very much.

  "I don't think of you as a cripple, Mr English. You are a friend who happens to have one shorter leg, that is all," declared Dimity, not knowing how much that made his heart glow.

  "You make me feel very humble, and I thank you," Will said as he drove away.

  They spent a pleasant time, finishing as Will suggested, shaded by the trees beside the Harbour where Will produced a hamper provisioned by Mrs Keen to aid a thirsty maid and her swain.

  "I will miss all this when I leave," said Dimity pensively. If she said this for effect she couldn't be more pleased at the response to those words, for Will jerked so much that the horse plunged forward and Will had to put his mind on calming him before he had time to say a word.

  When a little calmer he asked, "Miss Roger, what do you mean when you leave?"

  "My parents and I are returning to England and we are to leave in four weeks." Dimity could see the muscles in Will's jaw tighten. "You see, they really do not like the life here and so have decided to return."

  "Do you wish to go, too?" Will asked with his heart in his mouth.

  "I must do as my parents wish," she answered demurely, but smiling to herself, for she could not be but gratified at the effect all this was having on her companion.

  "Did you say you would be leaving in four weeks?" Will asked with anguish, and at her slight nod he burst out with, "But you cannot! You cannot!" Then recollecting himself he asked pardon and told her that he had been so surprised that he forgot his manners.

  "I must," said the maiden, hopefully.

  There was stunned silence for some time and then Will said, "Well, Miss Roger, I must take you home now as you must be feeling the heat." With that he stirred up the horse and set off for her home, saying very little on the way, but gently and tenderly helping her from the carriage at the door. He doffed his hat as she entered the house; she waved gaily, feeling rather pleased with herself.

  Dimity was not usually a designing minx but she felt one now. She was not normally the type of girl who maneuvered people into her way of thinking, but she really loved her man and she was not going to lose him if it were at all possible. She felt rather quavery inside at the thought of tackling her father when the time came but she made up her mind that she would do it if she had to.

  In the meantime her swain was heading for Landon's house as fast as his horse could properly go. He drew up at the main portico of the mansion and threw the reins to a groom who came to his aid. He ran up the steps and rang the bell impatiently. "May I see Mr Landon, please Tonkin?" he asked as the door was opened.

  "I am sorry Mr Will but Mr and Mrs Landon have gone to visit Miss Amabel, or I mean Mrs English. They have not long gone, you must have passed them."

  "I did not come from there, but I will go now. If I miss them would you please tell Mr Landon that I would like to see him and if it is possible he could wait to see me, it is urgent."

  "Certainly, sir. I will tell him, but I am sure you will catch him at your home."

  Back in the vehicle Will was forced to take it easier now for he knew his poor horse would be wondering why the haste. The usually patient Will was feeling decidedly impatient now, but he just gritted his teeth and forced himself to take it easy. He rushed in the door from the stables asking Maria if Mr Landon was still there, knowing that someone was for the Landon carriage was in the yard.

  "Yes, Mr Will," said Maria. "They have all come to see the baby. Mr Landon was looking for you."

  "Thanks, Maria, I'll go up." Will went up to where he could hear much laughter and found Tad entertaining all his in-laws but John. After a polite, quick greeting, Will asked with a sinking heart where Mr Landon was.

  "Did you want John, Will?" asked Mrs Landon. "He is admiring his grandson. He'll be back in a moment. We are all allowed in one at a time and only for a short visit."

  "Is everything all right?" he asked.

  "Yes, fine," said Tad. "Have some tea, Will."

  Will automatically took the cup. Tad looked at him with concern. He hadn't seen that look on Will's face since he came home and knew something was wrong. He sidled up to him as unobtrusively as he could and muttered, "Is everything all right, Will?"

  "Well, yes, Tad, but I must see Mr Landon as soon as I can. Will he be long do you think?"

  "No, the nurse will see that he isn't. Do you know she didn't want me to pick Henry up, she thought I might harm him. Isn't he wonderful, Will? You should hear him cry. Goodness he is noisy."

  Will smiled and wondered how long Tad would think the little boy's cry would be wonderful. He imagined it would get louder as he grew older.

  At last John Landon came, but then, after greeting Will he sat beside him slowly drinking his tea and Will had to listen to him extolling the beauties of his daughter and her babe. At last Will felt he could quietly say, "Could I have a private word to you, sir?"

  "Yes, of course, lad, anytime you like." But he didn't move.

  Mrs Landon moved quietly to her husband's side and said, "John, if you don't go and speak to Will he will eat a leg off that chair, I think." She laughed but smiled kindly at the impatient Will.

  John turned and looked at Will, "You mean, now, lad? Right now?"

  "If you please, sir." said Will.

  "Right let's go to your studio." He picked up his tea and walked out with it leading the way to the studio where he wandered around as one who was used to knowing what went on in that place. He was most interested in the picture of Amabel and her pain. He looked at it and then at Will. "Tad told me about it. It has made a great impression on him."

  "Yes, it has. I hope not too much. I painted it for my own benefit, really, not thinking that Tad would understand. At least I wasn't thinking of that at all, it was just something I had to do. I feel it helped her, Mr Landon. Can you understand that?"

  "It's a bit deep for me but I think I do. You're no stranger to pain yourself are you?" He turned then to a huge shrouded canvas. "Is that the one you must paint?" And at Will's nod. "Not for viewing, eh, lad?"

  "One day perhaps, sir. I don't know, yet. I have a long way to go."

  John settled himself in one of the armchairs. "Well, now, what is it you so desperately want to see me about. You're like a cat on hot bricks."

  "I feel it, too. Sir, I want to marry Dimity Roger."

  "Do you now? Have you asked her? You surely don't want my advice on that do you? You are old enough to make up your own mind."

  "No, of course I know that, sir. I want to marry her. But I had no intention of asking her until she knows me better, but she told me today that they are leaving the colony in a matter of weeks and I wanted to ask you whether it would be the right thing to approach her father and whether he would think me suitable. You know my background and I would have to tell him, of course. But sir, if he objects to me could I ask you to sponsor
me, please?"

  "Of course I would speak for you, Will. I daresay I know you as well as anyone and have always found that I can trust you, so that would be no effort on my part. Glad to, boy."

  "Thank you, Mr Landon. I thought I may go and see him in the morning if he is at home. Do you think it will be a bit sudden for him. I daresay he won't like me as a suitor. What do you think my chances are?" asked Will anxiously.

  "Will, I had no hesitation in letting my daughter marry Tad for I have known you since you were boys, and that may carry some weight, but I have to be honest with you, lad, he doesn't know you as I do. I am glad you spoke to me but I do believe you are going about it the right way."

  "I hope so. This is where background counts, doesn't it? This is where Tad is fortunate."

  John laughed, "I think you have no resentment to that, now, Will. You've thoroughly got over that."

  "Yes, I certainly have. I was stupid and I realise that. At the same time I don't think Tad finds relatives are a great asset But," he added wistfully, "it would be handy to have a few relatives right now."

  "Remember, Will, I gave Amabel to Tad before I knew he had any."

  "Yes, and that has worked out well, hasn't it?"

  "Yes, I couldn't be more pleased. They are very happy. Do you know Miss Roger's feelings, Will? Have you given her a hint?"

  "No, but I cannot help feeling she likes me."

  "Well, all I can say, Will, is that you mustn’t under estimate the power of woman. I hate to think what sort of performance I would have had to put up with if I had forbidden Amabel to have Tad. I think I would have had to leave home," he added with a chuckle. "If I am any judge I think your young lady might have a mind of her own so you may be able to bank a great deal on that."

  Will chuckled, "I do think she may be a handful. She is only little but I think she does have a mind of her own. I'll be mindful of that."

  "Well, best of luck, Will. I'l be waiting to hear from you. Come to the office after you have seen Roger. I didn't know he was leaving. He's not a close friend, you know. To tell you the truth, I didn't think he would fit in here. There is one thing you must think of, too, Miss Roger is their only child and she may miss her parents if she stays here alone. They would be very hesitant about leaving their one chick. I would be at any rate," said John the father.

  "I realise that. I am very sorry they are thinking of leaving for it makes the decision so much harder for her. Do you think, sir, I am asking too much of her? Perhaps I shouldn't put it upon her." Will looked very worried.

  "You must accept her word if that is so. She will have to weigh that up herself, but it is a great responsibility for you. Make sure you are able to accept that."

  "Thank you, sir. I appreciate your friendship so much and I did want your opinion."

  "Right, let's go back to the others, they will wonder what we are hatching up. Cheer up, Will, all is not lost yet."

  Will was on the Roger doorstop as soon as it was acceptable, and was admitted to the study to await Dimity's father. He was rather surprised at the cool reception he got and couldn't work that out, for up till now the Rogers had always accepted him kindly. However, with a deep breath he launched into his plea not expecting the tirade he got when he finished.

  "Mr English, you must know you could not be acceptable as a suitor to my daughter. I know nothing good about you and do not consider your pastime of painting to be a recommendation to me. I would be pleased if you would take yourself off and not darken my door again. I take it that you must have been making up to my daughter and I could not expect any better, from what I hear," said the irate father.

  "Sir, please, I must protest. I have not indicated to your daughter anything but friendship and indeed would not have spoken until you knew me better but that I heard yesterday you were planning to leave the colony."

  "The sooner the better as far as I can see. I will take my daughter as far away from you as I can. I will be pleased if you will leave now, sir."

  "But please, sir, Mr Landon would speak for me. Please give me a hearing." Will felt like getting to his knees to plead the father even before he could plead the girl.

  Roger walked to the bell and pulled it. As the manservant came in he said, "Mr English is leaving, Evans. Show him the door."

  Will could do nothing but take his leave, bowing stiffly and turning to follow the man. He took his hat and cane and left quickly, his one thought was to get to John Landon as quickly as he could.

  John could see what the lad had to tell him before he even spoke. "Come along in and tell me, Will. Or should I say that I see by your countenance you have not succeeded. Anyway sit down and tell me.

  "Mr Landon, it was absolutely dreadful. Much worse than I ever thought. Mr Roger seems to think I am a blackguard or something. He was cold before I even spoke, as though he expected me to say what I did." Will explained all that had happened.

  "Are you sure you did not upset Miss Roger yesterday, Will?"

  "No, sir, I am sure I did not. She seemed to be very happy with me and is kindness itself."

  "Perhaps that is what her attitude was, Will," Landon said gently. "Perhaps she was just being kind and not wishing it to go further. You must be prepared for that."

  "Yes, I am prepared for that. If she does not want me then that is all there is to say to the matter but I would like to have the opportunity of hearing her say it."

  "I can understand that. I feel that someone is behind this, for the man should have at least given you a hearing. I hear that Mrs Roger is thick with Mrs Thorne and that woman has a tongue like a snake."

  "I don't think I know Mrs Thorne, Mr Landon, or at least I know of her but what would she know of me?" asked poor Will.

  "I wouldn't know, lad, but some people don't have to know much to make a story. In any case I will go along and see Roger and try to undo what harm obviously has been done. I will go as soon as I can leave the office and call and see you after that. Try not to worry"

  Little did they know but things were moving in Will's favour already for Miss Dimity Roger had caught sight of a man leaving the house and as she thought he limped, and presumed it was Will. She ran down stairs and into the study. "Was that Mr English, papa?" she asked. "Why did he not stop?"

  "He didn't stop because I sent him on his way, Dimity," was the stern reply.

  "Whatever do you mean, father?"

  "I mean the the man came to ask if he could pay his addresses to you and I told him to go."

  With that Dimity burst into tears and berated her father. "Oh, father, what have you done? You don't mean it, say you don't?" she cried.

  "I do, Dimity. I won't have him here and the sooner we leave this place the better I will like it. I told him to never come back.'

  'But why? what has he done?" she sobbed.

  "He is not for you, my pet. Come here." she sat on his knee. "I want someone better for my little sweet," he cooed.

  "I want him though, I love him, father. I want him, he is mine."

  "Silly goose, you think you do, but he isn't for you. We'll find someone better for you." He patted her gently on the shoulder.

  "Papa, I tell you I love him and he is mine. I want him and I don't want anyone else," she sobbed.

  By this time Dimity's father was feeling a bit lost for he was not used to her acting like this. "Dimity, I forbid you to see him again. I will not have him in the house again.

  Dimity stood up and, looking straight at her father she said, "Well, father, if that is so. I will see him away from the house."

  Neither had heard the door open but they heard the gasp that came from Mrs Roger. "Dimity, did I hear right? Do you defy your father? I am surprised at you." With this she, too, burst into tears.

  Mr Roger stood up pushing Dimity to one side. By this time was ringing his hands. His females had never acted like this before and he was stunned. "Now, now, dear, don't upset yourself..." he said to his wife.

  "Upset myself? Never did I think to hear my
daughter say anything like that. Oh, dear." There came a renewed flood of tears.

  Roger looked at them both, then at the door as though he expected a miracle to walk in, but as it didn't he cleared his voice and said, "Now stop it, both of you. This will not get us anywhere. Come along. Stop this and we'll see whether we can sort this out pleasantly." His women folk blew noses and dabbed at eyes and tried for some composure. "That's better," he said as the sniffs subsided a little. "Now Dimity dear, you have always been a good obedient girl who has never given us a moment's worry. What has got into you wanting a man such as this?"

  "So unsuitable," her mother put in.

  "Why is Mr English so unsuitable, papa? What has he done that's wrong? Why can't I see him?"

  "Mrs Thorne says ... " started he mother.

  "In fairness to the man, I think we will leave Mrs Thorne out of this, my dear," Roger said. Turning to Dimity he said, "Dimity, we do not know anything about this man's family. No one does. He was a street stray. Perhaps you did not know that?"

  "Yes. I did, papa, and so were his two brothers," she quickly said.

  "Not really a recommendation, my dear. But at least they have a background."

  "But Tad didn't have a background when he became engaged to Amabel and she was allowed to marry him."

  "Yes, but I am not Landon and I would not care to give my one and only chick to a nobody," he replied.

  "We only want the best for you dear," said her mother. "You could marry anybody."

  "Anybody but the man I love," Dimity said bitterly.

  "You don't understand love, child. It is not necessary in a marriage. Why I ... but that doesn't matter," he said hastily. "Dimity, I do not want to be stern with you, for I have never had the need, but I forbid you to see this man again. We will be leaving on the 20th of next month and you will forget him before we have even got as far as Melbourne. I believe the Hardwickes are going home on the same ship and you know what a nice chap young Mr Hardwicke is. You will find his company most amusing."

  "I won't papa, he has a wet sniff, and I cannot bear him. In any case I will not be going. I just refuse." Dimity stamped her foot again and looked straight at her father. Her parents said "Dimity!" almost in unison. "Sit down and listen papa, mama. You have had your say and now I will have mine."