Ricky

by Sheila Hunter

  Will was so taken with his love that even painting became secondary for some time after their return home. But one day, Dimity found him daydreaming in a way she had not experienced, although Tad and Ricky could have told her what was brewing. Will answered her only vaguely when Dimity spoke and muttering to himself after breakfast he headed for his studio. Mrs Keen saw him cross the hall and entered the dining room to find Dimity sitting non-plussed at the table staring at the door. She said, "Will, what's the matter?" thinking he was returning, and on seeing Mrs Keen she lamely said, "Oh."

  Mrs Keen summed up the situation at a glance and brightly said, "I see Mr Will has taken one of his painting fits again, Mrs English. We won't see him all day if I am any judge. Did he say much this morning,ma'am?"

  "No," said Dimity uncertainly, "no he didn't, Mrs Keen."

  "Don't worry, my dear, he has the painting fit upon him. He'll paint like a mad thing for some hours and we will take sandwiches and tea in large quantities to him. He eats and drinks without being conscious of it, but at least he does take it. He isn't often like this but it seems as though the genius comes out in him and he just has to paint. Why don't you go in a watch him. He will like that. Just don't say anything, but just be there."

  "Will he mind, Mrs Keen?"

  "No, my dear, he will be very happy for you to be there. Mr Rick and Mr Tad would do that. He would throw them a smile occasionally and when he was finished what he is doing he will be wanting to show you what he has done."

  "I daresay I have a lot to learn, Mrs Keen."

  "You are doing very well, my dear. Mr Will is really very easy and he is always very kind."

  "You are very fond of him, aren't you, Mrs Keen?" asked Dimity wistfully.

  "Yes, my dear. I suppose because I have had to look after him more than the other boys, on account of him always being at home. He is a good boy." She smiled indulgently. "You will be very happy with Mr Will, my dear, he is very kind and considerate." Then suddenly realizing she may be speaking out of turn she added. "Oh, Mrs English, I do hope you will pardon me. I shouldn't speak so."

  "That's all right, Mrs Keen. I understand. And," Dimity added, "I thank you for telling me, for I didn't know."

  "Mr Will is a great genius, my dear, and I think geniuses are usually hard to live with, but we are lucky that Mr Will isn't really like that, just sometimes when he has to be."

  Dimity did as she had been told and crept into the studio and sat in the chair that allowed her to watch Will. He turned as she entered and smiled. "I'm painting, love," he said unnecessarily. She didn't reply but watched the painting come alive at his hands.

  His strokes were swift and sure. Dimity had never seen him paint before and was surprised at the way the whole thing was created. She could see why he had been only half aware of his surroundings for he had obviously been thinking of what he wanted to do for some time and now was all absorbed in the thing he was creating.

  The canvas Will was using was not large, its wide side down. There was a background, but faint, of the bush and a river, reminiscent of Rocklea. In the foreground was a female figure, faceless so far. "I wonder who it is," mused Dimity. "Perhaps Will is trying to paint me, and cannot." Her gown was of deep green and the sheen of the material did not seem to fit in with a country background, but as Dimity was not versed in such things she thought she would wait for him to tell her. As the hours went by and she had come and gone several times, and his food had come and gone several times, then mid-afternoon he stopped, put his palette down and turned to look at her.

  "It is all I can do today," he said, "until I can paint your face. I must wait until it dries." Then he walked to her, not touching her. "Hello, darling, did you wonder where I've been?"

  "No, Will, I knew. Mrs Keen explained. And I've been here."

  "Yes, I knew, but I couldn't speak. Can you understand Dimity? I had to do what I had to do."

  "It's all right, I do understand. Do you always paint like that?"

  "No, not at all. I often paint and talk, but sometimes it seems to consume me and I can't think of anything but what I'm doing. Can you really understand, darling?"

  "Yes, I think so. I've never seen you paint before, Will, and I didn't understand. I think I do know. We have to learn a lot about each other, don't we?"

  "Yes, love, we do. Oh, Dimity love, I want to hold you and crush you to me, but I am sure I have paint on me and I daren't." He looked down at his hands. "This one's clean," he said and held out his left hand. "Come and see if you can tell what I have been doing. Maybe you won't, at first, but I hope you will one day without my explaining."

  Will led her to stand right before the painting. "Can you see anything you recognise?" he asked.

  "Yes, I think it is a misty scene of the view of Rocklea, but it isn't a clear one. Is it meant to be?"

  "No it is a hazy background. Do you feel anything about it?"

  "Well, without looking at the figure, I feel happy about it, but I don't really know why. Perhaps when she.."

  "You," Will said.

  "Perhaps when I have a face it may tell me more."

  "Think some more, love. What else does it tell you?"

  "I think it tells me that I make you happy and that we were so very happy at Rocklea. Is that it, Will?"

  "You darling love, you darling little Dimity-mine. Yes, that is what I am telling you. The delirious happiness we are having, and did have at Rocklea. Darling, aren't we so fortunate, do you think anyone else has ever been as happy as we are?"

  Dimity gurgled a laugh as he folded her into his painty arms. She didn't think anyone could be.

  CHAPTER 22 Dinner

  It was in July that Ricky suggested that the three couples get together and entertain several of their old and very dear friends. Of course the three had often dined and had become as close as any real family. The girls enjoyed each other's company and especially Jenny and Dimity enjoyed the unusual joy of having sisters. They had a great deal of fun together and were very keen to help Amabel choose materials and colour schemes for her new house. The house was not so far from her parents and Ricky and Jenny, and there was much too-ing and fro-ing between the houses. Will also encouraged Dimity to change the rooms around and re-decorate as she desired. She wisely decided to wait a while until she became more used to housekeeping and would learn about such things. In the meantime she listened intently to all the decisions made about Amabel's house and stowed it away in her brain for further consideration.

  So it was not the usual dinner party that was planned but one that Ricky had in mind for quite some time. He wanted to formally thank all their old friends who had helped them so much in their growing years, and now that they were all married and settled he thought it would be a good idea to gather them together.

  So the three young couples had dinner at Ricky's home to plan this special dinner party and it was not much of a surprise to them when their hosts announced that they were to be parents in the New Year. There was great jubilation and Ricky's thoughts of the previous year came true as he saw Jenny blooming, as only a happy, healthy, pregnant girl can look. She did have a torrid time for a few weeks but now was quite well and thrilled with her news. It was hard to keep their minds on the business on hand but after dinner settled down to working out who should be asked.

  Each of the men wanted to host the dinner, but Will settled that question by saying, "I will have my big painting finished and framed in three weeks, and I would like to have a viewing of it. Why don't you all come to us and Mr Landon can unveil the painting in my studio before the dinner? I do want your father to do that for me Amabel."

  This was the decider. The girls talked over the actual dinner and then they settled down to work out the guest list. "Let's take them in order," said Ricky.

  "In order?" queried his wife.

  "Yes, Jen, in order of them appearing in our lives. What do you think, boys?"

  "You mean start with Mr Hughes?" asked Tad.

  "That's
right," said Ricky. "Then Mr Landon."

  "What a shame Mr Fraser is dead," said Will. "I never did feel I thanked him enough."

  "Well he died pretty soon after we met him, didn't he?" put in Tad. "Who else, Rick?"

  "Then comes Mr and Mrs Fishbon," said Ricky. "I think Mrs Fishbon is well enough to come."

  "Particularly if she comes during the afternoon, Ricky, and rests before dinner. That's all right, isn't it Dimity?"

  "Yes, of course. I love Mrs Fishbon. She tells me what a funny little boy you were and I love hearing about that."

  "Then Tim Hinds, Rick. You'll have to have Tim," said Tad.

  "Yes, and..."

  "I'm not having Patrick Thomas," said Will. "I know he taught me a lot, but I really don't think I want him."

  "All right, Will. Anyone else?" asked Ricky.

  "What about Mr and Mrs Forrest, Rick?" asked Will.

  "Yes, I would like them to come, apart from wanting them for Jen's sake, I am very appreciative of what he did for Father."

  The party was arranged for a month hence, to be held at Will and Dimity's home as suggested. The girls put their heads together working out all the little details needed for such an occasion. It was to be a special time, as Dimity knew, and she wondered what she would do without the support of her new sisters and Mrs Keen. But she was happy with all the plans and looked forward to being hostess at a function that was so important to their menfolk.

  As planned Mrs Fishbon came to the house during the afternoon and Dimity was pleased to fuss over her, between duties. She settled Mr Fishbon in the study to be free with the books there and later when she took him some tea she found him sound asleep in one of the large leather armchairs, so she crept silently out, knowing that the old man needed his rest as much as his lovely little dumpy wife. Mrs Fishbon had quickly become a firm friend of Dimity's, who had many anecdotes to tell her of Will's early days and the fun they all had teaching the boys how to be gentlemen. Mrs Fishbon had a very entertaining way of describing their antics and Dimity had visited her on many occasion. Perhaps Mrs Fishbon filled the niche of her own mother, but, mused Dimity, there could not be two women more different. No, they just found a mutual contentment in their friendship, she was probably more like a fond grandmother.

  Mrs Fishbon was quite rested for the dinner and was looking quite spritely when they gathered before dinner. Dimity met her guests and led them all to Will's studio where there were chairs placed for everyone's comfort. There were several paintings to be seen one of which was that of Amabel on the day that Henry was born, this, he had given to Tad and Amabel, and another was the honeymoon painting. Will knew he could never sell those, they were too close to their hearts. Now that Dimity's figure was finished, the picture was an absolute delight. The portrayal of her was almost ethereal, she looked human but almost, no - not transparent but had a heavenly appearance, very hard to describe, but very pleasant to see. But the main thing in the studio was a shrouded painting that was absolutely huge. It seemed to take up the space of half a wall. Will asked all the guests to wander around and look at what they liked and when they were ready to be seated he would ask Mr Landon to come forward and unveil his big painting.

  Will explained a little of the experience he had had in France, not expecting everyone to understand, but telling the bare bones of the story. He handed over to John who explained a little more than Will had done, also without going in to too much detail. He then moved over to the huge canvas and pulled a cord which moved to one side revealing a truly heavenly scene and those who knew the story could see what Will must have experienced.

  There was absolute stillness in the room. No-one, for one moment doubted, that the main central figure was Jesus. A Jesus portrayed in a traditional form. The expression on his face was one of sheer love and acceptance of all those standing before him with not a hint of blame. There was sympathy, empathy, compassion and again an all embracing love. The figures of people before him showed bewilderment, sorrow, hurt, and even hate. There were some who were crippled, some with crutches and wheelchairs. The figure of Peter, slightly behind Jesus, showed him reaching out to the people with love and a helplessness that gave you the idea that he would love to help them but this must be between each one and Jesus. Beyond Jesus and Peter there was a fence that was not really a barrier, it was that the barrier was in the people's minds. Beyond that there were other people who had passed through the gate and their faces showed sheer joy and happiness. One of the people before Jesus was coming forward to protest that they would not be allowed to go through the barrier, but would have to return from whence they came and that person obviously hated the idea of it, not realizing that Jesus was not making them start from the beginning again, for some had very difficult lives, but to go back to learn a little more and have a second chance. A chance to be 'born again.'

  After some minutes there seemed to be a sigh from all who looked at it, but still no-one spoke. It was very moving. Then Dimity quietly went over to Will and held his hand for she could see how deeply affected he was. He knew that their silence told him everything. But then John Landon said, "I think we all understand, Will. You have preached to us the sermon of life. I thank you." There were murmurs of, "Yes," "Indeed," "Yes, you have," "Marvellous". Nell Forrest sat gazing at the painting with tears running down her face not caring what she looked like, not being conscious of that at all, Ned held her hand tightly and was as moved as she.

  Eventually they all, literally, came to earth. They congratulated Will but at the same time apologizing to him, for they all felt that congratulations were not warranted, they felt the inspiration had not come from him.

  Maria came to announce that dinner was being served and so they all turned to leave the glorious thing that was there.

  Will claimed Mrs Fishbon's arm to lead her to the dining room leaving Mr Fishbon to take Dimity in. Dimity had thought carefully about her placings but had to resort to consulting Ricky about some. However she soon knew that the dinner would be a success for all these people had a liking and respect for one another and it all seemed to flow well.

  Jenny had met them all at one time or another but knew some of them only slightly, however she was seated between Tim Hinds and Mr Fishbon and thoroughly enjoyed herself. Amabel between Tim Hinds and Mr Forrest. Will was at the head of the table feeling very proud of the fact that he was in that place for such an occasion and Dimity was opposite him with John Landon and Mr Fishbon on either side of her. Tad and Mr Hughes, with Mrs Hinds between them.

  The three girls felt very happy about the meal that they had planned and were content that they had not let their menfolk down. They could each of them see their husbands who gave them congratulatory smiles every now and then.

  At the end of the meal, when the maids had left the room, Ricky stood up to speak. "Dear friends, we have asked you to be with us at this time, so that we could properly thank you for all you have done for us in the past. Now that we are all married, settled and on our way in our careers, we thought we would like to tell you that if it hadn't been your help in the days gone by we would never have got to this point in our lives. I would like to ask my brothers and our wives if they would all stand and drink a toast to our honoured guests."

  The six young people stood and toasted their dear friends and families. There were murmurs of protest from the various men but they said little as Ricky proceeded. "It all started with Mr Hughes, who helped us immensely, by teaching us to be literate. Thank you, sir."

  "My pleasure, Ricky. I'll have my say later," said Mr Hughes.

  "Then Mr Fraser, Ricky. Do mention Mr Fraser," said Will.

  "Yes, Will does feel eternally thankful to Mr Fraser and we are sorry we cannot thank him, for he died not long after we got to know him. But he certainly started something when he taught Will to draw. So in absence, we thank Mr Fraser. But before him came Tim Hinds who saved me from a real beating. And later he saved my father. Thank you, Tim, I shall always be grateful for what
you did." Tim inclined his head, not wishing to comment on either episode that Ricky had mentioned.

  "Then Mr Landon who has ever been our friend and mentor. You have done so much for the three of us, sir, that words cannot tell. We thank you." "Here, here." "Yes, indeed." Came from Tad and Will.

  "Mr and Mrs Fishbon how can we thank you for all the wonderful things you have done for us. We were scrubby little urchins until you took us in hand and put some polish on us." "Very hard work," stated the old man with a grin. "I am sure it must have been," said Ricky with a smile, "you were patience personified. And when I think of the night that you and Mrs Fishbon began teaching us to dance. I can still laugh when I think of what our faces must have shown you."

  "I would call it a disgusted look, I think Ricky," laughed Mr Fishbon, as all joined in. "But you always were quick learners, all three of you."

  "Surely not me, Mr Fishbon?" asked Will. "When I think of the years it took to learn Latin verbs. Sir, why did I ever have to learn Latin?"

  "Good discipline, apart from anything else," said Will's one-time teacher.

  "Then Mr and Mrs Forrest, who did so much for Father. I can never thank you enough. You and Tim gave me back something which I had lost and then, sir, you allowed me to take my Jenny from you. You can see I am ever in your debt. Thank you both very much." Ricky then turned to look at each of their guests and bowed gracefully to each, Will and Tad quickly joined him in this little ceremony.

  Mr Hughes then stood up and said, "For those who do not know it, I will relate a short story. One wintry morning when it was very cold and wet, I found an urchin asleep on the office step. When I woke him he told me a strange story, I asked him into the office and was able to act on what he told me and thereby was instrumental in having some very bad men arrested for robbery and the story was a scoop. This urchin interested me and I am happy to say we became friends. He became quite important to me for I had never met anyone quite like him. He wasn't content for me to have one urchin friend but soon had brought me another one to adopt, one who I have never been able to shake off in all these years. Later they brought in a third one, who did prove to be quite a trial until he found out what one could do with paper and pencil, then we couldn't stop him from using up all the scrap paper that the office could produce. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to ask you to drink a toast to Ricky, Tad and Will." They did. "Thank you," said Mr Hughes and sat down.