She went to the kitchen to tell Cookie and Mary Beth they had a visitor.
“He’s a walking scarecrow, I’ll swear.” She said, sitting at the large table.
“Guess we’ll just have ta feed him up.” Cookie grinned. Mary Beth had taken over the kitchen, Cookie lending a hand and guiding the younger woman. Cookie poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Mary as she sat down beside her to watch Mary Beth fix a tray.
“Where will you put him?” Cookie asked.
“In Patina’s old room. He didn’t bring a lot with him.” Mary shrugged, sipping the coffee and nibbling on a cookie. Cookie grunted and drank her coffee. Mary finished her drink and left the women. She then went upstairs to Patina’s old room and made it ready for Mr. Clement. She didn’t know if he would stay long or not, that was up to his talent and Theo. She hoped he was more talented than he appeared.
Joshua sat nervously before forbidding one armed man. He had given Theo his portfolio with his best works, he had sold all the rest to get himself here. He hadn’t eaten in two days and felt faint with hunger and trepidation. He truly needed this job, for if he didn’t get it, all was lost. His pockets held only dust and lint, he could neither feed nor shelter himself.
A woman came into the study with a large tray of biscuits, sliced ham, strawberry jam, cool cider and cheese. Joshua’s eyes grew large as saucers, his stomach growled loudly. Joshua felt the heat rise in his face, fused bright and brilliant red, his eyes going to the floor with embarrassment. The old woman laughed good-naturedly, telling Joshua to eat his fill, that she loved seeing a man eat.
Looking to Theo for permission and receiving a nod, Joshua took up a biscuit with ham and cheese. After the third sandwich, he slowed down to enjoy the taste and sipped the cool apple cider. Its sweet tart flavor was bitingly pleasantly. Joshua stifled a soft belch. Joshua prayed that he’d be hired. His life was lived one meal at a time. Should this man not hire him, Joshua was unsure what he would do. His life and livelihood were in this stranger’s hands.
TWELVE
Theo hid the smile behind the sheets of paper and canvas. He began to look at the young man’s works. He was pleasantly surprised, though he was no real judge of art, Theo could see that this young man was gifted. There were several portraits and it was as though he could reach out and caress the faces on the flat canvas. He gazed at a painting that looked to be of Rome, old ruins that were scattered about the city. He could almost smell the dust on the bricks, so crisp was the painting. His face remained impassive as he looked further through the collection. The young man had talent, but his age worked against him. He was young, Miller hadn’t told him how young. If he had, Theo might have said no.
Noting that the young man had slowed down his consumption of the meal, Theo laid the paintings and drawings down.
“What’s your background. Tell me about yourself.” Theo said, sitting back in the leather chair, taking a drink of his cider.
“I was born in New York City. I was orphaned at a young age. I don’t remember my parents. I was educated at the orphanage. I went to a work house when I was ten and after a time, eventually I ran away. I worked where I could and took art lessons. I sold my work to make a living. When I’d saved enough money, I took a ship to Paris. I also worked on the ship to help pay my way. I went to Paris to apprentice with local artists and then onto Rome.” Joshua said, taking a drink of cider to clear his throat. Theo could see the young man was nervous and rightly so. From the look of him, he was about to faint.
“While I apprenticed with several local artists, I worked odd jobs. One of my patrons funded my trip to Rome. I spent five years studying in France and Italy. I came home to teach art at a university, but sadly, my age is a handicap. I sold my work on the street, to feed and house myself. Mr. Dent was a frequent patron of my work.” Joshua ended.
Theo grunted. The young man had worked hard, it would seem. Theo was impressed with the young man’s frank assessment, no shame, nor excuses, merely the plain truth. When he told Joshua about Rachel, his eyes penetrated the large brown eyes.
“My Rachel is of mixed blood. Do you have any problems with her race?”
“No sir, of course not. Living abroad, I saw many different people. Their origins a mystery. I only see talent, if it is there. I just wish to share my knowledge and love of art.” Joshua said, his hands clasped in his lap. Theo stared into the earnest man’s eyes, unblinking.
Satisfied the young man was telling the truth, Theo stood, extending his hand to shake the younger man’s bony hand. Theo was surprised by the strength in that grip, his mouth hid a smile. Theo called Mary, who showed Joshua to his room. Theo told Joshua that he was to meet his daughter at dinner, that she had gone out with her brother to sketch the field hands.
That evening Joshua stood nervously in the parlor, waiting to meet his new student. He had almost fallen at Mr. Anderson’s feet when the man told him he had the job. He was truly desperate and thanked providence for Mr. Dent’s intervention. Joshua had done
