Gifts of the Peramangk

by Dean Mayes

  The audience erupted into appreciative applause. Jeremy and Asher, Belle and Cherie cheered, whooped and whistled above the rest of the crowd, turning to the people around them and patting them on the back and shoulders, making it known that they were with the young girl up on the stage. Asher leaned down to hug Virginia who sat in her seat, straight and tall, a dignified but beaming smile across her face.

  Ruby stood on the stage, her violin by her side, overwhelmed by the attention, but smiling broadly. She felt exhilarated. She bowed low once, then twice, then looked across to the side of the stage to see Khalili clapping reverently, with tears of joy streaming down his cheeks.

  Even before the first round had ended, Ruby knew she had made it through.

  Virginia sat with Ruby back stage as both she and Khalili prepared for the second composition—the Mendelssohn piece.

  Ruby had given the violin to Virginia to check and clean for her while she studied the sheet music for the Mendelssohn Andante.

  Despite the field of contestants having been halved, there seemed to be more people milling about back stage now than there were when Ruby had first arrived. The other soloists were readying themselves and were surrounded by family members, assorted friends and their music teachers. Ruby could detect that a couple of them, including Meisa, were a little nervous.

  She acknowledged Meisa with a nod from across the room now and Meisa smiled in return.

  Ruby herself was much more nervous. She realised that she hadn’t expected to make it through, so to be sitting here now felt strange, almost wrong. It didn’t feel real.

  Khalili had changed out of his earlier dress and into an expensive looking dinner suit, complete with a colourful bow tie. He was leaning down in front of the mirror presently, adjusting the tie and Virginia noticed beads of sweat on his forehead.

  “You’re not nervous are you?” she commented wryly as she elbowed Ruby gently in the ribs.

  “No, not at all,” Khalili replied, struggling to get the bow just right. He eventually caused it to unravel completely. “Just never could…tie this damned thing.”

  Virginia stood from her chair and hobbled over to him, leaning down and taking the two ends of the bow tie in her hands.

  “Let me have a look at it,” she grumbled humorously.

  Turning the ends over Virginia quickly and deftly tied the bow perfectly, much to the surprise of Khalili and the delight of Ruby.

  Checking her efforts, Virginia stood back and nodded in satisfaction, noticing Khalili’s expression.

  “What? You think I’ve never tied a bow before?” she probed with mock indignation, before winking at Ruby. “Your grandfather often liked to wear a bow tie. Finicky dashed things they were.”

  Khalili dabbed at his brow with a handkerchief and craned his neck, testing the tension of his bow tie. He smiled with satisfaction.

  “I’ll bet you are nervous,” Virginia challenged him. “You’re preening yourself like you’ve got ants in your pants.”

  “I assure you, I’m not nervous,” Khalili protested again, before his eyes flickered away from Virginia. “Well…maybe I am, just a little.”

  Ruby glanced up from her sheet music and at the professor.

  “Really?”

  Khalili smiled impishly and patted Ruby’s leg reassuringly.

  “Even seasoned performers are prone to the occasional jitters. Especially when we have the responsibility of a young charge in our hands.”

  Somehow, his admission put Ruby at ease and she returned his smile with her own.

  “Look around you, Ruby,” Khalili went on, gesturing discreetly to the other contestants. “All of them…so serious, so focused and all their people fussing around them as though they are as fragile as porcelain. But do you know what is missing?”

  Ruby followed his gaze around the room, observing the other performers and the way they were interacting with their teachers and parents. Her eyes met Meisa’s across the room once again, until Meisa’s father scolded her in front of her group of supporters.

  Ruby sensed that she knew what it was Khalili was getting at.

  “There’s a lot of…tension. They don’t seem happy,” she remarked.

  “A very good observation,” Khalili commended. He held his hands out in front of him, gesturing to their surroundings. “Look at where we are Ruby—where you are. You are performing in one of the most well known concert halls in the land. It should be an experience to remember for the rest of your days. This isn’t an endurance event, a trial. You and I should have fun—first and foremost. Remember—this is what we love. When we go up there together, let us love it—yes?”

  Ruby understood what Khalili meant and she took a deep, relaxing breath in and out.

  Virginia, beside her, put an arm around Ruby and set the violin down in her lap. She gestured with a finger at Khalili.

  “He’s a wise fella,” Virginia whispered softly. “You listen to him, eh?”

  Juliette approached Khalili and Ruby and both teacher and student sat straighter in their seats.

  “It’s time, professor,” Juliette said smiling. “You and Miss Delfey will be performing in a few moments.”

  Virginia leaned in and kissed Ruby’s forehead.

  “Good luck, sweetheart.”

  Together, Ruby and Khalili walked across the carpet and through the doorway that led onto the stage. The applause rose for them both. Khalili acknowledged the audience with a bow of his head while Ruby smiled. It was clear that they appreciated the presence of the celebrated musician and teacher and Ruby felt a warm sense of pride to have him here beside her.

  A grand piano stood in the centre of the stage and the orchestra seating had been rearranged around it. The orchestra members themselves were standing and applauding along with the audience and Ruby acknowledged them as Khalili seated himself at the piano while she took up her position in front of him and to the left of the conductor.

  The applause tapered away, and the conductor tapped his baton twice on the lectern.

  Once again, Ruby began her breathing and straightened her shoulders, just as Virginia had taught her. The lights came down and the orchestra began.

  A single bassoon heralded the beginning of the Andante and the orchestra gently joined it. Khalili lifted his glasses into place, turned the sheet music over and stretched his hands and fingers in readiness for his own entry into the piece. Although it was not usual for a piano to accompany an orchestra for this Concerto, when his fingers touched down onto the keys, the sound felt completely natural. His technique was gentle, assured and he looked up to see Ruby looking back at him smiling appreciatively.

  As the opening melody moved toward her cue, Ruby lifted her violin once more, nestled her chin onto the rest and raised her bow.

  She felt safe and assured in Khalili’s presence and as her bow glanced the bridge of the violin, the resultant sound floated up across the auditorium, crisp and pure.

  Settling into her seat, Virginia closed her eyes and listened to the beauty of the Andante, enchanted by the union of orchestra, piano and Ruby’s violin.

  And as she listened, her mind drifted up and away from the present and far into the past, to another time and place.

  To the parlour room and the gramophone. To the child she had once been and the tentative first steps she herself had taken with this very same concerto, with that very same violin. The love she had for it and the music had first blossomed from Mendelssohn.

  The scratchiness of the gramophone record, the tinniness of the sound from the speaker as she remembered melted away as the beauty of the orchestra here and now took its place in her consciousness, filling her heart, satisfying her soul.

  Ruby once again became one with her violin, her hands moving fluidly. Khalili too, displayed vitality and emotion in his own performance, complementing Ruby’s sound. They were in harmony with one another.

  As she approached the central portion of the Andante, Ruby shifted her position slightly in order to
prepare herself to take up both the melody and the accompaniment of the piece simultaneously in a complex display of fingering that was the highlight of this particular Mendelssohn composition.

  Manoeuvring her fingers on the bridge, she stumbled ever so slightly and she felt a sharp twinge of panic, fearing she had lost her place. But she quickly gathered herself, stealing the briefest of glimpses at the audience. If they had detected her slip up, they gave no indication.

  Virginia had heard Ruby’s fumbling entry into the solo and felt the same twinge. It happened too quickly for many to notice but Virginia was sure the judging panel would have picked up on it.

  Ruby then executed the tremulous accompaniment that required such nimble dexterity from her fingers. It took every ounce of her concentration as she traversed it, skipping across the complex section of the piece as though she were jumping across a fast flowing river, skipping from rock to rock, the threat of unbalancing and falling ever present. It was an exhilarating display, which was greeted with murmurs of appreciation from members of the audience in Virginia’s immediate vicinity. Then, without any further hiccups, Ruby made it through and together, she and Khalili lead the orchestra towards the serene conclusion.

  Once more, Ruby was greeted by an enthusiastic applause that rolled through the auditorium. Khalili stood from the piano, coming over to stand beside Ruby and together, they bowed and smiled warmly at one another.

  In the audience, Virginia subtly made the sign of the cross over her chest and nodded to Belle.

  “She did very well,” Virginia said. “She did good.”

  Both Asher and Jeremy noted a hint of hesitation in Virginia’s voice, but they said nothing and instead took in the enthusiasm of the audience, who seemed completely besotted with Ruby.

  Several rows back from Virginia and the others, another set of eyes were focused on the diminutive performer up on the stage who bowed once more then turned with her teacher and made their way off as the next soloist was introduced.

  Sonya Llewellyn held her program open to the page that featured Ruby’s picture. Secured to that page with a paper clip, was the aged and weathered sepia photograph of the child who bore a remarkable resemblance to Ruby.

  Beside Sonya, Andy kept up his applause as he scanned the audience in front of him, keeping an eye on the elderly Aboriginal lady he’d seen returning to her seat just as Ruby’s performance was beginning.

  As Sonya folded the program and lay it down in her lap, she looked over at Andy.

  “Do you really think it’s her?” she asked. “You really think she’s still alive?”

  “Well, who else could it be? It makes perfect sense.”

  Sonya frowned and coiled her arm inside Andy’s as the house lights went down and the orchestra began their next performance.

  “Keep an eye out then,” she said. “I don’t want to lose them in the crowd when they leave.”

  Andy leaned over and kissed Sonya’s temple.

  “Don’t worry. We won’t lose them.”

  Chapter 34

  A low murmuring carried through the audience as all eyes looked to the stage, waiting for the MC to appear and announce which two performers would progress to the final round.

  Asher and Jeremy craned their necks, trying to see over the audience in front of them. Asher squinted at the program in her lap, confirming that the announcement would indeed take place shortly.

  “What’s taking them so long?” she hissed in, squirming in her seat. Unknown to her, she was attracting the unwanted attention of those behind her, who scowled at hers and Jeremy’s constant head bobbing.

  “It’s probably just so they can keep up the excitement,” Jeremy responded. “But they’re doing a bloody good job of it.”

  “Pipe down you two,” Virginia snapped, glancing behind her, seeing a row of disapproving glares. “Just be patient.”

  As if on cue, the stage lights came up and the Master of Ceremonies strode out onto the stage and stepped up to the podium.

  “Oh—finally,” Asher said excitedly. “Here they are.”

  Following the MC from the right of the stage were the four semi finalists led by the young boy. Ruby followed behind him and behind her was Isobel Barrie. Meisa brought up the rear. Together, they stood in front of the chamber orchestra, taking in the applause. Ruby felt a lump rise in her throat as she looked out across the auditorium, so moved was she by the audience and their apparent appreciation. She felt very proud.

  At the signal of the MC, the applause finally died down and he adjusted the microphone in front of him.

  “Thank you,” he announced, gesturing to the four children beside him. “Before we announce tonight’s final two performers, I would like to congratulate this wonderful group of musicians who’ve taken part in this year’s Malley-Joyce Recital. I’m sure you’ll agree that they have performed splendidly here today.”

  Another round of applause carried through the auditorium as Jeremy glanced at Asher who rolled her eyes impatiently.

  “Can they just get on with it?” she mouthed.

  The MC signalled to one member of the judging panel who stepped up onto the stage and handed him an envelope. The applause dropped away quickly.

  Asher instinctively clutched Jeremy’s arm as the MC held the envelope up and opened it, taking out a card from inside.

  “Tonight’s two finalists have earned their place to decide the winner of the Malley-Joyce Scholarship and admission to The Lavery School.”

  He indulged a further pause as he read the names on the card.

  “And the first finalist is…Miss Isobel Barrie!”

  The young girl beamed proudly as she stepped forward and bowed low, acknowledging her coterie of supporters who sat in the front row, slightly to her left.

  “And now…” the MC began, trying to quell the audience’s continued applause. “The second finalist for the evening…Miss Ruby Delfey!”

  Ruby’s expression registered shock and she gasped, bringing her hands up to her mouth as she stepped forward. She looked across at Meisa beside her who grinned excitedly and encouraged her to stand forward, nudging her gently.

  Jeremy and Asher were on their feet clapping and cheering, much to the dismay of Virginia who tried to quell their enthusiasm, urging them to sit down. But she herself couldn’t stifle her own smile as the impact of hearing her granddaughter’s name registered. She clasped her hands together and squeezed them with excitement.

  Ruby’s shocked expression remained as she stood beside Isobel Barrie, who politely took her hand as the MC gestured to both girls, clapping his own congratulations.

  “Now,” he continued above the applause. “Both contestants have submitted their pieces to the panel and the orchestra and they will be ready to perform for you in just a few moments. To Andrew and Meisa, well done on your performances this year. You have both done yourselves very proud.”

  At his signal, the two semi finalists bowed once then exited the stage. Isobel and Ruby followed behind them.

  Khalili greeted Ruby once she stepped down and he immediately embraced her.

  “Well done, child, well done,” he congratulated, unconcerned about displaying his excitement. “This is unprecedented. No first-time entrant has ever proceeded to the final of a Malley-Joyce recital. How do you feel?”

  Ruby looked up at Khalili through glazed eyes and bit her lip.

  “Honestly?” she ventured with an awkward grin. “I’m shittin’ bricks.”

  Khalili fixed her with a theatrical frown and tweaked her cheek gently.

  “Come now. That’s no way to talk. Let us sit down and go through your piece one final time.”

  Ruby shook her head defiantly and she stood back from Khalili.

  “No,” she said, her eyes narrowing in determination. “I’m not gonna let you in on this one. I have to play this on my own—no help.”

  “But Ruby…” Khalili protested, before he was cut off by a wave of her hand.

  “I’m sorry
,” she said, unmoved. “But you said it yourself—we each have one piece of music that must come from us alone. I have that piece—but it is one you can’t guide me through, professor.”

  Khalili stood, hands on hips, studying her. Then he relaxed his shoulders and shrugged, realising that she would not be swayed.

  “Are you sure…” he began.

  “I’m ready, Professor Khalili,” Ruby said, without hesitation. “I know I am.”

  Khalili nodded and smiled, knowing her conviction.

  “You are formidable, young Ruby…I knew that about you right from the beginning.”

  Khalili sat down and looked toward the television screen as Isobel took the stage and prepared to deliver her final performance.

  He patted the chair next to him.

  “Come, my friend. Sit and let us watch this last performance together.”

  Ruby caught Meisa out of the corner of her eye across the room. She was gathered with her parents and family. Their eyes met and Ruby waved to her. Meisa smiled broadly and crossed her fingers, mouthing ‘good luck’ as they were ushered through a side door by an official.

  The applause from the audience sounded distant as Khalili gestured to the TV screen. Ruby turned her eyes toward it seeing Isobel taking up her position. The house lights dimmed and she began her performance.

  Isobel Barrie played with consummate skill, proving that she was a formidable talent.

  Having chosen the second movement from Ravel’s String Quartet, she lead the orchestra confidently and assuredly from the spirited beginning, through the complex and theatrical composition, infusing it with a passion that left no one—least of all Ruby—in any doubt that she was going to be hard to beat.

  Ruby studied her closely, watching how she moved with the piece. Isobel had changed into a vivid blue evening dress for the final, that heightened her presence on stage and drew the audience to her. Ruby noted her flawless technique—it was almost clinical and her concentration was precise. Ruby felt a knot of nervousness.

  As the performance progressed however, Isobel made some slight errors in her transitions that, to the casual observer, might have gone unnoticed, but Ruby spotted them almost as soon as they occurred. Khalili did too, and they exchanged a surprised glance at one another. Suddenly, it seemed that they were affecting Isobel. For the first time, the indomitable mystique that surrounded Isobel Barrie was beginning to crack. Though she might have tried to deny it, Ruby took comfort in those errors. Isobel Barrie was suddenly just as fallible as any of them might have been.