Ned Hickey - A Hero of Two Revolutions Read online

NED HICKEY

  The way you and FitzHenry shunted me off to the army and America.

  SIR PHILIP BUTLER

  FitzHenry told me you volunteered.

  NED HICKEY

  He told me to go or be hanged along with my brother. Call that volunteering?

  SIR PHILIP BUTLER

  (pause) The man used us all, Ned. Come, sit over here in the sunshine. There is a certain breed of man, Ned, who knows no principle or belief beyond his own immediate advantage. I regret to say that Lieutenant FitzHenry is an outstanding example. I am ashamed beyond measure of my conduct which led to your involvement. I will forever be in your debt for attending to Bruce Dysart even if it served to settle old scores for you. I had no part in sending you away for I would have bet my life on your integrity and can only hope that you will believe me in that.

  NED HICKEY

  Captain FitzHenry now, Sir Philip. He is reaping the rewards he works for.

  SIR PHILIP BUTLER

  Ned, I asked your brother to have you call on me because I have a need for a man of your quality. I am away too much at Parliament and other business. There is also a tide of conflict swelling in Ireland, partly as a result of the Americans' victory, partly out of republican sentiments in France. Worse still, a fear among those who feel so threatened by the ideas of liberty that liberal thinking, such as mine, endangers their supremacy. I am fast being seen as an enemy by the Tories, the Burtons and the remaining Dysarts. What I need, then, is a man who will act as my personal steward in all things, the running of the estate, the good relations with tenants, even the protection of my wife and family. I try earnestly to narrow the inevitable gap between this landlord and his people. In my fantasies of the future, I even see this structure dissolve and the gap become history. But there will be a hard and perhaps cruel transition and I know no one I would trust more to help us through the difficult times. (pause) Will you accept?

  NED HICKEY

  I am out of touch here, Sir Philip. It may be that I will never be the same again in the eyes of my friends and neighbors after my time away. But, I will do what I can to keep the peace for I surely am sick of war. I am to be married on Wednesday. My loyalties may not be always undivided.

  SIR PHILIP BUTLER

  Congratulations, Ned. I'm happy for you. Who is the lucky woman?

  NED HICKEY

  Tis Betsy Maher. You might remember her from her time with the Proctors. We had an understanding before and, God be thanked, she waited for me.

  SIR PHILIP BUTLER

  (Slaps Ned on the back). I know the family well. Good and honest people. She'll be good for you, Ned. Now, come inside and have a drink to celebrate everything.

  They walk toward the house, Sir Philip gesticulating and excited.

  SIR PHILIP BUTLER

  The wedding will be at Mahers? I'll send Mary, our cook, over to offer any assistance with the celebration - she'll help with the cooking, bring over some cutlery, extra table-cloths, all the usual wedding supplies. If they need extra provisions, food or liquid, they have only to let her know. Is it alright if I make an appearance? This a new start for us all, Ned. Come and drink to it.

  FADE OUT

  EXT. - MAHER'S FARMYARD - DAY

  (Afternoon on the wedding day) The guests, children, dogs mill around the cooking fires. People who have not met for years are renewing acquaintance. Ned, with Andy at his side, is circulating. He is congratulated and wellwished by all the guests.

  Betsy emerges from her cottage, armlinked with her brother Tom. She is dressed in blue silk with lace at neck and sleeves. She wears a wreath of flowers on her head. The crowd cheers and rushes to greet her. Only the priest remains. He takes up a position on the steps of the barn, takes a stole from his pocket and puts it round his neck. Ned and Betsy walk toward him followed by the crowd. He calls Ned forward. Ned kneels before him. The priest bends over him. There is a murmured conversation and the priest blesses him. Betsy comes forward as Ned moves back beside Andy. Again, the murmur and the blessing. The priest beckons Ned forward to kneel beside Betsy. The priest takes a pyx from a pocket and gives communion to both Ned and Betsy. They stand for the marriage ceremony.

  FATHER QUINN

  My dear people, this is a happy day. We are here to be witnesses to the marriage of Ned and Betsy. Please join with me in the ceremony of our beloved church. (pause) Edward Hickey, do you take Elizabeth Maher, here present, for your lawful wife?

  NED HICKEY

  (smiles at bride) I do.

  FATHER QUINN

  Elizabeth Maher, do you take Edward Hickey, here present, for your lawful husband?

  BETSY MAHER

  I do, indeed I do.

  FATHER QUINN

  Who gives this woman in holy matrimony?

  Tom takes Betsy's hand off his arm and places it on the arm of Ned.

  FATHER QUINN

  Now, join your right hands.

  The priest wraps the end of his stole loosely around their joined hands.

  FATHER QUINN

  Now repeat after me. I, -Edward - Elizabeth -, take thee, -Elizabeth - Edward -, for my lawful, husband - wife -, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. By the authority of our holy Church, I bless the marriage you have contracted, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

  Andy produces a gold wedding ring. The priest makes a sign of the cross over it and blesses it. Ned puts it on Betsy's finger.

  FATHER QUINN

  Let us pray together. May Almighty God bless you and unite your hearts forever.

  The priest takes off his stole, signaling the end of the ceremony, shakes hands with Ned and Betsy, Andy and Tom Maher. The crowd cheers and closes in to congratulate them. The children have been given some wheat grain which they throw over them. Ned leads Betsy through the crowd to her mother who is seated in the doorway of the barn. They kiss her gently and she lays hands on them as if adding her own blessing.

  TOM MAHER

  (from the barn door, to the crowd) Right, then, come and peel your own, for that's all you're getting.

  The crowd press into the barn, following Ned and Betsy.

  CUT TO:

  INT. - MAHER'S BARN - DAY

  The barn has been emptied of all agricultural equipment, swept clean, walls whitewashed and green boughs attached to the rafters. The double doors, front and rear are open to the light. Tables have been assembled in line down the long axis. Table cloths have been procured with cutlery and dinner settings from Sir Philip, neighbours, friends. There are hams and geese, breads of many types (soda, barmbrack, boxty etc) to be admired before they are whipped away for the carving and serving. The guests note with approval the barrels of porter, ale and a keg of whisky, all tapped and waiting. A glass of wine is poured at each place. A fiddler and a piper are seated at one corner waiting for the signal.

  TOM MAHER

  Well, you know there is no potato like an Ardristan potato, but we did manage to gather a few other things for you. But first, will you all raise your glasses and drink to my sister, Betsy, and to Ned Hickey, who is welcome back among us. May they live long and happy.

  The toast is drunk and the guests sort themselves at the table. Father Quinn is at the head, despite token protest. Ned and Betsy at each side, followed by old Mrs Maher, Tom and his brothers, and Andy opposite. The volunteer servers bring heaped plates of meat. The musicians strike up some traditional airs and the celebration continues.

  FADE OUT

  INT. - MAHER'S BARN - NIGHT

  The tables are now cleared and taken away. The floor is open for the dancing. Father Quinn is seen to take his leave with a last blessing on the gathering. The musicians strike up a slow traditional dance - The Rinnce Fada. Betsy digs Ned in the ribs with her elbow and he leads her out hesitantly in the complicated dance. They do a turn and the guests join them. (later) The ice is broken. Dancers whirl in reels a
nd set-dances. The drink is flowing but good-nature prevails. (later, toward midnight) Ned and Betsy attempt to leave. The crowd obstructs them playfully. They slip away quietly and go into the cottage. The music and the dancing continue in the distance.

  FADE OUT

  INT. - BETSY'S COTTAGE - NIGHT

  Ned and Betsy enter her bedroom in the cottage. They are happy, excited, nervous. In the candlelight they kiss. Betsy breaks away.

  BETSY MAHER

  Ned, love. That was a lovely wedding and Father Quinn was great, but there is something else I want said. Do you mind?

  NED HICKEY

  What is it, Betsy? Haven't we said it all?

  BETSY MAHER

  My mother once showed me the pledge she made with my father when they couldn't find a priest to marry them, back in the bad times. It's a traditional thing but lovely in its way and I would like to share it with you. Will you do it?

  NED HICKEY

  If it means so much, of course I will.

  BETSY MAHER

  Here it is then, copied from my mother's old bible. I'll start, then maybe you'll come in at the end? Ned, I pledge to you the first bite of my food and the first drink from my cup. I pledge to you that yours will be the name I cry aloud in the night and the eyes into which I smile in the morning. I pledge to you my living and my dying, each equally in your care.

  NED HICKEY

  I shall be the shield for your back and you for mine. I shall not slander you, nor you me. I shall honor you above all others, and when we quarrel we shall do so in private and tell no strangers our grievances. (both) This is my wedding vow to you. This is the marriage of equals.

  They move together and kiss, at first to seal the promises then with growing hunger.

  Just then, a great knocking at the door and window, lights from just outside, shouting and hurrooing. They look out the bedroom window and see grotesque figures capering and yelling in the yard.

  BETSY MAHER

  Oh, God. 'Tis the strawboys, come to annoy us. They will stay for hours.

  NED HICKEY

  That's easy fixed. I'll scare the living daylights ...

  BETSY MAHER

  No, Ned. 'Twould bring us the worst of bad luck. Sure, only for that, Tom and the others would have chased them away. (pause) I know what. Just do as I say, soldier man, and we'll win out yet. Just pick up a blanket or two and follow me.

  They go out through the darkened kitchen and into the mother's bedroom at the other end of the house. Betsy's mother is already in bed in the moonlit room. Betsy bends over her in the bed and whispers. Her mother laughs, her hand over her mouth. Betsy kisses her and beckons to Ned who is now getting worried by the turn of events. Betsy looks out the window which opens out into the orchard at the back of the house. She raises the lower half quietly and signals Ned to go through. He nods courteously to the giggling mother, clambers across her bed and struggles out the small window, headfirst.

  CUT TO:

  EXT. - MAHER ORCHARD AND FARM - NIGHT

  Ned lands painfully in a gooseberry bush underneath the window. He swears, the mother bursts out laughing, Betsy shushes them both and climbs out expertly, feet and bum first. They make their escape in the shadows of the trees and, coming to the open fields they run through the moonlight, gasping with laughter.

  FADE OUT

  EXT. - ON THE SLANEY RIVER - NIGHT

  They walk down a steep and winding path between massive rocks and stop at the bank of the river. There is a tiny island in midstream. Ned is not familiar with it but Betsy knows it well.

  BETSY MAHER

  Many a time we came down here in the night, me and the brothers, sneaking out through the same very window, when we were small. I thought it was enchanted. All Tom and the boys wanted was the occasional salmon they could take from the pool. We were lucky we were never caught by the gamekeepers. The mother would cook it up next day and serve it up to my father, God rest him, and he would eat it without a word. If anyone came in while we were eating, he would invite them heartily to have some chicken. Sure the word "salmon" never passed our lips. So, let's find out, husband, if the magic is really there.

  Betsy stands in the moonlight, takes off her wedding dress, folds it carefully. She takes off all her clothes, wraps them in the blanket. She steps into the current and wades out into waist-deep water. She holds her clothes above her head and turns to Ned who watches in astonishment and wonder.

  BETSY MAHER

  Ned, are you coming with me or am I to spend my wedding night alone?

  Ned recovers his wits, turns around and strips down, picks up his clothes and steps into the cold Slaney water. It is only a short distance to the island but the current is strong. He is only too conscious of Betsy watching and waiting for him. As he emerges from the water, she walks along the beach which surrounds the tiny island. He follows and she is sitting on the blanket at the downstream end in a tiny sandy bay. Ned takes courage from hers and sits beside her, takes her carefully in his arms. She pulls the blanket over them both.

  DISSOLVE TO:

  EXT. - ON THE SLANEY RIVER - DAY

  Dawn has broken over the idyllic scene. Betsy stirs and lies for a moment absorbing the sights and sounds of the river. She steals out of the blanket and, more circumspect in the daylight, she puts on her shift and goes down to the river to wash. When she returns, Ned is awake and watching her. He reaches out for her hand and tries to draw her down to him.

  BETSY MAHER

  Ned, not here in broad daylight. God, me mother always said the quiet ones were the worst and you are the quietest.

  They settle down. Betsy kisses him quietly.

  BETSY MAHER

  Did you feel the old people all around us last night? I always do when I come to this place. Many's the time I came here to sit and think about you and they sat with me and lifted my loneliness.

  NED HICKEY

  Maybe those were the times when I couldn't get you out of my mind over there. Betsy, I do love you and I swear we'll never be separated again. Maybe we should be getting back or we'll have Tom chasing us up as if we were still courting.

  BETSY MAHER

  Yes, I suppose. Promise me, Ned, we'll come down here betimes, maybe when reality becomes too much.

  NED HICKEY

  .All my life I've lived every moment seriously, in my father's house of mourning, in Proctor's house of prayer and then in the armies of destruction. Be patient with me, Betsy, and I'll learn how to enjoy the gifts of life.

  BETSY MAHER

  And won't I enjoy teaching you! Put a shirt on, you shameless man and let's make a start.

  FADE OUT

  INT. - SITTINGROOM, PHILADELPHIA, 1826 - DAY

  NARRATOR (VO)

  So it was that I found extraordinary happiness and contentment in doing ordinary things. Betsy and I were as happy as lovebirds. Her cottage was a haven to which I came home each evening with joy and thanksgiving. If, over the years, the children did not come for us, it was not for lack of effort. Betsy never complained, nor did I, and in the way that things transpire, it provided an opportunity which we never foresaw. Sir Philip and I developed a trust and friendship which was never shaken, even in the terrible years which were to follow. The Butler estate prospered and I developed the financial skills which I clearly lacked at the beginning. The tenants were given a new security in their tenancies and so made investments in their farms and houses which benefited them personally and the estate as a whole. It was a model which, if it only had been followed, might well have made peace possible. Looking back now, my years at Ballintemple estate gave me all the experience which has led us to the prosperity we now enjoy. But the storm-clouds gathered, particularly after the failed invasion by the French in 1796. The Tories, driven by fear, organized a campaign of terror against anyone who sympathized with the new movement coming out of Ulster, the United Irishmen who combined North and South, Protestant and Catholic, in a movement for political liberty and economic fr
eedom from England. It scared the gentry witless. Andy, of course, took to the ideals of the new movement like a duck to water.

  CUT TO:

  INT. - HICKEY'S COTTAGE - NIGHT

  Andy and Ned sit by the fire. Andy is excited and persuasive. Ned listens sceptically.

  ANDY HICKEY

  I tell you, Ned, this is the salvation of Ireland. At last we have a partner for the Catholics. The Presbyterians of the North are as sick of English rule as we are. They are just as convinced of the injustice of paying tithes to the established government church as we are. They are leading the republican movement and opening doors for Catholics to join their vision of a free and united Ireland. Will you not join us? You have all the qualities and experience we desperately need.

  NED HICKEY

  I have no great faith in these grand plans, Andy. England will never let Ireland go, especially now that they are scared out of their wits by the revolution in France. A republican government in Ireland is not an option.

  ANDY HICKEY

  England will not decide our future forever. This is our Ireland and not to be administered at their pleasure. We can take it from them with help from the French.

  NED HICKEY

  And you expect the French to go home satisfied after they liberate Ireland. You're dreaming, Andy. You will need to keep a French army and navy here in Ireland indefinitely to stop the English from coming back. You'll swap one foreigner for another and the way the revolution is heading, I'm not sure we'd be any better off.

  ANDY HICKEY

  If we let this chance go by, we will have no other. I know you're not afraid to fight. Is it that you have become too comfortable in the service of the Butlers?

  A painful silence follows which Andy ends with a gesture of apology

  NED HICKEY

  Andy, you have great dreams of changing the system from the top down. I've been working for years alongside Sir Philip to change it from the bottom up. And we have changed it here on this estate. We have shown that an Irish landlord can prosper on the basis of fair and enlightened dealings with his tenants and neighbors. Others will follow. What have you got against Sir Philip other than that he's Protestant? That's not enough, Andy, in your dream of a tolerant society and you know it.

  ANDY HICKEY

  He owns the land, Ned. Therefore he owns us. I don't want his liberal kindness. I need justice.

  NED HICKEY

  And you will turn the world upside down in the hope, and it is only a hope, that when the pieces are put back together, there will be a new pattern of perfect peace. Look at the realities, Andy. You will take on the might of an English professional army, supported by almost every landowner in Ireland, each with his own volunteer armed militia, backed by the authorities of our own Catholic Church. And all you have to call on is an unarmed, untrained, undisciplined bunch of farmers. It'll be a slaughter, Andy, and I will have no part in it.

  ANDY HICKEY

  You fought alongside the Ulster Presbyterians in America and won. What's so different now, here in your own country?

  NED HICKEY

  Over there, every man had a rifle gun and experience of using it in the French and Indian wars. There was the opportunity of hitting and running in the vast interior. The time and place for battle was of our choosing. There was a population virtually undivided where loyalists to the crown were easily isolated. There was no church authority bought off by the promise of a relaxation of injustice. Do I need to go on? And if I did, would it make any difference?

  ANDY HICKEY

  No, Ned. It would make no difference. However good your analysis, the fact remains that we must come out or the very idea of liberty will be lost forever. It's been over a hundred years since we last struck a blow. Even if we lose, as you believe we must, they can only kill the body. The memory will not die but will rise again and again until it finally prevails. We are only the custodians of that spirit. Can you not feel that, Ned?

  NED HICKEY

  I'm sorry, Andy. I'm just a soldier. I've seen too much.

  They lapse into silence, share another drink and stare into the flames. (Later) Ned stands, puts on his coat.

  ANDY HICKEY

  Remember, Ned. Your man, Sir Philip is a popular landlord but when it all starts he will be in danger from both sides. The Tories hate him for being liberal. The landless people hate all landlords. I will do what I can but the moderates will suffer from both sides.

  NED HICKEY

  I know, Andy. That's why I am training a group of men to defend him and his estate and why I'm moving into the gatehouse at Ballintemple. I'm not too fussed if some of the men are sworn into the United Irishmen as long as I know they are honorable. I have no fear that you, for instance, would order the murder of Sir Philip. There should be no conflict that I cannot resolve between their duties and loyalties. Are we agreed on that, at least?