by ILIL ARBEL
“And I will never forgive myself for suspecting you of blackmail,” said Glamora penitently. “In our profession, we so often turn suspicious, almost mean… So at least we must forgive each other, and be happy that all that did happen, because we made many wonderful new friends and are creating two lovely films which I am sure will be a great success.”
“Amen,” said Mr. Goldwasser.
Miss Merriman looked compassionately at Mrs. Rivers, who was sitting next to her. The two of them were the ones most affected by the deception, and while Miss Merriman was quite able to cope, Mrs. Rivers seemed taken aback, almost shocked.
“Nothing is as it seems in our strange world, Mrs. Rivers,” said Miss Merriman quietly. “You have successfully created many aspects of reality in your work. I have always tried to observe, to understand, to be a student of reality. And yet, neither of us saw what was in front of us all this time. And it will happen again and again.”
“I feel foolish,” said Mrs. Rivers honestly.
“There is no need to dwell on that,” said Miss Merriman. “If we had penetrated their disguise, they would have been very unhappy, perhaps even humiliated. It is better this way, Mrs. Rivers. The two of us, who had always aimed to serve, protect, and support in our different ways, can accept that.”
“Serve? I have served? How?” asked Mrs. Rivers, surprised.
“In the highest and most valued way. You have always served your Public, Mrs. Rivers. They came first. And in my humble way, I served the people I worked for.”
“Miss Merriman, the way you always see the big picture is wonderful. Thank you for making me feel better, and you are absolutely right.”
Lord Pomfret poured out two more glasses. “Will you both have a glass of champagne?” asked Lord Pomfret to Glamora and Mr. Goldwasser. “Emma and Edmond have just announced their engagement, and now we can celebrate both occasions.”
“Yes indeed,” said Glamora happily, accepting her glass. “I am delighted beyond words, my darling Emma and Hank. To see two people I love make such a happy decision is a joy.”
“How delightful,” said Mr. Goldwasser. “When Clover brings you to Hollywood, we will have the biggest and most lavish party imaginable for you. Won’t we, Glam?”
“Indeed,” said Glamora. “We will do it by the pool, on the great lawn. Space for hundreds of people and you will meet everyone.”
“Is it a heart-shaped pool?” asked Emma, suddenly remembering her old daydream, when she imagined herself visiting Mr. Goldwasser’s mansion.
“No, it’s shaped like a great big clover,” said Mr. Goldwasser. “With four leaves, for luck.”
“Oh, thank you,” said Aubrey. “I never expected such honour… a pool made after me!” Everyone laughed and drank their champagne.
“So Dance We Shall will be the last film of the old kind?” asked Jessica.
“Yes,” said Mr. Goldwasser. “We will complete the sequel to Send Me No Lilies, and then we will go back to America and film Dance We Shall. After that, we will announce Glam’s retirement, and when people beg her not to do so, we will disclose the real plans. And of course in between we will have a wonderful vacation, maybe a cruise to some tropical paradise. I know! What we need is a second honeymoon, now that the world is going to find out that we are married. It will make headlines.”
“How exciting –. life imitating art so perfectly,” said Mrs. Rivers enthusiastically, looking at Glamora and Mr. Goldwasser with sincere admiration. “Just like Lady Fitz-Gardner and her husband, going to Tahiti...” and none of the company had the heart to say, “and every other middle-aged couple in your novels, dear Mrs. Rivers,” because they were much too kind to say that and also, in spite of her silliness and pretensions, after all the time they spent together and the work they shared, they had begun to like Mrs. Rivers very much, surprising as our readers may find such a statement – but we firmly stand behind it!