by Dilly Court
She was tempted to refuse, but she accepted it anyway. ‘Thank you.’
‘If there is anything I can do to help, you only have to ask.’ He placed his hat on his head and walked away in the opposite direction.
‘He might have found us a cab,’ Rose said, tucking the card into her reticule. ‘Men are such temperamental creatures.’
‘Really, Rosie, are you completely stupid?’ Cora heaved a sigh. ‘The man is in love with you, you silly girl, and you’ve just sent him away thinking you don’t care.’
‘If he cares for me, as you seem to think, then why does he keep on about his wretched cousin?’
‘Rose, that’s not like you. It’s not fair.’
‘All right, I was being a bit harsh. Vere is a kind and generous man, but I don’t love him. I would make him a terrible wife, and we would both end up frustrated and unhappy.’
‘I think you’d be lucky to live in such a wonder-ful house with servants at your beck and call. You wouldn’t have to worry about money ever again.’
‘You don’t mean that, Corrie. Would you choose Vere over Joshua?’
‘There’s a cab, Rose. Flag him down. I think it’s going to rain.’
News of the Sunshine Sisters’ return to the stage spread quickly, and Day and Fancello were billed as the latest comedy duo to hit the music halls. Their initial week at Wilton’s was extended for another fortnight, and by that time the managers of the Royal Pavilion Theatre in Whitechapel, Lusby’s in the Mile End Road, and the Theatre Royal, High Holborn, were showing interest in both acts. Rose and Cora decided to accept an offer to appear at the Pavilion, but Fancello decided that Lusby’s was a more suitable venue.
Polly herself was pleased, but confused by the twist of fate that had turned what was supposed to be a serious double act into one that had the audience rocking with laughter. Rose sympathised with her aunt, although she was quick to point out the advantages of climbing towards the top of the bill, and reluctantly Polly had to agree. Fancello was sanguine about their success, but Rose could tell that he was secretly delighted. He walked with a swagger and his moustache was waxed and curled until it seemed to have taken on a life of its own. Rose found herself mesmerised by it each time she had a conversation with Fancello. He had even bought himself a special moustache cup to protect his pride and joy when drinking tea. Polly teased him mercilessly, but she had also indulged in their new-found solvency by purchasing a pair of sequin-encrusted dancing shoes for herself and a velvet collar for her cat. Spartacus himself was not impressed: he tried everything he could to rid himself of it, and ran round the room backwards in a futile attempt to shake it off.
Rose paid her contribution towards the housekeeping each week, but she saved as much of her wages as possible for her planned visit to Dorset. She had written to Mrs Harman asking if she would be kind enough to arrange a meeting between herself and her parents, but had not received a reply. She did not mention it to Cora, who was now seeing Joshua on a regular basis and attended church every Sunday. Joshua, for his part, came to the theatre at least once a week, sometimes more. Rose wondered how he could sit through their act time and time again without getting bored, but she supposed that a man in love would do almost anything to be close to the object of his affection. She tried not to think about Bennett.
On the night of their last performance at Wilton’s, Rose and Cora had just finished their first number, and were taking their bow when Cora clutched her sister’s hand, digging her nails into Rose’s flesh.
‘What’s the matter?’ Rose demanded as they danced off the stage, waving to the audience.
Cora’s fixed smile froze. ‘It’s Gerard. I saw him on the balcony. He’s come slumming with a group of swells. I can’t believe you didn’t see him.’
Rose peered round the edge of the curtain. ‘I think you’re right. Just ignore him, Corrie. We’ve only got one more number to do and then that’s it. We start at the Pavilion next week, and I doubt if he’d follow us there. It might be a coincidence that he’s here tonight.’
‘I hope he doesn’t make a scene and spoil everything. I didn’t want to tell you, Rose, it’s supposed to be a huge surprise, but Billy is here too. He’s going to take us all out to supper and he’s got an important announcement to make, although it doesn’t take a genius to guess what it is.’
‘Oh, my goodness. How exciting. I’ve been thinking about him and wondering how he was getting on in Cornwall.’
‘Well, now you’ll find out.’
After several encores, the artistes took their final bows, but amidst the applause Rose was startled to hear boos and catcalls. Then, to her dismay, she saw Gerard and several young men in evening dress advancing towards the stage. They were obviously the worse for drink and intent on causing trouble. The audience seemed to think it was part of the show and settled back in their seats to watch the entertainment. Rose caught her sister by the hand but Gerard leaped onto the stage, and, before either of them could do anything, he hefted Cora over his shoulder.
‘This one’s mine. Take your pick, gentlemen.’
Rose pummelled him with her fists, but someone seized her from behind and swung her off her feet. ‘Let me go,’ she cried, flailing her fists and kicking out in an attempt to break free.
Fancello rushed forward in an attempt to free her, and Polly used her furled parasol like a sword, aiming at any part of the man’s anatomy that came within striking distance. Rose’s assailant dropped her with a yelp of pain and she landed in a heap next to the magician’s assistant, who had collapsed in a dead faint. The magician himself had disappeared, but the juggler and the tumblers launched themselves into the fray. The stage manager and the props men erupted onto the scene, and as Rose struggled to her feet she saw Billy step up onto the stage.
‘Put my sister down.’ He squared up to Gerard.
‘I haven’t finished with her yet,’ Gerard said thickly. ‘I haven’t had my money’s worth from this little baggage.’
Billy raised his arm and caught Gerard on the jaw with a left hook.
Cora was thrown to the ground and Gerard staggered backwards, clutching his hand to his cheek.
‘You asked for that, old man.’ One of Gerard’s less drunken companions helped him to his feet. ‘You’ve had your fun. Let’s go before the coppers arrive.’
Billy lifted Cora to her feet. ‘Are you hurt?’
She shook her head. ‘I’m all right. Where’s Rose?’
‘I’m here.’ Rose gave her a hug. ‘Well done, Billy. I didn’t know you had it in you.’
‘I was boxing champion at school, although I didn’t tell Pa. I knew he wouldn’t approve.’
Polly hurried up to them, prodding one of Gerard’s companions with the ferule of her parasol when he stepped in her way. ‘Are you all right, girls? I never saw such bad behaviour from an audience.’ She turned to Fancello. ‘Make sure those ruffians leave the theatre, Sandro. We don’t want them lying in wait outside.’
He nodded. ‘We will, with pleasure.’ He turned to the tumblers. ‘Come, gentlemen. We will show them they cannot treat us like this.’
With Fancello in the lead they chased the embattled swells from the auditorium.
The stage manager rushed to the footlights, holding his hands out to the audience who had settled back into their seats, and had been watching the fracas with evident enjoyment. ‘The show is over, ladies and gentlemen. I apologise for the disturbance. I would ask you now to leave the theatre in an orderly fashion.’
‘What is it you have to tell us, Billy?’ Rose asked as they left the stage.
‘We’ll discuss it over supper,’ he said, grinning boyishly. ‘I’m staying at the Three Tuns in Billingsgate. Bennett is going to meet us there.’
Rose stared at him, frowning. ‘Why is he included? This is a family matter.’
‘What’s wrong, Rosie? I thought you liked him.’
‘I do,’ she said hastily, ‘but it seems odd to include him in everything.’
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‘You’ll understand when I tell you, but I want everyone together when I make my announcement.’
Rose could see that she was not going to get anything more from her brother. Billy, she thought, sighing, could be very stubborn at times. ‘We’d best change out of our costumes. We won’t be long.’
The supper room at the pub was hot and steamy and filled with the tempting aroma of fried fish and roast meat. Bennett was already there and he greeted everyone with easy bonhomie that surprised Rose. He seemed relaxed, and equally at home when chatting to Polly and Fancello, or when exchanging jocular remarks with Billy. Rose greeted him civilly, but she could not bring herself to look him in the eye. The sound of his voice and the touch of his hand still had the power to make her heart beat faster, and she moved away quickly.
They took their places at a table by the window. Rose had chosen to sit next to her brother, but Bennett took a seat opposite and each time she looked up she seemed to catch his eye. It was a relief when the waiter came to take their order, which took some time with people having difficulty in making up their minds, but eventually it was settled. Another waiter brought wine to the table, and under its influence the conversation grew more animated.
Cora was unusually subdued, but Rose put this down to her most recent encounter with Gerard, and she gave her an encouraging smile. ‘I doubt if he’ll bother you again, Corrie,’ she said in a low voice.
Fancello leaned across the table. ‘If you’re speaking of that fellow who tried to make off with Cora, I promise you he won’t attempt anything like that again.’
‘What happened outside the theatre?’ Rose asked curiously.
‘Let’s just say that the toffs came off worst.’ Fancello puffed his chest out, looking to Polly for approval.
‘You’re a naughty man.’ Polly slapped his wrist with her fan. ‘But I’m very proud of you, my dear. You showed those young swells that they can’t come to the East End and behave like animals.’
Bennett raised his glass to Fancello. ‘Well done, sir. Had I been there I would have joined you. As it is, if the person in question decides to sue, I will be pleased to defend you.’
Rose met his amused gaze and smiled. ‘Stop teasing him, Bennett. You’ll have Aunt Polly shaking in her shoes.’
‘It would take more than that to scare me,’ Polly said firmly. ‘Anyway, we didn’t come here to discuss the unfortunate events after the show. Billy has an announcement to make, so he should tell us now and put us out of our misery.’
Billy rose to his feet. ‘Jenifry and I are to be married in two weeks. You are all invited to our wedding.’
‘Congratulations, Billy.’ Bennett was the first to speak. ‘I should add that my cousin has asked you all to be his guests at Portmorna House.’
‘And,’ Billy continued eagerly, ‘I have decided that the Church is not for me, and Vere has not only given me a job at the quarry, but has also found us a cottage on the estate.’
‘I’m so happy for you.’ Rose smiled, but the prospect of revisiting Portmorna House left her with mixed feelings.
Not so, it seemed with Cora. ‘I can’t wait to visit Portmorna House again,’ she said eagerly. ‘Just wait until you see it, Aunt Polly. It’s quite the most delightful place I’ve ever seen, and Vere is such a gentleman. He’ll make us all feel welcome.’
Conversation came to a temporary halt with the arrival of the food, and Rose began to relax. When the meal was over, and everyone was mellowed by good food and wine, they left the table, forming small groups to chat before taking leave of each other.
Rose had just said goodbye to Billy when Bennett drew her aside. ‘I have some news for you, Rose.’
‘Really? What is it?’
‘I took the liberty of travelling to Dorset, and I had words with your father.’
‘Why would you do that?’
‘I saw how upset you were by the way your father behaved after the trial, and with Billy about to get married I thought it time that someone intervened.’
‘But why? What could you hope to gain by interfering in what is our business?’
‘Perhaps that is a question you ought to ask yourself, Rose.’ Bennett looked round as Billy tapped a wineglass with a spoon, calling for their attention.
‘Before we all go our separate ways, I have something to tell you. I’ve been saving this for last.’
Cora clapped her hands. ‘What is it, Billy? Do tell.’
‘Our parents are travelling to Cornwall for the wedding. Pa has apparently forgiven me for dragging the family name through the courts, although I’m not sure what brought about this sudden change of heart. Anyway, it’s the best news I could have had.’
Rose could feel Bennett’s gaze upon her, but she could not look him in the eye. His timely intervention had made Billy happy and Cora was smiling again. Rose’s cheeks burned and she turned her head away. She knew she ought to apologise, but somehow she could not bring herself to do so.
A flurry of congratulations followed Billy’s announcement.
‘I’ll see you at the wedding,’ Bennett said softly. He walked off to speak to Billy, and Rose found herself alone in the crowd.
After a buzz of conversation, Polly announced that she was tired and ready to go home, and in the midst of a flurry of goodbyes, Rose was able to avoid being alone with Bennett.
‘What was that all about?’ Cora demanded when they were seated side by side in a hackney carriage, travelling home to Shorter’s Rents. ‘I thought you were getting along nicely with Bennett, and then suddenly the atmosphere was as chilly as midwinter.’
‘I’ll tell you later,’ Rose whispered.
‘Are you all right now, Cora, dear?’ Polly leaned over to pat her on the knee. ‘You had a horrible experience on stage.’
‘Yes, Aunt, thank you. Strange as it may sound, it was almost a relief. I knew Gerard and I would meet again one day, and now it’s happened. He’ll have a black eye to show for it and he will have been made to look foolish in front of his friends. I don’t think he’ll trouble me again.’
‘He’d better not.’ Fancello seized Polly’s hand and held it against his heart. ‘I won’t allow anyone to harm one of my ladies.’
‘You did well tonight, my love.’ Polly kissed him on the cheek.
‘I’ve been thinking, Paloma. If we’re to travel all the way to Cornwall to celebrate Billy’s nuptials, we ought to make it a double wedding. It’s high time I made an honest woman of you.’
Rose held her breath and she felt Cora stiffen at her side.
‘You’re drunk, Sandro,’ Polly said crossly.
‘I’m dead sober, cara mia. Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?’ He attempted to kneel in the confines of the cab and became wedged between the seats.
‘Get up, you silly man.’ Polly leaned over to kiss him on the forehead. ‘Of course I’ll marry you. Just get up before you do yourself an injury.’
The fracas at Wilton’s was reported widely in the newspapers, which gave the Sunshine Sisters a certain notoriety. Polly predicted that it would be the end of their careers, but it seemed to have the opposite effect. The Royal Pavilion was packed from the first night and the Sunshine Sisters performed to rapturous applause. They were booked for the following week, and possibly longer.
Polly and Fancello had settled into their act at Lusby’s and were proving equally popular. It seemed that hard times were over and their future was assured.
‘We will look for better accommodation the moment we return from Cornwall,’ Fancello announced grandly, one morning at breakfast. ‘I already have my eye on a much larger property in Sekforde Street, close to Clerkenwell Green. We are coming up in the world, Paloma.’
‘Never mind that,’ Polly said impatiently. ‘Have you found out the times of the trains from Waterloo Bridge station? We’re leaving tomorrow and I have all the packing to consider, and I have an appointment with the dressmaker.’ She glanced across the table at Rose, who was just fini
shing her bowl of porridge. ‘Are you girls prepared for the journey?’
‘Yes, Aunt.’ Rose put her spoon down. ‘We’re ready. What time will we be leaving tomorrow?’
Fancello dabbed his moustache with his napkin, taking care not to spoil its shape. ‘I intend to purchase a copy of Bradshaw’s railway timetable, which will tell us everything we want to know. Our journey will be organised to the last detail. Leave it all to me, Paloma.’ He rose from his seat and left the kitchen.
‘Am I to go with you, miss?’ Maisie hovered at Rose’s side, preparing to clear the table.
‘Of course you will,’ Polly said grandly. ‘No lady would think of travelling without her maid. Ethel and Sukey will remain here and keep house while we’re away.’
Rose could see that they were not impressed. ‘I have two tickets for the show at the Pavilion for tomorrow night’s performance. Perhaps you would like to go?’
Ethel’s dour expression was wiped away by a grin. ‘Ta, miss. That would be lovely.’
‘And I’ll treat you to a fish supper afterwards,’ Rose added. ‘You’ve worked so hard to make this house habitable, I think you deserve something in return.’
‘But don’t think that allows you to entertain gentlemen callers in my house,’ Polly said sternly.
‘As if we would, missis?’ Sukey cast her eyes down. ‘Us would never think of such a thing. Would us, Ethel?’
‘No, us wouldn’t. I learned about men the hard way.’ Ethel filled the stone sink with hot water from the kettle. ‘I hope the next house has a proper range in the kitchen.’
‘You heard what my betrothed said.’ Polly rose from the table. ‘We’re going to take our rightful place in society, and that means running water and our own privy in the back yard.’
The journey to Portmorna House next day was uneventful. Fancello had studied Bradshaw’s and had planned each connection with as little waiting time between trains as was possible. They travelled first class and there was a horse-drawn carriage waiting for them at Bodmin. Fancello announced with some pride that he had sent a telegram to Vere, advising him of the time of their arrival. He was patently delighted with himself, and even Polly was impressed.