Songbird

by Bell, Julia

  Bizet’s opera Carmen was starting to become more popular and Mr Perry decided to take a chance and perform it at Covent Garden. Signor Bartoli was disgusted and left the company as we went into rehearsals, not wanting to be part of such a ‘licentious’ piece of work. We knew he wouldn’t be missed.

  Of course, Ruth played Carmen and she was superb as the seductive but dissident Spanish factory worker who seduces the soldier Don Jose only to betray him for a toreador. And as for Diamond and me, it was interesting to watch her cast her spell and leave the audience breathless. Her success continued until a week before my birthday.

  It was Saturday night and the final performance of the week. Ruth had received a standing ovation as usual and we had stood in the wings, clapping and cheering her. She left the stage and we linked our arms, as we always did and made our way to her dressing room. The dresser helped Ruth off with her costume.

  “I’m absolutely exhausted,” said Ruth, flopping down onto the stool.

  “You worked hard tonight,” I smiled, taking a sip of the wine poured into glasses by the dresser.

  “Yes, you died beautifully,” said Diamond. “Just think, you’re going to be stabbed to death every night until the show closes. What a thought.”

  Ruth didn’t answer and stared at her reflection in the mirror. “Do you know I’ve never left London? I’ve not even seen the sea.”

  I remembered my trip to France aboard the Dorothy-May. “It’s quite wonderful sailing across a vast expanse of water.”

  Two pairs of eyes turned in my direction.

  “Where have you travelled?” said Ruth.

  I felt the colour draining from my face. “Oh, when I…left Wales to come to live…with Nan. I caught the ferry from Newport to Bristol.”

  Diamond pulled a face. “Not exactly a world tour, then.”

  “It was still aboard a boat,” I scoffed.

  “It would be nice to see something of the world,” said Ruth. “Just experience the thrill of standing on a foreign shore.” She looked wistfully at her reflection once more.

  “You could join a touring company,” suggested Diamond. And then she grimaced. “That’s if old Perry would release you from your contract.”

  I became reflective. “Isn’t it funny how we travel all over the world in our performances. They’re set in every country.”

  “But we never leave this damned theatre,” laughed Diamond.

  “We don’t go to Japan,” said Ruth, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Not like in The Mikado.”

  She jumped to her feet and in a moment we had grabbed some fans and with Ruth in the centre, we started singing Three Little Maids from School. We were so engrossed we didn’t see Mr Perry standing in the doorway. Whether he had knocked first before opening the door, I had no idea, since we were singing at the top of our voices and were simply oblivious.

  His expression was furious. “How dare you!” We stopped and I glanced at Ruth and Diamond, wondering if they felt as guilty as I did. But their expressions were impassive. “You know I won’t tolerate that rubbish in my theatre.” He glared at Diamond and me. “You two, back to your own dressing room, now.”

  We hurried through the door he was holding open, slamming it shut behind us. And then came angry voices inside the dressing room that made us raise our eyebrows. Mr Perry and Ruth were obviously having a terrible argument. Diamond crept closer and put her ear to the wood of the door.

  “Can’t hear properly,” she said. “It’s a bit muffled. No, wait a minute. He’s saying Ruth’s letting him down. That he was depending on her.”

  “What’s she saying?”

  “That it can’t be helped and it’s what she wants to do.”

  “Now he’s saying she’s breaking her contract and…Oh Lord, he’s leaving. Quick, run!”

  We raced down the corridor back to our own changing room and slipped onto the stools in front of the mirror. In seconds we were plastering cold cream over our guilty faces.

  Mr Perry appeared in the doorway. “Isabelle, I need to see you tomorrow. Can you come in at nine?” I nodded. “Good, I’m off to get drunk. I want to forget this place ever existed.”

  Diamond and I grimaced at each other. We carried on getting changed, watching the door for Ruth, hoping she would tell us what was going on.

  “You’re what?” Diamond nearly fell backwards off the stool.

  “Getting married,” repeated Ruth softly. She had finally appeared in our dressing room and joined us at the table with the long mirror.

  “Who to?” I asked.

  She paused before saying, “Doctor Gwilym Pritchard.”

  “My brother,” I said and then felt stupid for saying it.

  Ruth grinned. “Yes, your brother.”

  “You’re marrying Gwilym,” I squealed. “That means you’ll be my sister-in-law. How wonderful.”

  Ruth became serious. “You’re happy about it?”

  I held both her hands in mine. “Oh, I couldn’t be happier.”

  “When are you marrying? And what was that all about in your dressing room?” asked Diamond.

  Ruth took in a huge breath. “I told Mr Perry that I’ve just performed for the last time at Covent Garden.”

  Diamond and I stared at her incredulously. “You’ve done what! But what about your contract?” I asked in amazement.

  She shrugged. “Mr Perry is a little upset over that.” She looked at us sternly. “But I don’t care. I’m marrying Gwilym on Monday morning and nothing is going to change my mind.”

  “Monday?” said Diamond.

  Ruth nodded. “Yes, just a simple ceremony at St Michael’s and you’re both invited, of course. And Nan and Danny too.”

  Diamond frowned. “Wait a minute! If you’ve planned it for Monday then you must have had the banns read. That means you’ve known about this for at least three weeks. How come we’re just finding out now?”

  “I’m sorry, but we had to keep it a secret.” A guilty flush spread across her face. “I didn’t want Mr Perry to know until the last possible moment, just in case he tried to sue me.”

  “He might still,” said Diamond.

  Ruth shook her head. “No, I’ll be on the other side of the world before he can get me into any court.”

  “The other side of the world!” said Diamond and I together.

  “Yes,” she nodded. “On Tuesday we’re setting off for Portsmouth to board ship for Gwilym’s next tour of duty. We’re going to Australia.”

  “You’re going with him?” I said.

  “I certainly am.”

  “But what will you do on board ship?” said Diamond.

  “I shall sing with the band and entertain the passengers.”

  “An entertainer aboard ship.” I couldn’t hide my disgust. “After being the toast of London for the last fifteen months.”

  “No, Issy. I’m going to be with the man I love and that’s far more important than being an opera diva.” She gave a cheeky wink. “Besides, it’s time someone else got the chance to shine on the stage.”

  “Yes, but who?” I said. Again, two pairs of eyes turned in my direction. “Oh no, you can’t mean me. I’m still in the chorus. I’ve not been given any supporting roles yet.”

  “Silly girl. Why do you think Mr Perry wants to see you tomorrow morning?” said Ruth.

  Diamond sidled over to me and looked me up and down. “Face it, kid. It looks like Mrs Isabelle Asquith is going to the top. Goodness me, from the bottom to the top in one breathtaking whoosh.” Her hand shot upwards indicating the direction I was heading. Her face broke into a grin. “Hope it doesn’t give you a nose bleed.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Mr Andrew Perry stared at me through eyes that showed his desperation. “I know I’m asking a lot of you, Isabelle. But I sincerely believe you can do it. You’ve been in the chorus…What is it, nearly three years? It’s time you came out.”

  I cleared my throat. “I understand that, but I’ve not played a supporti
ng role yet.”

  “I was going to change that in September when we staged The Bartered Bride. However, circumstances have overtaken me somewhat.”

  I opened my eyes wide in surprise at the revelation that he was about to give me a supporting role, but then I became suspicious. He would say that, wouldn’t he? It would make sense to pacify my misgivings with a little sweetener.

  “I don’t know what to say, Mr Perry.”

  He leaned back in his chair. “I’d like you to say yes. I’ll draw up the usual contract and you can move into the master dressing room. And, of course, your wages will increase dramatically.”

  The thought of higher wages appealed to me.

  “More money would be nice,” I murmured. I gave him a bright smile. “I’m saving to send my son to Harrow.”

  “Harrow, indeed. You are ambitious for your child.”

  “Why not? He deserves the best education I can afford.”

  “Well, as a Harrow boy myself, I can see the sense in that.” His face broke into a grin and I realised that he was quite handsome when he wasn’t frowning. “However, we digress. What do you say about playing Carmen tomorrow evening?”

  “What would you do if I declined your offer?” I teased.

  He tilted his head and gave a wry smile. “I would have to blow my brains out and you would be responsible for my untimely and miserable death.”

  I gave an exaggerated sigh. “I suppose I have no choice, then.”

  “Good, I’m pleased you see it that way.” He became more serious. “The principal members of the cast and the orchestra have agreed to come in this afternoon at three o’clock and we’ll do a complete run through. Tomorrow evening I shall announce that Miss Ruth Procter is unable to sing and that Mrs Isabelle Asquith…”

  I raised my hand to stop him. “Not Mrs Isabelle Asquith, if you don’t mind.”

  He frowned. “What then?”

  I thought for a moment. “Miss…Emmeline…Barri,” I said slowly.

  “Miss Emmeline Barri,” he repeated. “Yes, I like that. It sounds classy. But why that name?”

  “Emmeline was my mother,” I smiled. “And Barri was my father.”

  “Very good, Miss Barri. I’ll see you at three o’clock.”

  The rehearsal was terrible! My nerves simply got the better of me. I missed my cues, sang off-key and at one point, actually fell backwards over a chair. Tobias, the tenor who played Don Jose, ran to help me to my feet, but pulled back when Mr Perry yelled at him to leave me on the floor. I scrambled to my feet, trying to hold back the stinging tears of humiliation. By the time we finished at eight o’clock I was utterly exhausted. I couldn’t imagine what Mr Perry must think of me except the most awful disappointment.

  To my surprise he offered me a lift in a hansom, telling me that Finsbury wasn’t too far out of his way. I accepted, feeling numb with shock and aching with weariness. We didn’t speak as we trotted along and I was halfway home when he reached across and squeezed my hand.

  “Don’t take it too hard, Isabelle. Bad rehearsal, good performance, they say.”

  It didn’t calm my fears one bit. “If I’m as terrible as that tomorrow night, the audience will walk out and not come back.”

  “I doubt that will happen,” he laughed softly.

  I smiled and studied his strong profile. “You still have that much faith in me?”

  “Yes, I have. You sing beautifully and today was simply down to nerves. Tomorrow it will all be different.”

  I let out a long sigh. “I only hope I have the courage to come in tomorrow. You might find I’m on the next train to Scotland.”

  “Scotland is a magnificent place, especially at this time of year.”

  “I could hide in the heather or amongst the bracken.”

  “Or you could disguise yourself as a Scotsman, in a kilt and long red beard.” We were talking nonsense and I started laughing. He laughed with me. “But I think that Miss Emmeline Barri will turn up at the theatre. She’s dedicated and loyal and won’t let her colleagues…or her director down.”

  “You’ve noticed that about me?”

  “I know that you’re never late for rehearsals or the performance and you always give everything you have, even to the point of exhaustion.” He gave me a sidelong glance. “There’s a lot I notice about you, even if you think differently. Although I’d prefer not to hear any more Gilbert and Sullivan, if you don’t mind.” We reached my home in Sampson Street and he alighted and helped me down. He kissed my hand and said briskly, “Get a good night’s sleep and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Without another word, he jumped back into his seat and the driver cracked his whip to set the vehicle in motion. Mr Andrew Perry had surprised me and suddenly I had seen the man behind the director. It was a little unnerving. The following day was an even bigger surprise.

  I slept very little that night, even though I had come home to a family that was bursting with excitement about the impending wedding. Before we went to bed, Ruth showed me her outfit, a dark blue skirt and jacket with a cream blouse and a matching hat with feathers adorning the side. The ceremony would take place at ten o’clock followed by a wedding breakfast at The Savoy Hotel. I felt happy for Gwilym and his new bride, but I knew my nerves for my opening night would overshadow the day.

  We were up early the following morning and we all helped Ruth to prepare for her wedding. I told Danny to get dressed in his best sailor suit and promised that he could throw rice at Uncle Gwilym and Auntie Ruth when they came out of the church. There was a knock on the door and to my utter amazement, a smart, well-dressed Mr Andrew Perry stepped into the hallway.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked, looking him up and down.

  “I’ve come with two carriages to take you all to the church and then it’s my honour to give the bride away,” he said nonchalantly, pulling a gold watch from his waistcoat pocket. “I hope she’s ready, it’s only thirty minutes to the ceremony.”

  Ruth appeared. “Oh, Andrew, right on time.” She turned to me and smiled at my astonished expression. “Didn’t I tell you that Mr Perry is giving me away?” I shook my head in disbelief. “I must have forgotten. Never mind, he’s here so we’d better get a move on.”

  I scanned her appearance. She looked beautiful in her outfit with her hat perched on dark hair piled up onto her head. Suddenly I felt very sad for her. She said she wanted to keep it simple, no flowers, only the basic church music and hardly any guests. I thought of my wonderful wedding to my darling Daniel when the church had been full of people and flowers and music. I remembered Papa taking me up the aisle where my future husband waited at the altar and how he turned and smiled at me. Ruth deserved better than this. But watching her bright, happy face, I realised that all she wanted was to be with the man she loved.

  We climbed aboard the carriages and lifted our faces to the wonderful warming rays of the glorious June sunshine. There was a slight breeze that ruffled the feathers on Ruth’s hat and nearly blew away Danny’s sailor’s hat if Nan hadn’t caught it in time. I had decided to wear the outfit I had worn at Stephanie’s wedding, the powder blue velvet dress with the matching hat.

  The vicar greeted us at the door and told us that the groom and the best man had already arrived and so we ran into the nave and took our seats quickly while Mr Perry and Ruth prepared themselves at the door. I could see Gwilym sitting in the right-hand front pew and he glanced over his shoulder to smile at me. Sitting next to him was a distinguished gentleman also in naval uniform. The organ started playing and we stood as Mr Perry guided Ruth towards her husband-to-be. My eyes became riveted on Gwilym’s companion. He seemed so familiar.

  The ceremony was kept to the bare minimum and after it was completed, the bridal party went into the vestry to sign the register. It was then I saw the man who had been at my brother’s side all through the service. It had been over five years since I had sailed on the Dorothy-May with Mrs Holland, but I couldn’t forget Captain Oliver McAllen.
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  With all the formalities completed, I followed everyone outside and watched Danny throwing rice over the newly married couple and then he decided he would plant a few grains. He found a convenient grave and began to dig a hole.

  “Don’t do that, dearest. It’s not nice.”

  “Why, Mama?”

  “Because that’s someone’s resting place and I don’t think their relatives will be happy having a rice tree growing on top of them.”

  He giggled. “Rice doesn’t grow on trees. It’s grown on plants in paddy fields in China. The workers have to stand in water while they care for it. I bet they get very wrinkly feet.” I smiled and looked across to where Mr Perry was talking to Gwilym and Captain McAllen. “Miss Rupp is going to bring a surprise tomorrow,” continued Danny.

  I nodded but didn’t answer even though the news she had a surprise for Danny would normally have intrigued me. But at the moment I was too absorbed in watching Captain McAllen and wondering if he would remember me. I would soon find out.

  “Isabelle,” I heard Gwilym call. “Come and meet Captain McAllen.” I walked across to them, my head held high. “This is my sister, Mrs Asquith. Isabelle, this is the captain of the Dorothy-May. I’ve sailed on her many times and Oliver has become a good friend.”

  I looked him straight in the eye and held out my hand. The captain took it and in my mind I heard him say, ‘Oh yes, I remember you. You were Miss Pritchard when you sailed aboard my ship to France. How is that elderly lady friend of yours? What was her name? Of course, Mrs Holland. I thought she was your mother.’

  But the captain only murmured the usual polite greeting as he bowed over my hand and I smiled. Why would he recognise me? Five years was a long time and many passengers would have passed through his hands since my voyage.

  The wedding breakfast at The Savoy was lovely and the toasts and the cutting of the cake was a wonderful moment for me as I watched the happy faces of the bride and groom.