Rhiannon

by Carole Llewellyn

  ‘Catch you later,’ Gus called to Adam.

  The first two weeks in June brought the hottest weather of the year, and the early-evening sky, aglow with red tinges, promised yet another fine day tomorrow.

  ‘Oh Gus, I feel so happy. I can’t explain the turmoil my mind’s been in over the last few weeks. Pleased as I’ve been with the way my career has progressed, the nagging guilt about Mair has left this gaping hole – my Aunt Florrie and Walter’s sudden departure didn’t help. It just brought home to me how utterly alone I am.’

  Gus stopped and caught her around the waist, pulling her to him. ‘My dear, dear Rhi. Please believe me when I tell you that you’re not alone. I’m here for you. Rhiannon, you must know how I feel about you?’

  ‘I-I wasn’t sure.’

  Gus leant down and kissed her. Rhiannon eagerly returned his kiss. It felt so good to be in his arms once again. He responded tenderly, brushing his lips across her face, her cheeks, her ears and then her neck, before returning to kiss her lips again and again, each time with heightened passion.

  Rhiannon felt light-headed, she swayed gently. Maybe the two glasses of wine she’d had with the meal had not been such a good idea after all.

  Gus supported her, holding her, kissing her. How many nights while lying in her bed had she dreamt of this moment?

  ‘Oh Rhi – listen. I’d like to take you somewhere special. What do you say?’

  While Rhiannon’s heart yearned to say yes, her head said otherwise. She so wanted to be with him. Yet in the end she heard herself say, ‘Gus, it’s getting late. I really should be heading back to my digs.’

  ‘Is that what you really want?’ He kissed her again. This time it was a long, lingering and passionate kiss.

  Rhiannon trembled.

  ‘Are you cold?’ Gus whispered.

  ‘Not really. It’s just – with all that’s happened today.’

  ‘And it’s not over yet. Rhiannon, do you trust me?’

  ‘Yes, of course I do.’

  ‘Then what’s the matter?’ He didn’t wait for an answer. He simply took her hand.

  ‘Where are we going?’

  ‘A slight detour, it’s a surprise.’

  She hesitated.

  ‘Come on, it’ll not take long. Where’s your sense of adventure?’ He led her swiftly, weaving his way through the city’s back streets, most of which she hadn’t known existed.

  Rhiannon felt so happy to be with this dream man; if the truth be known, she would have followed him anywhere. How much better could the day get?

  Much to her surprise, they arrived at the stage door.

  ‘Gus, what are we doing at the theatre? It’s Sunday night. The theatre’s closed.’

  Gus smiled, before removing a set of keys from his waistcoat pocket. He dangled them in front of her for a second, then unlocked the stage door.

  ‘The theatre might be closed but,’ he pushed the stage door open, ‘hey presto – we’re in!’

  ‘Gus. We shouldn’t,’ Rhi whispered.

  ‘Oh yes, we should. Follow me.’ Gus led her through the stage door.

  As expected, it was very dark inside. ‘If we follow the wall around, I know where the junction box is for the new emergency lights.

  Rhiannon followed him gingerly. Aware of his hand reaching above her, she heard him pull a lever and, as if by magic, the dim lights came on.

  ‘Gus, what are we doing here?’

  ‘Be patient, it’ll soon become crystal clear,’ he whispered.

  As he expertly negotiated the maze that was backstage, they eventually ended up standing in the wings. She couldn’t fail to be impressed.

  Gus slowly led her on stage. Stepping away, he left her.

  For a few moments she stood, overcome with emotion, in awe of her surroundings. She was looking out to the vast, dimly lit auditorium; it was silent, yet eerie. She breathed in the mixed aromas of greasepaint, heady perfume, cigar smoke and stale beer that filled the air.

  ‘Gus? Where are you?’ she nervously whispered.

  ‘I’m up here,’ she heard him call.

  Glancing up at the gallery, she saw his faint outline.

  ‘Well, go on. What are you waiting for? I want you to sing to me.’ Gus called.

  Rhiannon giggled. ‘You’re quite mad.’

  ‘Go on. Consider it a “private performance” just for me.’

  She smiled. After all he’d done for her, why not?

  Taking a deep breath she began, her voice echoing around the empty auditorium, and when she came to the chorus, ‘The boy I love is up in the gallery,’ as if on cue, Gus frantically waved his handkerchief.

  At the end of the song Rhiannon made an elaborate curtsy and waited for his applause. There was none. She looked up at the gallery only to find him gone. She felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. Where was he? What would she do if he’d left her? ‘Gus!’ she frantically called out. The silence seemed endless.

  ‘Yes-yes, my love, I’m here,’ he said, walking out from the shadow of the wings. As he reached her, his arm encircled her waist, pulling her to him.

  She fell against him. Their kissing was more passionate than ever before. Lifting her into his arms, as if she were but a feather, he carried her off stage towards the dressing-rooms.

  With her arms wrapped firmly around his neck, wherever he was taking her at that precise moment was all right with her. She never wanted this feeling ... this longing ... to end.

  With one hand Gus opened the door of the ‘star’ dressing-room, and carried her in.

  It was so dark she couldn’t see a hand in front of her. But, remembering the days spent in this very room when Aunt Florrie had held ‘star’ spot, she, like Gus, knew only too well where the chaise-longue was situated. So, when he laid her down, the softness of the familiar plush velvet material seemed to embrace her.

  Gus lay next to her. She felt his hands sensuously explore her back, her neck, her arms ... her breast. She didn’t make any attempt to stop him. It felt too good.

  ‘If you’d like me to light the gas lamps, just say,’ Gus whispered.

  Rhiannon knew she should have insisted that he did. Insist that he must stop fondling her ... insist that he took her home ... but instead she quietly whispered, ‘No-no.’

  ‘My darling Rhi.’ His mouth found hers and Rhiannon knew that their passion could no longer be denied. He loved her and she loved him. Surely that was all that mattered? As they urgently fumbled to undress one another, they both seemed reluctant to release each other from their passionate kisses. Then, as their bodies connected, he whispered, ‘My love. I promise to be gentle.’ And then they became as one.

  True to his word and aware it was her first time, Gus was a gentle, considerate and, she sensed, an experienced lover. Any nerves or inhibition she might previously have felt were soon replaced by the urgent longing for his closeness – his touch – his all.

  When it was over, Gus continued to hold her. For a while they just lay there, neither wishing to spoil the moment.

  It was Rhiannon who eventually broke the silence. ‘Gus, I really should be getting back. I dread to think what trouble I’m in.’

  Gus quickly rose to his feet.

  ‘Yes, of course, what must I have been thinking of? Come on, I’ll walk you back to your digs.’

  ‘Thanks. But don’t you think we should get dressed first?’ Rhiannon giggled.

  They both laughed, each aware of a new intimacy.

  Rhiannon, sensing his naked body standing next to her, felt her colour rise, though she felt no embarrassment at what had gone between them and had no regrets.

  When they were dressed, Gus took Rhiannon’s hand, led her from the dressing-room and back to the stage door. Once outside Gus carefully locked up and replaced the keys in his waistcoat pocket.

  Before moving off Gus pulled her to him. ‘Any regrets?’

  Rhiannon vigorously shook her head. ‘Have you?’ she asked.

  ‘Me? How could I p
ossibly regret making love to such an adorable, gorgeous, loving creature?’

  ‘Gus, you know I love you. Don’t you?’

  ‘I’m sure you think you do. I just wish I’d met you ... Rhi... ?’

  ‘Yes?’ Rhiannon sensed he wanted to tell her something important . . . a secret maybe?

  His eyes looked desperate.

  ‘What is it, Gus?’ she urged.

  He shook his head. ‘It’s nothing. I agree, we really should get a move on. I dread to think what sort of reception we’ll get from your landladies when we get back.’

  Rhiannon wished that instead of fobbing her off he’d said what was really on his mind. Could what he had failed to say have been so bad? Maybe he was trying to tell her that he didn’t love her and their intimacy had, for him, been just another encounter. Was that it? And if so, would she ever know?

  Although they walked hand in hand, Rhiannon felt a rift between them. Their earlier closeness had been severed by ... what? She didn’t know.

  They were nearly at her digs.

  ‘Here goes, it’s time to face the music. I think we should keep it brief. All we need to say is that Adam and I talked you in to staying for dinner and we simply lost track of the time. I don’t think we should mention stopping off at the theatre. That’ll be our little secret, don’t you agree?’ Gus fidgeted, as if embarrassed.

  Rhiannon sensed he wanted to be rid of her. ‘Y-yes, I’m sure that would be for the best. Look, on second thoughts, there’s no need for you to walk me to the door. I’d rather face them alone. Of course I’ll make sure they know you walked me home, but I think it best if we part here.’

  He didn’t argue, he just said, ‘All right, if you’re sure?’ He bent over and placed a friendly kiss on her cheek. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow. Let me know how you get on. And Rhi, sleep well. Mair’s going to be fine.’

  As he turned to leave Rhi bit her lip. ‘Thank you,’ she whispered.

  She felt confused, had she imagined him cooling towards her?

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Rhiannon reached the front door of her digs and, taking a deep breath, was just about to knock and face the music when she heard a voice.

  ‘Rhi, I’m up here!’

  Rhiannon looked up to see Clara hanging out of the second-storey window.

  ‘Rhi, I’ve been waiting ages. Where the hell have you been? Whatever you do don’t knock on the door. Mrs Gordon’s on the warpath – she sent her sister to bed hours ago. Stay where you are and, I’ll sneak down to let you in.’

  Minutes later Clara opened the door and, holding a flickering candle in one hand, beckoned Rhiannon in with the other. ‘Shhhh, the old dragon’s lying in wait in the dining-room. Take your boots off, we need to tiptoe across the hall and up the stairs,’ Clara whispered.

  As she bent down to untie her boots, Rhiannon’s heart was in her mouth. What if they were caught? Kind as Clara was, it just wouldn’t be fair to get her into trouble, and maybe thrown out of the digs for something Rhiannon had done.

  ‘Well now, what’s going on here?’ a stern voice demanded.

  Rhiannon immediately stood up to see Mrs Gordon, also with a burning candle in hand, standing in the hallway.

  Quick as a flash, Clara piped up, ‘I came down to answer the door and, lo and behold, there was Rhiannon.’

  ‘Is that so? Well maybe you can explain how I didn’t hear this “phantom” knock?’

  Clara scrunched up her shoulders. ‘I really don’t know. But—’

  ‘All right, that will do. It’s late – much too late for mysteries. I think it best if you two get yourselves off to bed.’ Mrs Gordon walked over to Rhiannon, ‘And, as for you, young lady, I shall deal with you in the morning. At this moment I can’t tell you what a disappointment you are to me. I dread to think what your Aunt Florrie would make of you coming in at this ungodly hour.’

  ‘Sorry, Mrs Gordon.’

  ‘As I said, we shall talk in the morning. Now follow me.’ With that, she turned on her heel and led the way across the hall and up the stairs.

  Mrs Gordon left them on the landing outside their respective bedroom doors. ‘I’ll thank you to take to your beds, do you hear?’

  ‘Yes, Mrs Gordon,’ the girls answered in unison.

  When Mrs Gordon was safely out of the way Rhiannon unlocked her bedroom door and entered her room, closely followed by Clara who proceeded to light the gas lamp on the writing-desk.

  ‘That went well. At least we managed to postpone Mrs Gordon’s wrath until the morning. Enough time for you to think up a feasible story, eh? That said, having stuck my neck out for you, I’ll take no less than the truth. So, where the hell did you get to tonight?’

  ‘Oh Clara, what a day I’ve had. I didn’t tell you before, in case it all went terribly wrong but, we’ve found Mair and, if all goes well, we should have her back by Friday.’ Rhiannon’s excitement was obvious.

  ‘That’s great news. And would Gus Davenport be the other half of the “we” you refer to, by any chance?’ Clara asked.

  ‘Well, yes.’ Rhiannon, puzzled by Clara’s look of disapproval quickly added, ‘Gus and Adam have both helped me so much. That’s why I’m late back. Adam invited me to stay for a meal at his house.’

  ‘Doesn’t Gus live there too?’

  ‘Yes. The three of us had a meal and a drink to celebrate Mair’s impending return.’

  ‘And ... after the meal? I don’t have to guess who put that look in your eyes?’

  ‘Look? What look?’

  ‘The look that tells me you’ve come of age. Got something to tell me, eh?’

  ‘Rhiannon felt her colour rise as she cast her gaze to the floor.

  ‘No. Well let me guess. I bet Gus Davenport, ever the gentleman, offered to walk you home and on the way, made a pass. I can see it now. It’s common knowledge how persuasive our Gus can be. And you, obviously flattered by having such an attractive man fawn over you, fell for his charms.’

  ‘It wasn’t like that! Yes we did ... but I love him and he—’

  ‘He what? Oh Rhi, I should have seen this coming and warned you. I’ve known Gus Davenport for a long while. Please believe me when I say you’re not the first to succumb to his charms and you probably won’t be the last. I just hope that what you two did tonight doesn’t result in your ending up in the family way, because one thing’s for sure, Gus Davenport is not the marrying kind.’

  ‘How can you say such a nasty thing? I thought you were my friend.’

  ‘I am. That’s why—’

  Rhiannon raised her hand. ‘No! I think you’ve said more than enough. I’d like you to go now. I need to be alone.’

  Gus entered Adam’s house. He walked across the hall and deftly replaced the theatre keys on the hook before entering the parlour.

  Adam, relaxing in armchair by the fireplace, looked up from The Times newspaper. ‘So you’re back, then? Good night, was it?’ Adam snapped.

  ‘Yes. Rhi is safely delivered to her digs. I shouldn’t think she’ll be in too much trouble. We both know that Mrs Gordon’s a softie at heart. I told Rhiannon to blame us, to say that we insisted she stayed for a meal and the time just—’ He was about to elaborate when Adam interrupted.

  ‘Stop off anywhere on the way, did you?’

  ‘No-no, why do you ask?’

  Adam leapt from his chair. ‘You’re a lying swine! Did you really think I wouldn’t notice the theatre keys missing from the hook?’

  ‘Look, Uncle Adam, you don’t understand—’

  ‘Oh yes, I do. And don’t Uncle Adam me! What was I thinking? Trusting you, who’s never been known to miss an opportunity for a dalliance with a pretty young girl? I stupidly believed that your feelings towards Rhi were different, that you truly cared for her, but all the while you were nursing your usual schemes.’

  ‘It wasn’t like that,’ Gus protested.

  ‘No? I don’t believe you. We both know how indebted she felt concerning the money we put up for Mair’s
safe return. Well, it didn’t take you long to find a way for her to repay you, eh?’

  ‘I can see how it might look. I’m only too aware of what an uncaring bastard I’ve been in the past. But Rhiannon – you’re right – Rhiannon is different.’

  ‘Who are you trying to fool? It might work on a vulnerable young girl, but I for one am having none of it! First thing in the morning I intend to do what I should have done weeks ago: tell her about what happened to Helena Biggins and how, like now, all you were interested in was having your fun and to hell with the consequences. I did try to warn you that, like most girls, Helena wanted more – but would you listen? And when you’d done with her and moved on to your next conquest—’

  ‘I never, not for one moment, thought she’d take her own life.’

  ‘That’s your trouble. You never bloody well think! You just let your dick rule your brain. When that young girl took her own life I felt partly to blame for not warning her off you. Well, it’ll not happen again—’

  ‘Adam. Please. I beg you. Please don’t spoil my chances with Rhiannon. I want—’

  ‘I don’t particularly care what you want. I want you out of my house, out of the theatre and out of my life!’

  ‘I can see there’s no reasoning with you. If that’s what you want, I’ll leave in the morning.’

  ‘No. Not in the morning. I want you out of here tonight! And I’ll thank you to leave your keys to the front door.’

  Gus awoke with a headache; he’d had too much whisky the night before. Having just managed to throw some clothes and toiletries into a suitcase, he’d left Adam’s house and booked into the Angel Hotel for the night. For as long as he had known him, he had never seen his uncle so upset. When Gus had been ten, after the tragedy of losing both parents in a house fire, Adam had taken him in. Since then Adam had been his rock; so dependable and non-judgemental; a perfect friend as well as uncle.

  Gus knew only too well how his casual, uncaring use of the many women he’d encountered over the years had left him with something of a reputation. A reputation that, up until now, he’d enjoyed, believing as he did that most of the women who succumbed to his charms all knew where they stood. What they saw was what they got. Which was why he’d been so shocked by what had happened to Helena Biggins. Gus had thought she understood the rules: to have fun with no commitment and no strings. When Adam had tried to warn him off Gus hadn’t listened. Now Adam was going to tell Rhiannon about all of Gus’s past misdemeanours and of the callous way he’d treated Helena Biggins ... and its dire consequence. Gus was in no doubt that when she found out what type of man he was, she would turn against him.