Rhiannon

by Carole Llewellyn

  ‘I can’t stop you. If you must go, please be careful. Mair told me how quick-tempered and dangerous Harry can be.’

  ‘Maybe against defenceless women. But rest assured, he doesn’t frighten me.’

  Rhiannon knew her warning had fallen on deaf ears. Frank’s determination was obvious.

  Frank banged his fist on Harry and Nellie’s front door. There was no answer, so he banged again, this time much louder.

  ‘What the hell are you playing at?’ the tenant from the flat above called down.

  ‘I’m looking for the occupants of 21A,’ Frank called back.

  ‘You’ll be lucky. They moved out late last night. That was yet another bloody racket I had to put up with.’

  ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you. Any idea where they’ve gone?’

  ‘Yeah, I overheard down them down at the King’s Head, bragging as to how they’d come into a windfall and were off to London. By all accounts, Harry seemed to think there were rich pickings to be had there.’

  ‘Thank you. I’ll not be bothering you again,’ Frank said.

  As he left the building Frank couldn’t help but feel cheated. He so wanted to teach them a lesson. And if they knew what was good for them they’d do well to stay in London and out of his way. One thing was for sure: Rhiannon would welcome the news of their departure.

  Four days later, with instructions from the doctor to continue to rest, Mair left Adam’s house and moved into Mrs Gordon’s boarding house to share a room with Rhiannon.

  They were both thankful that Mrs Gordon had told everyone that Mair had sadly been let down by her mother and her boyfriend, who had left for London without a word. ‘What Mair needs now is our support. No awkward questions. No speculation or gossip, do you hear?’ Mrs Gordon had ordered.

  And for once everyone listened.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  August 1909

  In the beginning progress was slow. Most of the time Mair was quiet and timid and not a bit like the Mair of old. But now, two months on, it pleased Rhiannon to see her begin to come out of her shell: an invisible wall put up, no doubt, to prevent her getting hurt. Although she still did not show any interest in returning to work in the theatre, Mair willingly helped Mavis, Mrs Gordon’s sister, with some light duties in the day-to-day running of the boarding house and was even entering in to the friendly banter around the dining-table at night. However, much to Mrs Gordon’s annoyance, Mair only ever managed to eat a small bowl of soup or a slice of bread and jam, before retiring early to her room.

  With September nearly upon them, the show at the Empire was coming to a close. The show, having starred the likes of Miss Florrie Grayson and then Miss Alice Lloyd, with full supporting casts, had been an overwhelming success. And it was almost time for many of the cast to part company, move on to the next audition or the next booking. Those fortunate enough to be selected for Adam’s new tour had had to endure a few weeks’ hard work for, whilst still attending a daily band-call for the show at the Empire, they had to somehow find time to fit in extra rehearsals for Adam’s touring show.

  Rhiannon remembered her excitement on the night when Adam had announced the cast for the forthcoming tour:

  ‘Head billing: Tom O’Reilly, comedian and compère. Second billing: Sally Webber, ‘The Street Urchin’; third billing: Rhiannon, ‘The Welsh Songbird’; Les Belles chorus girls to be led by Clara Boxall.’

  The next day he called them all together.

  ‘The first thing you need to know is that as Mrs Gordon is committed to the job of fitting out the incoming pantomime company and, of course, running the boarding house with her sister, our touring show will be travelling without a wardrobe mistress.’

  Around the room this news was not greeted favourably. Straight away Tom O’Reilly made his objection, ‘No wardrobe mistress? Well, I for one have never heard the like. Surely, within days the show will be in chaos and I’ll be made a laughing stock... .’

  ‘I thought that was part of a comedian’s job.’ Sally Webber quipped.

  Everyone laughed, instantly easing the tension around the room.

  Adam raised his hand and the room became silent. ‘I can understand your concern,’ Adam said, ‘but trust me when I tell you that I’ve done it many times before and, if we work together to ensure costumes are packed away after every performance, it can work like clockwork. With twenty venues in twelve weeks, we need to perform, pack up and move on quickly. Now if there are no more objections?’ Adam’s eyes went around the room.

  No one said a word.

  Rhiannon was pleased to be going on the tour under any circumstances, but wondered why Adam hadn’t mentioned Mair travelling with them as dresser. But then why should he? After all, Mair hadn’t even set foot in the theatre for weeks. To include her at this point would have shown favouritism. No, when the time came Rhiannon would simply tell everyone that Mair was travelling as her companion. If during the course of the tour Mair offered to help out, then all the better.

  ‘Good.’ Adam smiled and nodded his appreciation before continuing. ‘What I can tell you is, that Clara Boxall has offered to oversee the packing process, but she can’t be expected to do it alone. So let’s pull together on this. Clara will also understudy, if the necessity arises, both Sally and Rhiannon. Are you sure you’re ready for this?’

  ‘Yes, Adam, I’m sure,’ Clara enthused, pleased to have the chance to prove herself.

  ‘I’m glad. Now, before we leave I need to set some ground rules. For the duration of this tour I need – no – I expect your total commitment – commitment and professionalism. A happy troupe! This means – with living and working in such close proximity for the next three month, we all need to get on. There’ll be no room for any artistic temperament or, to put it plainly, any bitching.’ Adam’s eyes went straight to Sally Webber, who was busily flicking through a magazine. ‘Sally, I hope you’re paying attention. There are to be no snide remarks or bitching, do you hear?’

  ‘I heard you the first time. And yes! But why pick on me?’

  ‘Rhi?’

  ‘Yes, Mair, love.’

  ‘I hope you don’t mind but I’ve decided that I don’t want to join you and the rest of the troupe on tour.’

  ‘Why ever not? What’s brought this on? Are you unwell?’ Rhiannon asked.

  ‘No. I’m fine. I just don’t think I’m ready to face all the travelling. We both know that Adam’s only asked me to help out in wardrobe to make it easier for you to go.’

  ‘What’s the alternative? The tour is scheduled to begin in two weeks, but I couldn’t possibly leave you here on your own.’

  ‘Rhi, you know that Frank’s mother’s wedding is the week after next?’

  ‘Yes, on Saturday the eleventh of September. Why? What’s on your mind?’

  ‘Well, I know that after the wedding, you’ll be committed to return to Cardiff for the tour, but I’m sure Mrs Lewis wouldn’t mind if I stayed on for a while. What do you think?’

  Rhiannon was surprised. ‘I’m not sure. This has all come as a bit of a shock to me. But if that’s what you really want, then I’ll have a chat with Mrs Lewis when we’re there.’

  ‘Oh, thank you, Rhi. You’ll be much better off without me. I’d only be in the way. My mother never stopped telling me what a hindrance I was.’

  ‘Mair, love, you’re not a hindrance to me. I promise. I love you. And, if Mrs Lewis can’t see her way to letting you stay then I’m not going on tour either. I’m staying with you.’

  ‘You’d do that for me? What would Adam say?’

  ‘Adam will understand. And as for me, I’m sure there will be other tours. Anyway, it may not come to that. Let’s wait and see what Ethel Lewis has to say.’ Rhiannon crossed her fingers and prayed to God that Ethel Lewis would agree. Rhiannon would be devastated if she couldn’t make the tour.

  It was early Sunday evening. August was almost at an end and there was less than a week before the show at the Empire
ended when Rhiannon left Mrs Gordon’s boarding house on the pretence of taking a stroll.

  Fifteen minutes later, with Adam’s house in sight, Rhiannon was going over and over in her mind what she intended to say. She stepped up to the door, then, adjusting the lace shawl around her shoulders, lifted the brass knocker and lightly tapped the door.

  ‘Rhi, how lovely to see you. Come in. Frank and I were just going to have a pre-dinner sherry. Please join us. There’s more than enough for three.’

  ‘Thank you, I’d like that.’ Rhiannon followed Adam down the hall and into the spacious sitting-room. Although invited by Adam many times before to join him for dinner, she had always refused, not wishing to be reminded of the fact that this house was where Gus Davenport had spent a large part of his life lodging with his uncle. That was ... until she came into their lives. By doing so she had managed not only to make a complete fool of herself but, which was more serious, to break up Gus and Adam’s long-standing family relationship.

  ‘Hello, Rhi. To what do we owe this unexpected pleasure?’ Frank asked, handing her a glass of sherry.

  ‘I need to speak to Adam. I’ve something to tell him that can’t wait.’

  ‘I’m intrigued,’ Adam said.

  ‘Look, I’ve this letter to write to my mother,’ said Frank. ‘Rhi, you know how she frets if I don’t keep in touch? I’ve been putting it off for days, what say I leave you two to have your chat, and I’ll see you later for dinner.’

  ‘Good man. Dinner’s in half an hour. See you then,’ Adam agreed.

  ‘That’s fine with me,’ Frank called, as he headed down the hall.

  ‘Rhi, are you all right? Nothing wrong, is there?’ Adam enquired.

  ‘No ... yes. Look, Adam. I’m sorry to drop this on you at such sort notice, but there’s a slight possibility that I’ll not be able to make the tour.’

  ‘What!’

  Rhiannon shook her head. ‘It’s true. I’m so sorry.’

  ‘Why? Whatever’s happened?’ Adam demanded, adding, ‘There had better be a damn good reason.’

  ‘It’s Mair. She doesn’t feel up to it and—’

  Adam interrupted her, ‘That’s it? You’re going to give up an opportunity that many would kill for because Mair “doesn’t feel up to it”? Are you really happy with this?’

  ‘Of course I’m not happy. I want nothing more than to come with you and the rest of the troupe but ... Adam, you know the ordeal Mair’s been through. And the truth is I feel partly to blame. If I hadn’t been so selfish, putting my career before her, if I’d been there for her, if I’d—’

  ‘Why must you always be so hard on yourself? How can I make you see that you were in no way responsible for what happened to Mair? Please believe me when I tell you that responsibility lay with the evil pair who set up the whole sordid thing.’

  Rhiannon dropped her head in her hands.

  Adam took her hands in his and pulled her to him so that her head was resting on his chest. She gave a deep sigh.

  ‘My dear, Rhiannon, I hate to see you like this. But this isn’t just Mair, is it? I suspect my nephew might be playing a part in your distress – a case of gone but not forgotten, eh?’

  Rhiannon raised her head from his chest and, freeing her hands, looked up at him. ‘I sometimes think you know me too well,’ she said, forcing a smile. ‘Oh Adam, I really have tried to forget him, to move on with my life. But every performance I give, every time I look to the gallery, I imagine him smiling down at me and ... it hurts so much.’

  ‘I know, and I do understand. Despite everything I must admit that I miss him too. Maybe you were right and blood is thicker than water, after all. I only wish I could help.’

  ‘You did say that there was a chance I could change my song for the tour.’

  ‘I know what I said, but I now think that changing your song for the tour would be a grave mistake. This tour is intended to promote the success you’ve already had at the Empire. A success born from your singing that particular song. It’s become your signature tune. Rhiannon, you have to come on this tour!’

  ‘Well, I do have an idea. It involves Frank’s mother, so please don’t mention anything over dinner. But if all goes to plan ... it’ll mean I can make the tour.’

  ‘The tour starts in Chepstow on the eighteenth of September. The train tickets from Cardiff are all booked; Rhi, I’m depending on you not to let me down.’

  For Rhiannon the end-of-show party marked the end of her first season as a performer. Rhiannon realized how lucky she’d been to have made so many wonderful friends, each in their small way contributing to her coming of age. Her time in the theatre had brought many highs and many lows; the high of her theatrical success – the low of losing Mair. The high of falling head over heels in love with Gus Davenport – the low of losing him, the high of Mair’s return and now ... maybe the low of not making the tour. Oh yes, so much had happened. And, as her dear dad used to say, ‘Those that live the longest, will see the most.’

  ‘Rhiannon?’ It was Mrs Gordon. ‘I just want to say how much I shall miss you and your sister. I wish I could have offered for Mair to stay with me but I need the room for the pantomime cast. But Mavis and I will always manage to squeeze you into our private quarters for a night or two, if need be.’

  ‘Thank you, Mrs Gordon. I may take you up on that. And please don’t reproach yourself, both Mair and I understand your predicament. We have so much to thank you for.’

  ‘Fiddlesticks. It was my pleasure.’

  Rhiannon felt a warm glow engulf her. She had so much to look forward to; tomorrow, accompanied by Frank, she and Mair would be returning to the valley in time for Ethel Lewis and John Jenkins’s wedding. She was going home.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  September 1909

  As they walked down Chapel Street, Rhiannon’s eyes went straight to her old house. It looked the same yet different. It felt strange to think of another family living there.

  ‘The couple living in your place have four small kids. They’re a bit rough and ready, but my mother says their hearts are in the right place,’ Frank said, quickly adding, ‘Of course it’s not the same as having you and Mair next door.’

  ‘Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. I’m glad for your mother though, it’s so much easier when you can get on with the neighbours,’ Rhi said, mainly to make him feel better.

  ‘Mam, we’re here!’ Frank called as they entered the familiar hallway of the Lewis’s mid-terrace house.

  Ethel Lewis opened the kitchen door. ‘Well now, there’s a sight for sore eyes. Come here. Let me give you both a big hug.’ She wrapped her arms first around Mair and then Rhiannon. ‘You don’t realize what a difference it’ll make to have you both here for my wedding day. Having you live so close to me for all those years, I think of you as part of the family. My day wouldn’t have been the same without you. It’s so good to have you back home.’ Raising her wrap-around pinafore she dabbed her tear-filled eyes. ‘What a daft ha’peth I am, crying like a baby because I’m that happy to see you both.’

  ‘Mrs Lewis, it’s so good to see you too. And as for your wedding day, we wouldn’t miss it for the world,’ Rhiannon said, and truly meant it. She held fond memories of all the kind neighbourly things Ethel Lewis had done for them before and after her father’s death.

  ‘Well, there’s posh you sound. Your Aunt Florrie’s influence over the past months has definitely had an effect. You’re quite the young lady now, aren’t you?’

  ‘I don’t know about that. Although I will admit that I’ve changed; I feel a lot more grown up.’ Rhiannon almost added in more ways than you could imagine, but stopped herself.

  ‘I suppose that living and working in Cardiff, surrounded by such well-travelled theatre folk, it was only to be expected.’

  ‘Anyway, we’ll not impose on your hospitality for long. Tomorrow I’ll start looking for somewhere to rent.’

  ‘And I’ve already told her that there’s no hurry.
Isn’t that right, Mam?’ Frank said.

  ‘That’s right, lad, no hurry at all. Our home is yours and you’re both welcome to stay as long as you like. Now what must you think of me chatting away, when I should be offering you a nice cup of tea? Come on, you sit yourselves down and I’ll put the kettle on the hob,’ Ethel offered.

  ‘Mrs Lewis, if it’s all right with you, I think I’d like a lie down.’ Mair’s voice sounded weak.

  ‘Why, of course, child. Travelling all the way from Cardiff in one day is no joke. I’ve sorted out the sleeping arrangements; you two can have Frank’s bedroom.’

  ‘Oh no, we can’t take your room, Frank,’ Rhiannon objected.

  ‘Oh yes you can, Mam’s made me a bed up on the settee in the parlour. I’ve slept there before, I’ll be fine, I promise. Now come on, let’s get young Mair settled.’ He picked up their suitcase and headed for the stairs.

  ‘That’s right, Frank, you show them the way. And Rhi, once Mair’s settled, you come back down. I’ll have the tea brewed by then, I can’t wait to hear all your news.’

  ‘Here we are, then,’ Frank said, opening the door to his bedroom. ‘I’m afraid my mother insisted that I must clear out all of my personal bits and pieces, so the room looks a bit bare. Mam’s changed the bedding this morning. The bed’s really comfy, so I hope it suits you both.’

  ‘I’m sure it’ll suit us fine. Thank you,’ Rhi said.

  ‘Right, I’ll leave you two on your own to settle in.’ He turned to leave.

  ‘Frank?’

  ‘Yes, Rhi?’

  ‘Thanks again. It’s feels good to be back.’

  ‘It’s good to have you back.’ He flashed a warm smile before closing the door behind him.

  When Frank had gone, Rhiannon turned to Mair. ‘Mair, love, are you all right?’