Rhiannon

by Carole Llewellyn

  ‘So I can see. I consider myself well and truly told off! And maybe you’re right. After all, everyone knows – it takes two, eh? But it doesn’t stop me wanting to protect you. After all, you were my protégée; I was the one who first encouraged you to go on the stage, so in lots of ways I still feel responsible for you.’

  ‘And I wouldn’t want to change that. Knowing you’re there looking out for me has always made me feel special ... the way my dad used to make me feel.’

  ‘I’m honoured. Now, go on, be off with you and start packing. You have until the February auditions to sort your family commitments out. On your way you can tell Clara I want to see her. When she finds out that she’s to be your understudy for the rest of the tour – it’ll be akin to my lighting touchpaper; her screams of excitement will no doubt be heard for miles, so cover your ears.’

  Rhiannon laughed. ‘I’ll do that. And Adam, thanks again.’

  Back at the digs, in the small bedroom she shared with Clara, as Rhiannon packed her belongings into her valise, she felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her; leaving the tour was the right thing to do. And now that the decision had been made she couldn’t wait to be on her way. Luckily, its being Sunday and no show that night, there’d be no goodbyes. She’d leave Adam to come up with a plausible excuse; ‘family commitments’ would more than cover it.

  A few hours later an exhausted Clara, having been put through the paces of a long rehearsal by Adam, entered the room.

  ‘Rhi, what’s happened? Why have you got to leave? Does it have anything to do with Frank’s visit earlier today?’

  ‘Yes. He brought news from home. I can’t say too much; let me just say it’s a family problem and I’m needed back in Ponty.

  ‘I’m sorry to hear that. Pleased as I am to be getting the chance to understudy you, I really don’t want to see you go. But if you have to... . Is there anything I can do to help?’

  ‘No thanks. I’m almost packed. In the morning I plan to catch an early train to Cardiff, then another from Bridgend to Pontrhyl and then a charabanc up the valley. It’ll be a long trip but I can’t wait to get home.’

  Clara caught around her. ‘I’m going to miss you. I only hope I can do your song justice. I know I’ve practised it with you often enough and I’ve my own costume; the one Mrs Gordon made me before we left, but you’re a hard act to follow.’

  ‘You’ll do fine. I’ve every confidence in you and, who knows? If you do as well as I know you can, Adam may give you your own slot in his new show.’

  ‘Yes, and pigs might fly.’

  They both laughed.

  Rhiannon reached into her valise for a pencil and quickly scribbled Ethel’s address on the back of an old theatre programme. ‘Look, this is where I’ll be staying. If you like, you could write to me – let me know how you get on. With everyone going their separate ways for Christmas, it’ll be nice for us two to keep in touch.’

  ‘That’s a great idea. When I write to you, I’ll send you my mother’s address in Oxford. Whatever happens I intend to be in Cardiff for Adam’s February auditions. I really enjoy working for him – I’d settle for any part in the show, really.’

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  At 7.30 after a long day’s travelling, Rhiannon eventually arrived at Ponty Square. The trip up from Pontrhyl station had seemed to take ages; the horse-drawn charabanc had stopped at regular intervals to let valley folk on and off along the way. Rhiannon recognized some of the older travellers but, apart from inquisitive looks, they didn’t seem to recognize her. And why should they? Dressed in all her finery – dark-blue long coat, fur hat and muffler – she looked considerably older than her age, and so different from the sixteen-year-old who’d left the valley nearly a year ago.

  The horses drew the charabanc to a stop. Rhiannon picked up her valise and, after politely thanking the driver, stepped off. For a moment she didn’t move, taking in the familiar surroundings. She was home at last.

  She took a deep breath and made her way along Oxford Street, passing Peglers’ store and Oliver’s shoe shop. Across the road she could see John Jenkins’s butcher’s shop; it was closed now and in complete darkness, but his house next door, with the glow of the gaslight filtering through the curtain, looked so welcoming, it made Rhiannon feel very warm inside.

  She crossed the rough stone road and knocked on the door. From inside the house she heard Aunt Ethel’s familiar voice call out.

  ‘Sadie, Martha, there’s someone at the door. I’m busy washing the dishes, so can one of you please answer it?’

  ‘I’ll go, Mam,’ one of them called back. Rhiannon couldn’t tell whether it was Sadie or Martha.

  Seconds later the door opened and Sadie stood there, her eyes startled as a rabbit’s in headlights. ‘Rhi? Is it really you? But you’re not due until Christmas.’

  ‘Sadie, love, I assure you it is me. I came home early to surprise you all.’

  Sadie flung her arms around Rhiannon. ‘Welcome back – we’ve missed you so much.’

  ‘What’s all the commotion?’ Ethel demanded as she came to the door.

  Releasing her stranglehold on Rhiannon, Sadie turned to her mother, ‘Look Mam, it’s Rhiannon. Rhiannon’s back!’

  ‘Well, my good God! Sadie, move aside, don’t leave her standing on the doorstep, she’ll catch her death. Rhi, come on in,’ Ethel gushed.

  ‘I’ll go and find Martha, I can’t wait to give her the news,’ Sadie enthused.

  ‘It really is so lovely to see you, Rhi, we weren’t expecting you so soon,’ Ethel said, leading the way down the hall.

  ‘I know. I wanted to surprise you all. Where’s Mair?’

  ‘She’s having a bit of a lie down. You know she’s... ?’ Ethel stopped and turned to face Rhiannon.

  ‘Pregnant? Yes. Frank called to see me. That’s why I’m here. How is she?’

  ‘She’s fine – as big as a house, mind. You’ll not recognize her. She’ll be that pleased to see you. I’ll go up and call her, shall I?’

  ‘Aunt Ethel, if it’s all right with you, I’ll go up to see her. I’d like some time alone with her.’

  ‘Of course you would. Here give me your lovely coat, I’ll hang it up for you.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Rhiannon said, removing her coat, hat and muffler.

  ‘You take your suitcase up to Mair’s room, the room you shared with her after my wedding. It’s a big room with a large double bed, so I hope you’ll be all right?’

  ‘We’ll be fine.’ Rhiannon smiled. ‘Aunt Ethel, it’s so good to be back home.’

  Ethel sniffled into her handkerchief. ‘Now look what you’ve made me do. You go on up and see your sister and when you’re both done catching up, come on down to the kitchen and I’ll make you both a brew and a light supper. Uncle John is at the church choir rehearsals, but he’ll not be gone long. Why, he’s going to be that made-up to see you.’

  ‘Will he? I’m sure he wasn’t best pleased to find out I’d left you to care for a pregnant young girl – that was never part of the bargain. I bet she’s been the talk of the valley.’

  ‘He, like me, never gave a fig what malicious gossips had to say. What they don’t know they make up. But we know the truth. We know that Mair’s condition was through no fault of her own. Anyways, the gossips soon found someone else’s misfortune to get their teeth into.’

  ‘We’re so lucky to have the likes of you and John Jenkins on our side.’

  ‘All you have to believe is that, working together as a family, we can get through anything. Now, get yourself up to see Mair.’

  Before making her way upstairs Rhiannon stopped to give Ethel a hug and, placing a kiss on her aunt’s forehead, whispered, ‘You’re a real treasure.’

  Rhiannon gave a gentle tap on Mair’s bedroom door.

  ‘Come in, Aunt Ethel, I’m not sleeping.’

  Rhiannon reached for the decorative china doorknob and slowly opened the door. ‘Mair, love, it’s me,’ she croaked, as she welle
d up with emotion.

  ‘Rhi! Rhi! What are you doing here?’ Mair cried as she attempted to raise her heavy body off the bed.

  ‘Stay where you are, I’ll come over to you. Auntie Ethel was right. I can’t believe the size of you. Frank told me you were six months gone, but I never imagined that the skinny waif I left behind could ever get this big.’

  Mair muffled a nervous laugh. ‘Yes, I knew that Frank intended calling on you. But I didn’t expect you to come see me. Rhi, I’m sorry you had to find out like that. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to tell you. I thought something was amiss when we were in Cardiff, but I didn’t want to believe. I thought if I ignored it, then it might go away.’

  ‘You daft ha’peth. You shouldn’t have had to go through the worry of it on your own.’

  ‘To be honest, when Aunt Ethel guessed at last, it was such a relief. Everyone has been so kind – especially Frank. He writes to me every week. He’ll be home for Christmas and New Year. Uncle John Jenkins made me the most fantastic cot and Aunt Ethel has been busy knitting baby clothes. Frank insists that he’s buying me a baby-carriage. He’s seen one in Howells in Cardiff. He’s been saving up for it for months. Rhi? About Frank and... .’

  ‘Yes. What about Frank?’

  ‘Well, Frank and me ... we’re sort of ... courting.’ Mair blushed.

  Rhiannon saw it as the blush of a young girl in love. It seemed so natural and yet, at the same time, considering her condition, so out of place. Rhiannon felt a lump rise in her throat.

  ‘Rhi, you don’t mind do you?’

  Rhiannon swallowed hard in an effort to regain her composure. It worked. ‘Of course I don’t mind. I think it’s great news. I always knew that lad had sense.’

  ‘It’s early days yet. And I am only fourteen, but Frank says, that only gives us more time to really get to know each other. And Rhi, he also says that, even though the baby’s not his, we’re going to manage just fine.’

  ‘And I believe him. If anyone has the strength of character to deal with it, then Frank has. I’m so pleased for you both but, tell me, how did Ethel take the news?’

  ‘As always, she said she knew before we did, and said she couldn’t be happier. Secretly, I think she was worried that his career in the army might distance him from her and the valley. As it is, he’s back home every chance he gets.’

  Rhiannon laughed, ‘And there was I thinking you might be in need of a big sister. I even left the tour to be with you.’

  ‘Oh, but I do. I really do! You can’t believe what it means to me to have you put me before the tour, it makes me feel so ... loved.’

  ‘Mair. I really do love you. I may not have always shown it but I do.’

  Rhiannon sat on the bed and caught her sister in her arms. They embraced for what seemed like ages, happy to have restored the bond they had thought they’d lost for ever.

  Eventually it was Mair who spoke first. ‘Well then, sis, are you going to help me off this bed? I think it’s time we put Auntie Ethel out of her misery. I bet she wishes she could have been a fly on the wall, eh?’

  They both laughed aloud.

  With Rhiannon leading the way they headed downstairs to give Ethel the good news, united as sisters and as friends. As they entered the kitchen the look on their faces spoke volumes.

  Ethel smiled. ‘I can see we’re going to have such a great Christmas!’

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  Gus Davenport, still nursing a hangover, the result of his having overindulged the night before, stared at the pint of ale in front of him; maybe a hair of the dog, a livener, would set him straight for the day. But as he picked up the tankard he couldn’t help but notice how his hand visibly shook. He raised the ale gingerly to his lips and took a small sip; it tasted good. He took a bigger swig. He knew he was drinking too much, but what the hell? Drink deadened his senses, stopped him thinking of what he’d done – of what he’d become: a liar, a coward – an excuse for a man.

  He reached into the inside pocket of his overcoat for a cigarette and felt The Stage newspaper he’d picked up at the newsagent, from force of habit. It was the bible for every aspiring actor, singer or stage performer, holding as it did, information regarding every show in the country and up-to-date news on who was doing what, where and when. He took the newspaper from his pocket and opened it. The first thing he read was ‘ADAM FLETCHER’S NEW TOURING SHOW A SELL OUT!’

  His eyes scanned down to the list of venues and dates the show would be visiting and saw Saturday 12 December, The Swansea Empire. He checked the date again. Adam’s show was actually on in Swansea tonight. He quickly read the list of artistes appearing in the show, and, as he read Rhiannon’s name his heart missed a beat.

  He remembered how Adam had talked to him about taking her exciting new talent on tour with them, them being the operative word. If things hadn’t turned out the way they had he would be with them. Damn it all ... he should be with them! Surely, there had to be a way to put things right? Suddenly he knew what he had to do. He set the tankard of ale on the bar, stood up and headed for the door.

  ‘Well now, look who’s crawled out of the woodwork?’

  ‘Hello, Adam,’ Gus said.

  ‘What the hell are you doing here? As far as I’m concerned nothing’s changed,’ Adam snapped.

  ‘That’s where you’re wrong. I’ve changed.’ Gus stared into Adam’s eyes, willing him to see how he’d changed.

  ‘Is that so? Why do I find that so hard to believe?’

  ‘Adam, I know what you think of me. But, you’re still my uncle and whether you like it or not I still regard you as my friend – perhaps my only friend, and I need you to listen to me. I admit that, by not telling you about the depth of my feelings for Rhiannon, I let you down, but what about our working partnership? Now, be honest, have I ever let you down professionally?’

  ‘N-no, when it came to your work in the theatre, I never questioned your professionalism – that’s not what is at issue here.’

  ‘But that’s where you’re wrong. The night you ordered me out of your house you also ordered me out of the theatre and ... ultimately, out of the show.’

  ‘You didn’t have to leave. You could have stood your ground.’

  ‘My leaving with my tail between my legs must have proved to you what a weak-willed excuse for a man I’d become.’

  ‘You’re right there!’

  ‘So why have I come to see you now?’

  ‘No doubt you’ll tell me.’

  ‘I came to tell you that, you’re right. I shouldn’t have left. What I should have done then, and what I now want to do is to ... stand and face the music. I can only imagine, after you told Rhiannon about my past, how hurt and confused she must have felt?’

  ‘She had a right to know. And yes, I told her everything, so, we must hope, she’ll now see you for the scoundrel you really are.’

  ‘That’s as maybe. But I intend to find her and tell her that I truly love her. Adam, don’t look at me like that. It’s true! Rhiannon Hughes has captured my heart and somehow – I don’t care how long it takes – I intend to prove it to her.’

  ‘Well, well! At last you’ve met your match. But after walking away without so much as a by your leave, what makes you think that she’ll want to see you?’

  ‘Right now, probably she won’t. And who could blame her? But I think you owe me—’

  ‘Sorry? I owe you? I can’t wait to find out how.’

  ‘By your own admission, where my work is concerned, I never let you down ... so why ruin my career?’

  ‘It was never my intention. I just needed you to leave – for Rhiannon’s sake.’

  ‘It must have crossed your mind that, if only by implication, my leaving the show so abruptly would give the theatre gossips a field day. Since then I’ve tried, without success I may say, to join other theatre companies, only to be turned away. We’ve always known how much weight your name adds to a show’s success. Well, apparently, if the great Adam Fletche
r can let me, his own nephew, walk away then... ?’

  ‘I’m sorry. As I said before, that was never my intention.’

  ‘So – help me get a job. I don’t mean with this show. I wouldn’t want to compromise Rhiannon.’

  ‘There’s no place for an MC in this show anyway.’

  ‘I heard about the new format. How’s the compère versus MC experiment been going?’ Gus asked.

  ‘It’s gone down extremely well, although, if I’m honest, I still think music hall lends itself more to having a master of ceremonies rather than a compère run the show.’

  ‘I’m glad to hear it. So, about that job?’

  ‘I’m probably mad to even consider it but ... I don’t know if you saw my advert in The Stage?’

  Gus shook his head. After seeing Rhiannon’s name he’d been sidetracked.

  ‘Well, I’m in the process of planning a new music hall show for my return to the Empire in Cardiff – auditions begin in February. If you’re still interested ... perhaps you could sit in on the auditions?’

  ‘Thanks. I’ll be there. It’ll be like old times.’

  ‘I’m not saying things can ever be as they were between us but I see no reason why we can’t work together professionally.’

  ‘Neither can I. There’s just one more thing ... I thought I might stay to watch Rhiannon’s performance this evening. I promise I’ll keep out of the way. I’ll not try to see her.’

  ‘You don’t know?’

  ‘Know what?’

  ‘Rhiannon’s no longer with the show.’

  ‘But I saw her name in The Stage listed as part of the cast.’

  ‘You’re right, she was in the show. I’m afraid she left last week ... personal reasons.’

  Gus couldn’t hide his disappointment. ‘I don’t suppose you’d tell me where she’s gone. Has she gone back home?’

  ‘I’m sorry, Gus, it really isn’t my place to say,’ Adam said.

  ‘I understand. Anyway thanks for your time. I’ll see you for the auditions in February.’ Gus made to leave.