The orchestra was positioned in front of the large stage and was just completing the overture when the director gazed about, apparently assuring himself that the actors were properly aligned to step onto the stage at his prompting. On the other side of the curtain, the chattering of small children mingled with the murmuring of adults in the nearly full auditorium. An occasional cough could be heard; then, finally, all was silent except for the whirring of the curtain as it rose toward the ceiling.
Up, up the giant mural began to roll until, without warning, the whirring sound momentarily ceased, causing one side of the curtain to hoist higher than the other. Suddenly, the painted scene of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius began to roll up askew. Muffled laughter finally gave way to joyful merriment before General Yorke finally called out from the audience, “Steady there! Dress to the left, men!” With renewed vigor, the curtain began to rise, this time lifting the painted drapery to the ceiling in proper fashion.
The director waited until the crowd had settled, and then the actors began their first scene in earnest. However, Teddi’s attempts to remain calm were falling short of perfection. She was rushing through her opening lines, and her voice was warbling so violently that the words she was speaking were barely distinguishable. The director’s wild motioning for her to slow down seemed only to make her speak more rapidly. She couldn’t seem to gain control of herself and gave momentary consideration to rushing offstage. Instead, she turned on cue, watched, and listened as Phillip made his entrance and recited his lines in a calm, self-assured voice.
With a practiced ease, he moved to where Teddi stood, took her hand in his, and whispered into her ear, “Relax, Teddi. The audience has come to have fun—there’s no need to be nervous.” He squeezed her hand and gave her a wink as he moved to his proper mark on the stage. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to calmly recite her next lines. With each word, the recitation of her part and moving about the stage became more comfortable. By the second act, she felt certain that she was having every bit as much fun as Phillip.
When the final farewell scene arrived, Phillip swept her into his arms, captured her lips with his own, and kissed her soundly. It took her breath away, and she hadn’t fully recovered by the time the curtain began its ascent for their bows. A roar of applause thundered through the auditorium as the actors joined hands, stepped forward, and all of them bent in unison for a final ovation.
“What were you thinking?” she asked as they continued bowing.
“I can’t hear you,” Phillip replied while pointing toward his ear.
“I said, what were you thinking?” she shrieked into his ear.
“I was thinking about making the play as realistic as possible. It would have been obvious to the audience if I had only pretended to kiss you,” he said while giving her a broad smile.
“It’s not the way we rehearsed it,” she retorted.
“Well, of course not. Gardner’s a married man. It wouldn’t be seemly for you to be kissing a married man. I, on the other hand, am not married, not even betrothed, so it seemed the proper thing to do. You know, in the interest of giving the audience our very best performance. It was, after all, merely a performance,” he hastily added.
“Well, of course I realize that,” she replied a little too quickly.
“Then why are you making such a fuss?” he inquired, moving back as the curtain made its final descent.
She remained silent, knowing she dare not speak the truth. He would surely be appalled to hear that his kiss had sent ripples of excitement coursing through her body, that she had enjoyed the excitement of his lips against her own, and that she was still taking pleasure in the warmth of his kiss that lingered on her lips. Or would he be so horrified? The kiss had seemed genuine; yet, when questioned, he had been swift to say that he was merely acting his part. Why was she even entertaining such silly thoughts? A man was interested in having only a pretty woman on his arm, one that caused heads to turn, and she, with her plain face and imperfect figure, could never be such a woman.
seven
“Are you by yourself?” Teddi questioned, attempting to peer around Jonathan as he entered her dressing room.
“Mother and Father said they would join us at the party, and George found several young ladies to keep him busy,” Jonathan answered. “Were you expecting anyone else?”
“No, I don’t suppose I was. Thank you for waiting, Jonathan.”
“It’s an honor to escort the star of the play,” he joked. “You were very good, do you know that?”
“I was frightened senseless, until. . .”
“Until Phillip came on stage. You were rushing your lines a bit before then, but he seemed to have a calming effect upon you. He does that to me, too. Good man, don’t you think?”
“I don’t know him well enough to know if he’s a good man or not. We’d better get going,” Teddi replied, fastening her woolen cape.
“Don’t know him well enough? You were in love with him when you were ten,” Jonathan retorted.
“Thirteen!” Teddi quickly corrected.
“Okay, thirteen, but you do remember.”
“Remember what? That my big brother’s friend rebuffed me? Of course I remember. It’s a painful memory.”
“Even after all these years?”
“You wouldn’t understand; men think differently than women. You’ll come closer to understanding the concept once you finally decide to settle down and have a serious relationship,” Teddi retorted.
“But that wasn’t a serious relationship, Teddi. You were thirteen, just a kid. And it was, after all, one-sided. Phillip didn’t even know about your feelings until—”
“I made a fool of myself?”
“I didn’t say that, Teddi. You didn’t make a fool of yourself. You were a young girl infatuated with your big brother’s best friend. You told him that you cared for him. That’s not making a fool of yourself,” Jonathan countered.
“I don’t want to discuss this any longer. Besides, I’m already late for the cast party,” she replied, gently pushing him aside and moving out the door.
“Teddi, Mother told me about Herbert Albright. I’m truly sorry, but if he was so shallow as to be drawn away by the first pretty woman that passed his way, you’re better off without him. But you shouldn’t use his unchivalrous behavior as a measurement of all men. Phillip and Herbert are two entirely different people,” Jonathan argued as he rushed to catch up with her.
“Oh, for goodness’ sake, Jonathan, will you please quit defending Phillip? Let’s just go to the party,” she insisted.
The enlisted men’s dining hall was ablaze with light. A mixture of laughter and chatter filled the night air as Jonathan pulled open the door for his sister. A sea of men in dark blue dress uniforms and women in brightly colored gowns parted as they made their way through the room.
“May I have the first dance?” General Yorke inquired, handing Teddi’s cape and bonnet to her brother. “Jonathan will see to your wraps.”
Teddi giggled as she watched her brother feign indignation. “I thought that surely I would have the privilege of the first dance. After all, I escorted her, Father,” Jonathan argued.
“Perhaps, but age does have its advantages, my boy. Now, do as you’re told,” he said, genially dismissing his son with a wave of his arm. “Come, my dear. I’ll show these young fellows how it’s supposed to be done,” he said, leading her onto the gleaming hardwood floor.
In keeping with the season, the large room was festooned with green cedar branches adorned with red berries and tied with wide red-and-white ribbons. The dining tables had been moved along the walls and were now draped with crisp white tablecloths and laden with holiday delicacies of every variety. Centerpieces crafted from dried flowers and greenery were flanked on either side by tall, flickering candles; the festive combination graced each of the serving tables. Isabelle’s cherished sterling punch bowl was centered on a table at the rear of the room, its highly polished s
ilver reflecting a rainbow’s array of colors as the dancers whirled by.
“Wonderful performance, my dear. Watching you up on that stage made me very proud. It was like old times, seeing you and Phillip having fun together,” Clayton commented.
“Old times? I don’t remember ever having much fun with Phillip. But I do remember chasing after him and Jonathan, begging them to let me join in their fun,” Teddi replied. First her brother, and now her father. Why did everyone have to keep bringing Phillip into the conversation?
“Ah, but isn’t that the way of all children? Half of their time spent playing is making it look as though they’re having so much fun that others want to join in?” Clayton asked.
“Perhaps. But if you’re the one chasing after them and begging to be a part of their games, it isn’t such fun. Besides, that was years ago. Phillip and I are both adults now, and the drama we performed tonight wasn’t a child’s game.”
“Well, it certainly appeared that Phillip was having a grand time—especially that last scene. But now that I think about it, he looked as though he was taking that kiss pretty seriously,” Clayton replied, giving her a boisterous chuckle just as the music ceased.
“You’re letting your imagination and propensity toward matchmaking get the best of you, Father. It was nothing but acting,” Teddi replied defensively.
“I’m not so sure,” he argued. “I’d better get you back to your brother, or he’ll be complaining that I’ve stolen you away for the whole evening,” Clayton continued as he began to direct Teddi toward her brother.
Helen Hanson was clinging to Phillip’s arm, obviously mesmerized by his charms as the two of them stood chatting with Jonathan. Teddi attempted to guide her father in another direction, but his bulk proved more difficult to maneuver than she had anticipated, causing them to end up directly in the midst of the threesome that she had hoped to avoid.
“Well, here she is, fit as a fiddle and ready to dance the night away,” the general announced as he deposited Teddi between her brother and Phillip and walked off toward his wife.
“Oh, Teddi, I was just telling Phillip what a simply divine performance the two of you gave us this evening. If I had known that Phillip was going to play the lead, I would have auditioned for the part,” Helen purred.
“Perhaps next time, Helen. You do seem to have a flair for the dramatic,” Teddi responded as she watched Helen tighten her hold on Phillip’s arm.
The band director lifted his arms to signal the next dance, and Jonathan quickly reached out and grasped Helen’s free hand. “Come along, Helen. Let’s permit the stars of the show to have this dance,” he said, deftly moving her onto the dance floor before she could protest.
“Shall we?” Phillip asked, holding out his hand toward Teddi.
She nodded her agreement, and soon they were circling the floor, his hand resting lightly at her waist. Her palms were damp. She could feel Phillip’s eyes upon her, and she longed for some sensible thought to enter her mind, some coy or amusing anecdote that might serve to fill the silence between them.
“You have quite a talent on the stage, Teddi. I was wondering if I could convince you to direct the children in the church pageant this year?”
“I believe Colonel Lane asked Mrs. Bennett to perform that duty several months ago—before his retirement,” Teddi replied. “But should she decide she needs assistance, I’ll be more than pleased to help. However, Mrs. Bennett is accustomed to working with the children, so you need not worry. She’ll do an excellent job.”
“I see. And who’s in charge of the oyster supper? I hear that’s one of the major events of the holiday season,” Phillip inquired.
“My mother, although I wish that she hadn’t agreed to do it again this year. It becomes a family event, with plenty of work for all of us. Of course with Jonathan and George here, it may not be as difficult this year. I’ll suggest she keep them busy.”
“So both of your brothers will be here for Christmas?”
“They’ll leave after New Year’s Day. It’s going to be great fun having them here to enjoy the holidays. I know my parents are delighted that Jonathan and George could both manage to remain throughout the holidays.”
Phillip nodded. “That is good news.”
“Aren’t you going home for the holidays? To see your parents, I mean,” Teddi quickly added.
“No. I don’t think the army would consider a request for leave so soon after my arrival. Besides, being with your family is almost the same as being with mine,” Phillip remarked, giving her a broad smile. “Would you like some punch?” he offered as the music ended and they left the dance floor.
“That would be nice,” Teddi agreed, watching as he strode toward the rear of the hall.
“Put in a good word for me, would you?” Helen whispered, grasping Teddi by the arm and pulling her close.
“With my brother?” Teddi asked, now giving Helen her full attention.
“No, silly, with Phillip. Tell him that I’d make a perfect military wife. Isn’t he just the most handsome man in the room?” she asked as Phillip walked toward them with two silver punch cups filled to the brim.
“Why, thank you,” Helen cooed as she extended her hand toward one of the cups. “How very thoughtful of you, Phillip.”
Phillip handed the other cup to Teddi, glancing first at Teddi before allowing his sight to rest upon Helen.
“This was for me, wasn’t it?” Helen asked, in her most charming voice.
“If you are in need of a cool drink, it is most certainly for you. I’m pleased that I could be of assistance,” Phillip gallantly added.
“Well, dear me, when you came in my direction, I just naturally assumed you were bringing the punch for me, rather for us—for you and me to share,” she continued explaining as she determinedly moved closer to his side.
“Actually, I had gotten the punch for Teddi and me. I assumed you were busy on the dance floor. But, as I said, I don’t mind coming to your aid,” he answered.
“Let me thank you properly by permitting you the privilege of the next dance,” Helen crooned. “I’m sure that one of Teddi’s brothers will be more than happy to escort her onto the dance floor.”
“I would love to, Helen, but I’ve already signed Teddi’s dance card for the next dance and Mrs. Yorke’s for the one following Teddi’s. But if you’re free after that, I’ll be back,” Phillip replied.
“I’ll be waiting right here,” Helen cooed as Phillip and Teddi returned to the dance floor.
The band seemed to play on indeterminately and Helen paced along the edge of the floor until Phillip finally returned Teddi to the punch table.
“What did you say to him?” Helen whispered as she sidled up to Teddi.
“About what?” Teddi absentmindedly inquired as she watched Phillip and her mother take to the dance floor.
“Me, of course,” Helen tersely replied as she tucked a ringlet of dark hair back into place. Her large, bow-shaped lips were formed into a pout that reminded Teddi of a two year old.
“Your name didn’t come up,” Teddi replied.
“You were supposed to bring it up, remember? I specifically asked you to put in a good word for me. I should have realized that you were eyeing him for yourself, now that Herbert’s walked out on you,” Helen rebutted, her razor-sharp words meeting their mark.
Teddi shrunk back from the attack, her eyes darting about the room in hope of finding some point of refuge. Jonathan! He was making his way across the dance floor toward where she stood. Without a word, she shoved her punch cup into Helen’s free hand and walked onto the floor, meeting Jonathan midway.
“I presume you’d like to dance?” Jonathan said with a laugh.
“We don’t have to dance. Just get me away from Helen Hanson and her vicious tongue,” Teddi answered.
“What’s Helen’s problem? Not enough beaux, or no special beau?”
“She wanted me to tell Phillip what a catch she’d make for him. When I did
n’t take the first opportunity available to pass along the information, she became insulting.”
“You should have just told her that when the right moment presented itself, you’d talk to him,” Jonathan instructed.
“Why should I be Helen Hanson’s matchmaker? She’s never had the time of day for me unless she wanted some favor. Furthermore, I don’t think that I’d be doing Phillip any favor by telling him that Helen is considering him as her next beau,” Teddi told him.
“Hmmm. You wouldn’t be jealous that other women find Phillip desirable, would you?”
“Of course not. Why should I be? He’s nothing to me.”
“You sound a bit defensive, dear sister. Sure you’re not still carrying a torch for our old family friend after all these years?”
“I’m not carrying a torch for anyone. If Helen had asked me to act as a go-between with you or George, I wouldn’t have done that, either. My refusal to help has nothing to do with Phillip. It’s Helen. I’d have to see some dramatic changes in her behavior before I’d ever speak on her behalf,” Teddi explained.
“I see,” Jonathan replied, nodding his head.
“You don’t believe me, do you?”
“It doesn’t matter what I think, Teddi. You know what’s in your heart. I do know that Phillip is a good man and would make a fine husband and father. And I think he’s reached a point in his life at which he’s ready to settle down—with the right woman, of course. Not with someone as shallow and devious as Helen Hanson. Perhaps you can think of someone who might qualify?” Jonathan asked, his voice filled with seriousness.
“Tell me, Jonathan, is that truly your assessment or Phillip’s? Because from my point of view, he seems much more interested in attracting beauty than avoiding shallow or devious behavior,” Teddi replied.
“Well, I’m sure that he wouldn’t hold beauty against a woman,” Jonathan said, giving her a laugh. “Ouch!”
Sleigh Bells Page 6