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‘Even if that was true, what could I offer her but rooms above the shop, and smells and grease what goes with my trade.’
‘But I understand she rented a room from you until recently, so she can’t mind too much.’
‘That was when her old ma was still alive, miss. When the old woman passed away recently I didn’t think it was proper for a lady like Miss Bannister to stay on.’
‘There was a simple remedy, Jedidiah. You could have proposed marriage.’
Jedidiah snorted with laughter. ‘And what d’you think she would have said to such a proposition?’
‘There’s only one way to find out,’ Nancy said, smiling. ‘And I can’t help you with that.’
He reined in his old horse outside the theatre. ‘I got no prospects other than my business in Clare Market. That ain’t no life for a lady like Bertha.’
Nancy was about to climb down from the cart but she hesitated. ‘Would you consider moving to the country, Jedidiah?’
‘If the opportunity arose I’d be there like an arrow from a bow, but that ain’t likely to happen.’
‘You never know what’s coming next. Maybe your luck will change. Anyway, thank you for saving me yet again, Jedidiah. I am very much in your debt.’
‘Stay away from the backstreets, miss. Give my respects to Miss Bannister when you see her next.’ Jedidiah flicked the reins. ‘Walk on.’
Nancy watched him drive away. An idea occurred to her, but there was nothing she could do about it until she returned to Rockwood Castle. The draw of home was strong these days and she longed to have Rosie to confide in, or even Patsy, although the latter was not always the most sympathetic person in the world. Nancy walked round to the stage door and entered the theatre, wondering what upsets the day would provide.
She could hear Felicia’s raised voice even before she reached the dressing room. Garson Thorne emerged scowling ominously. He brushed past Nancy without saying a word and stomped off towards the auditorium. Nancy opened the door and narrowly missed being hit by one of Felicia’s shoes, which she had hurled with some force. Nancy bent down and retrieved it.
‘What’s going on?’
‘That man is impossible. Well, I told him I won’t be treated like this. I’m the prima donna, not that upstart of a girl. We’re leaving, Claude. I refuse to sing another note for that man.’
‘But, my love, don’t be too hasty,’ Claude said softly. ‘We’ve been through this before. You will harm your career if you walk out now.’
‘I don’t care,’ Felicia sobbed. ‘As if it weren’t bad enough to be upstaged by that – that Corvi woman – I’ve just seen the playbills and her name is in letters so much larger than mine have ever been. I’m doubly insulted.’
‘Rise above such trivialities, my pet. When Garson’s protégée proves to be a mere shadow of you, he will learn to regret his decision. Until then you are the prima donna, as you quite rightly said. You must not disappoint your public, my love. Finish the season as we agreed – after all, it’s only another week or so – and then we are invited to Dorrington Place. Forget Garson Thorne and his opera company – the world awaits you, my love.’
Felicia shrugged and slumped down on the stool in front of her dressing table. ‘I suppose you’re right. I must rise above such pettiness, but he will live to regret treating me as if I were a member of the chorus. Nancy, fetch me a cup of coffee.’ Felicia opened a drawer and took out a silver flask. ‘A tot of brandy will help to calm my nerves.’
Nancy made her escape. There was a coffee stall in the street near to the theatre, patronised by the backstage staff and performers alike. Nancy bought two mugs of coffee and took them to Claude and Felicia, who was holding the flask to her lips and sipping brandy with obvious enjoyment.
‘I won’t need you until this evening, Nancy,’ Felicia said, smiling tipsily. ‘You may take the rest of the day to do whatever you wish. I will drink my coffee and then you may take me back to John Adam Street, Claude. I will rest until this evening’s performance. They don’t need me at rehearsals now.’
‘I’ll take you home as soon as you feel well enough, my love.’
‘I am still the star of the show, Claude. I won’t be treated in such a cavalier fashion.’
Nancy left the dressing room, not wishing to be drawn into the argument. She knew that Claude was right, but she sympathised with Felicia. It was a humiliating situation for anyone to be in.
Nancy collected her outdoor things and was about to leave the theatre when she saw Gervase strolling towards her. She hoped he had not spotted her, but he stopped and tipped his top hat.
‘My dear Nancy, I was hoping to see you.’
‘I’m in a hurry, Gervase. I have an appointment.’
He leaned on his silver-headed cane. ‘Now let me see. Would that be Ashton, by any chance?’
‘As a matter of fact I am going to spend the afternoon with Freddie. He’s taking me to the zoological gardens.’ It was not strictly true, although Freddie had mentioned that it would be a pleasant way to spend an afternoon if Nancy had any free time. She eyed him curiously. ‘Did you come to see Felicia? If you did, it’s probably not the best time.’
‘Really? That sounds interesting. Tell me more.’
