Rhiannon (21 page)

Adam knocked on the door.

Harry opened it.

Adam couldn't fail to notice the smug look on Harry's face.

‘We're here for Mair,' Adam said.

‘Where's the money?' Harry snapped.

Adam removed the envelope from the inside pocket of his overcoat and offered it to Harry.

Harry snatched it from him. ‘Don't mind if I check it, eh?'

‘It's all there, all two hundred pounds,' Adam assured him through gritted teeth.

Frank stood beside Adam. ‘All right, no more delays. You've got the money, now where's Mair?'

‘All right, keep your hair on.' Harry turned and called out, ‘Nellie, bring the girl!'

‘Her name's Mair! And believe me, if you've harmed a hair on her head... .' Frank was about to elaborate when Nellie came to the door, her arm wrapped around Mair's waist as if supporting her. ‘Mair, are you all right?' Frank asked.

Mair's glazed eyes stared back at Frank, as if she were struggling to recognize him.

‘Mair, it's me Frank – Frank Lewis. Come on, love, you know me.'

When Mair didn't respond, Frank stepped forward. He took her in his arms but soon realized that she could barely stand on her own two feet.

‘What have you buggers done to her?' Frank demanded.

‘We haven't done anything. The girl's caught a bit of a chill, that's all. Came on last night it did,' Nellie offered.

Frank swept Mair up into his arms. ‘How many times do I have to say it? Her name's Mair, she's your daughter for Christ's sake, and this
looks like more than a chill to me.' Frank turned to Adam. ‘Adam, let's get her away from this evil bloody pair!'

As Adam and Frank made their way from the building to Adam's waiting car they heard Harry shout from an upstairs window, ‘And good riddance to you too, that's what I say!'

Once safely out on the street Frank stopped. ‘Adam, I really don't think we should take her to Mrs Gordon's looking like this.'

‘No. You're right. We'll take her to my house and call a doctor.'

‘No-no, I'm all right, honest. I just want to see Rhi.' Mair's voice was but a whisper.

‘And you shall. I promise you that Rhi will come to my house, but first we'd like a doctor to check on you.'

 

‘Mrs Gordon, where have they got to? What could have gone wrong?'

‘I don't know, child. Try to be patient. I'm sure there's a perfectly good explanation.'

There was a knock on the door. Rhiannon jumped up from her chair.

‘You stay put, I'll go,' Mrs Gordon ordered.

‘Mrs Gordon, I'm sorry. May I come in?' Adam asked.

‘Certainly, but whatever has happened? Where's the wee child?'

‘Mair's not well. I didn't think it wise to bring her here. I thought it best to take her to my house and send for the doctor. The doctor said he'd be there in an hour. Frank's at the house waiting for him. Mrs Gordon, I fear the worst, I think the poor girl has been sexually assaulted.'

Mrs Gordon, not wishing to alert Rhiannon, raised her hand to her mouth in an effort to muffle her cry of, ‘Oh my God!'

‘I think it best if she stays at my house for a few days. I don't want this to become common knowledge, you know how given to tittle-tattle theatre folk can be?'

‘Yes, quite. Mr Fletcher – Adam, would you like me to go and sit with her, and be there with her when the doctor arrives?'

Adam nodded. ‘I was hoping you'd suggest that.'

‘Then that's settled. I'll just get my coat. In fact, if it's all right with you I'll stay a few nights. I'm sure everyone at the theatre would relish a few days without my supervision.'

‘I think that's a grand idea. Although I'm sure wardrobe will miss you, you do such a great job. Now all I have to do is break the dreadful news to Rhiannon. And I can say, with all honesty, I'm not looking forward to it.'

‘Why don't you go, get yourself off to the theatre and leave it to me to break it to Rhiannon?'

Adam gave a notable sigh of relief. ‘Thank you. I really wasn't looking forward to it and perhaps ... coming from a woman, it may help to soften the blow. Do you think I should get someone to fill in Rhiannon's spot for tonight's performance?'

‘No, I do not! Rhiannon is a true professional and she'll not let you down. I'll let Mair know that Rhi will be at your house straight after the show.'

 

Mair lay in the strange bedroom. She was confused as to why Adam and Frank had brought her to Adam's house instead of taking her to Rhiannon. When Mrs Gordon had arrived Mair asked her the very same question.

‘The doctor's been called and well ... if the doctor was to call at my boarding house, everyone at the theatre would know your business, you wouldn't want that, now would you? And as for Rhiannon, she'll be here straight after the show.'

Mair was thankful that, when the doctor examined her, Mrs Gordon was there to hold her hand. The way his hands pushed and prodded her and the questions he asked made Mair feel both dirty and ashamed. Maybe that was how Rhiannon thought of her, too. If Mrs Gordon could be here for her then why wasn't Rhiannon? Surely she was more important than some stupid show?

 

Rhiannon's performance on stage that night, while totally professional, was not her best; her mind just wasn't on her job, she simply went through the motions. The audience didn't seem to notice, she did what was expected, enticing her audience to enter her world, to sing along, to clap and stamp their feet, to enjoy themselves. And they obviously did. But her heart just wasn't in it. Hearing the news from Mrs Gordon of Mair's terrible ordeal brought her stage performance into perspective; her performance on stage was a triviality, simply acting out a part – an illusion. While what happened to Mair was real life. The way Rhiannon had felt since Gus had left was nothing in comparison to what Mair had been made to suffer.

Rhiannon was consumed by guilt. Why hadn't she looked for Mair sooner? Why had she been too ready to believe her Aunt Florrie's version of why Mair had left in the first place? There could be no denying that she had let Mair down. So much so that if Mair chose not
to forgive her who could blame her?

After the show Rhiannon hastily changed into her street clothes and headed for Adam's house. Adam had suggested she should wait for him to escort her, but Rhiannon knew that it would be at least another hour before he could leave and she couldn't wait a moment longer to see Mair.

 

At Adam's house Mrs Gordon was the first to greet Rhiannon.

‘My dear girl, I know how eager you are to see Mair but I feel I should prepare you. The doctor confirmed our worst fears and he says that her condition is far from good. My dear, she's lost quite a lot of blood. I can't believe what that evil bastard ... I'm sorry, I don't normally swear, but the child has been so hurt. The doctor assured me that, in time, she will heal. But the mental scars? They may take a lot longer.'

‘Where is she? I must go to her!'

‘Follow me. She's upstairs.'

Rhiannon entered the comfortable bedroom, well lit by gas lamps strategically placed at either side of the bed. Mair lay, apparently lifeless, in the large double bed, her small face peeping out from under the thick satin eiderdown.

‘Mair love, it's me, Rhiannon.'

Mair's eyes half-opened. ‘Rhi, is it really you?'

‘Yes. It's me.'

‘Rhi, h-he really hurt m-me,' Mair sobbed.

‘I know, love. I'm so sorry. The agreement we made with Harry and Nellie was intended to save you from this. But they tricked us.'

‘Why, Rhi? Why did my own mother let this happen? Why does she hate me so?'

‘I only wish I knew. I so wish I could make all the nasty memories go away. Honestly Mair – I'd do anything.'

‘Rhi ... can you find me a knife?'

‘Don't talk now. Just you rest.'

‘Rhi, I need a knife. Please get me a knife – in case he comes back.'

‘I promise you, he'll not find you here. No one is going to hurt you. While Adam and I are at the theatre, Mrs Gordon and Frank have agreed to stay with you. Mair love, you look so frail. You really must try to eat.'

‘How can I when I have no appetite?'

‘Doctor Humphries says your body is still in shock.'

There was a tap on the door.

‘Come in,' Rhi called.

A solemn Frank poked his head around the door.

‘I'm sorry to disturb you both, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm going out for a bit of a walk. Rhi, if you like I can walk you back to your digs.'

‘You're both leaving me?' Mair whimpered.

‘Now don't you go fretting yourself,' Frank coaxed. ‘Mrs Gordon will be here with you and I'd dare anyone to get past her. The girls at the theatre have a nickname for her – they call her ‘the Dragon'. And I for one wouldn't like to cross her.'

‘Frank's right, you know,' Rhiannon assured her, ‘She's as good as any man. We all know that she's a member of the suffragist movement, the purple amethyst and green brooch she's taken to wearing is a dead give away.' Rhiannon stood up and, bending over, placed a soft kiss on Mair's cheek. ‘But as it happens I've decided to stay with you tonight. I just need to have a few words with Frank and I'll be straight back.'

‘You promise,' Mair pleaded.

‘I promise. Now why don't you try to have a little sleep?'

Mair forced a smile, ‘All right, I'll try.'

‘Good girl. Mrs Gordon's down in the kitchen busy preparing supper. If you feel up to it, I could help you downstairs and then we could all enjoy a late supper around the kitchen table.'

‘I'd like that.'

For a little while Frank and Rhiannon stood in silence outside Mair's bedroom door, both numbed by what had happened to Mair and both consumed with guilt for having failed her.

‘I'll not be gone long, Rhi. There's just something I need to do,' Frank whispered.

‘Frank, where are you off to?'

‘I told you. There's something I need to do.'

‘Frank, you're not thinking of paying Nellie and Harry a visit are you?' Rhiannon kept her voice low, not wanting to alarm Mair.

‘Your father always said it was hard to get anything past you. If you must know, I want ... no, I need, to give them a piece of my mind. What they did ... allowing that animal to ... to... . Well, it was so bloody evil.'

‘You're right, they are evil. So what do you hope to achieve by going to see them?'

‘It will make
me
feel better. Rhi, I need to do this.'

‘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.

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.