The Ebb Read online

  “Oh I see,” he responded, looking visibly deflated. He finally took his protruding eyes from her to inspect the wall behind her, as he ran a hand slowly over his brilliantined hair. Within split seconds, his head was held up high again, his composure fully restored, and the same expression of unperturbed pride had returned on his face. “Of course! I do understand, Miss Mayfield. That’s quite all right. I am sure we can do this on another evening. And may I call you Laura?” he asked with a toothy grin.

  “You may,” she answered, giving up. She knew it would be futile to even hint on her dismay. Besides, Mr Mills looked so worried that she started to feel like she should reassure him a little.

  “Well, I mustn’t hold you up any longer,” he said, and after a few more pleasantries, Laura was finally able to close the door on the two men with a huge sigh. It wasn’t long before she heard another knock. This time her smile was genuine when she saw Christian standing at the door with Meg, Paul and Maggie.

  “Come on, Your Royal Highness! What’s keeping you so long?” teased Meg as Laura took her coat and purse from the hanger. For the past two days Meg hadn’t stopped making light-hearted banter over Laura’s sudden rise to the fancy world of theatre.

  “Hey, you shouldn’t keep a man waiting for his steak dinner and pints after a day’s work! Hurry up, we’re starving here!” added Paul in the same teasing fashion, his arm around Meg lovingly.

  “Congratulations, Laura! You were simply wonderful!” said Maggie, who had also watched the show. She looked quite moved when she reached out to plant a kiss on Laura’s cheek. The two girls had grown quite close over the past year.

  “Sweetheart, I’m so proud of you I could burst,” said Christian last, taking her hand. Hurriedly, they all exited into the warm summer night, a bundle of joyful, young faces. Their excited voices and playful banter became instantly inaudible in the mad bustle, as they made their way in a rush through the Pier’s visiting crowd.

  ***

  “Cheers! Well done Laura! Congrats!” echoed pleasantly the mildly intoxicated voices in Laura’s ears. After a hearty meal, they had lingered at the Swan much longer than they did normally as to enjoy a few more drinks. Paul had just bought the last round.

  “Thank you all,” Laura kept replying humbly, still unbelieving of the sudden change in her life. Had it all really happened? Had she just sung and danced on stage in a full theatre?

  “Come here you!” said Christian, squeezing her against him for another peck on the lips. “My singing bird, my very own nightingale!” he shouted out and everyone cheered.

  “Since this is a night of celebration, it’s perfectly apt to tell you our news,” piped up Paul then, squeezing Meg in his arms for the thousandth time that night. “How about it girl?” he asked, chuckling upon inspecting the others’ faces. They were all animated with curiosity and drink. “Shall we tell them and put them out of their misery?”

  Meg nodded. “We’re getting married!” she blurted out with an excited giggle. The announcement caused a fresh round of cheering, kissing, and congratulating among the friends.

  “My goodness!” said Maggie, her eyes huge.

  “It’s beautiful!” exclaimed Laura when Meg showed them her engagement ring, having produced it from her purse.

  “Finally I can wear it! I’ve been dying to show you all evening,” she said, slipping it on her finger. It was a plain gold band with three sapphires set in it.

  “Why didn’t you wear it earlier?” asked Christian.

  “Paul only asked me just before the show, and I didn’t want to steal Laura’s thunder.”

  “Oh, that’s so sweet of you,” answered Laura, squeezing Meg lovingly.

  “When is the wedding?” asked Maggie.

  “We’re thinking in about a month’s time,” replied Meg. Paul nodded in agreement. “Girls, will you help me pick the dress?” asked Meg. Laura and Maggie nodded eagerly and started to discuss the perfect dress with her, the way a future bride’s best friends always do.

  Laura and Maggie had received the news with excitement but also with a small measure of sadness, seeing that Meg would soon be moving out of the house. Meg and Paul had already found the best flat to rent. Ignoring the men, the girls continued to chat, discussing details for the planning of the wedding, still sitting at the pub, yet already going through town mentally, picking out the best shop for the wedding dress.

  “Will you be my best man?” asked Paul, and for the first time this evening the jovial look on his face had left him. He looked rather moved now.

  Christian, who knew how much he loved Meg, was not surprised.

  “Of course mate; it goes without saying,” he replied, patting him on the back.

  Chapter 24

  The following morning during rehearsal, a large bunch of stunning flowers was delivered for Laura. She was in her dressing room on a break when a skinny delivery boy brought it to the door. Laura placed the bouquet on the counter, admiring the beauty of the flowers, but felt nervous about finding out who the sender was. There was one possibility that sprang to mind which caused her stomach to knot. As she slowly took the card out of the tiny envelope, she really hoped she would be proven wrong. Sadly, she wasn’t.

  Dear Laura,

  Congratulations again for your exquisite performance.

  I hope these flowers will help express my sincere admiration.

  Yet, I fear that their beauty will instantly fade before you.

  I am looking forward to meeting you again soon.

  Yours sincerely,

  Charles.

  Laura put the card back in the envelope with a wry smile. The viscount’s remark about her looks had sounded rather smarmy, or was it just because he had written it? Perhaps it would have been a fine compliment coming from anyone else but him. She regarded the flowers before her with a sense of unease now. What was she to do with them? If it were up to her, she would throw them in the bin, but if Charles were to visit again soon, he would surely expect to see them. She couldn’t offend him like that. There was nothing for it. She would have to display them in her room, if anything, for Mr Mills’s sake. Above all, she felt she had to maintain her good manners no matter how much the very thought of the viscount unsettled her.

  Unwillingly, she freed the flowers from their packaging and filled the vase with water from the tap, then arranged them in it and placed it on a faraway cabinet, as far from her chair as possible. Surely she had to display them in there but not necessarily close to her, not with their strong, intruding fragrance constantly reminding her of the viscount’s undesired advances.

  Without a second thought, she took the envelope and threw it in the bin. There was no way she was going to risk Christian seeing that card. He wasn’t exactly the jealous type, but she knew he would feel threatened by such a rich and socially superior admirer of hers. Since she didn’t have the slightest intention to encourage that awfully smug man, there really was no reason at all in her eyes to upset her beloved Christian over him.

  ***

  The matinee performance that same day was another huge success. Word had already gone around town about the new leading lady, and the theatre was once again packed. Laura was astounding once again, and the audience rewarded her superb voice handsomely with thunderous applause. This time round, it had been so much easier. It was as if she had been performing for a long time, not just two days. This felt really odd to her. Mr Mills’s compliments and suggestions that she had been born for this had started to sink in, to feel real to her. She loved this new world of light and music, of adoration and glamour.

  Yet, once she returned to her dressing room to change, she found a small jewellery box waiting for her, and the feeling of dread returned. If only I could have this amazing new life without that awful man constantly barging into it! Reluctantly, she opened the box lid and was dazzled by the content. She knew she was going to be impressed, thanks to the label on the lid. It was from the best jewellers in town; not that she had ever ventur
ed inside.

  Charles’s gift was a string of pearls, real pearls, not like the ones she had worn in the past. These glowed brilliantly under the strong, electric light. Despite herself, she took the stunning piece of jewellery in her hands, holding it around her neck to admire her reflection in the large mirror. Nothing could have prepared her for the sight. It was simply the most exquisite string of pearls she’d ever seen. She didn’t clasp it around her neck, though. Thinking of Christian and the fake pearls he had so proudly won for her at the arcade, she placed it guiltily back in the box. She simply couldn’t keep this extravagant gift.

  Yet, she was dying to know now what the accompanying note said. I could have a peek at it, strictly for amusement purposes. His absurd arrogance is laughable, if it is anything! As she took the note in her hands to read it, she wondered to what lengths Charles was willing to go to, before realising she was actually taken.

  My dearest Laura,

  While thinking of things that could perhaps stand before your beauty and not fade, I stumbled upon this string of pearls. Perhaps they will last a while longer than the flowers will, before fading out in your presence. Would you do me the extreme pleasure to have dinner with me this Saturday at Notre Dame?

  Yours truly,

  Charles.

  Laura felt speechless. The man’s audacity was monumental. Within a single day, he had gone from ‘Dear’ to ‘My dearest’ and the smarmy compliments pressed on. What makes him think he can buy me out like that? No matter how beautiful the darned pearls!

  She slipped the note back in its envelope and, muttering indignantly under her breath, started to change out of her costume. Soon, Christian would finish his work too, and they would meet outside for a quick drink before he walked her home. By the time she was almost ready to go, she had started to pant as her thoughts of Charles continued to irritate her. Then, there was a knock at the door. She went to answer it, happy for the intrusion, eager to calm down and forget for a while about this man’s relentless pursuit. It was Mr Mills that walked in, full of admiration once more. Laura thanked him, and just as he was about to leave just seconds later, he noticed the open jewellery box on the counter.

  “Oh, my goodness! How exquisite! Is this from an admirer, if I may ask? Oh, you started early!” he teased her with a wink. “Didn’t I tell you I’d make you a star?”

  “Indeed, Mr Mills. It’s from Lord Willard,” she informed him eagerly. He seemed so enthusiastic that Laura didn’t think to hold back the information.

  “Oh Laura, this is a fine opportunity for you! And what fine taste his lordship has!”

  “I agree, it’s very beautiful but surely I can't keep it—”

  “Why on earth not? I’ll have you know, it’s an artist’s sacred right to receive presents from admirers. You don’t want to ward off people like him! Be a clever girl and keep him running behind you, I say! The viscount is so rich that he could pave the roads in gold just for you to walk on. And did I mention that his father is an Earl?”

  “Yes, Mr Mills, indeed you have.” She exhaled audibly, his awe towards peerage starting to vex her. “All that is well, but you forget I have a boyfriend. Surely it’s not ethical to accept this extravagant gift, let alone to go out with the viscount. Do you not think so?”

  “Did he ask you out again?”

  She sighed. “Yes, he did. Another invitation to Notre Dame for dinner.”

  “You want my advice? You should go. See it as a business lunch, my dear—”

  She scoffed. “A business lunch?”

  “Yes, indeed.” He waved a hand dismissively. “You’re far too young to take things so seriously! Keep him at arm’s length if you must, but do take my advice and don’t turn him down. These people don’t take rejection well. And besides, where’s the harm? He’s a fine gentleman. It’s not like he’s asking you to do something difficult. You’ll dine in an exquisite establishment, and it won't even cost you a penny. Huh! You don’t even have to tell Christian if you don’t want to. It’s good for business, my dear!”

  “I don’t know, Mr Mills. It doesn’t seem right to me somehow.”

  “I won't insist dear, this is of course a personal matter.” He sighed but then fixed her with a stare that suggested he was about to say something important. “There’s no evening performance tonight, and that’s to your benefit, my dear child. My advice is, go home. Have an early night, mull over things and tomorrow, make a choice on a restful head. Just bear in mind one thing, and this is all I will say: The viscount and his family have really helped our Society. We wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for them. Our success, our handsome rewards, all that is to follow in London, we owe it all to them! The viscount’s mother—Lady Fenshaw—has exquisite connections, and she’s been really helpful to us all,” he added with a suggestive nod. Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heels and left the room.

  Laura was about to get her things and go too, when Christian walked in.

  “What’s taking you so long, my darling? I’ve been waiting and waiting outside!”

  “Sorry love, I’m ready. I’ll just get my coat,” she replied, but he went to the hanger first to fetch it for her. She loved the way he always did that. Like a personal servant, he insisted on waiting on her hand and foot. As he often did, he held the coat again for her to put it on, but when he turned to get her purse from the counter, his eyes inevitably fell on the box. Before he even spoke, Laura realised in horror she would be paying the price for forgetting to hide it. She bit her lower lip, and when his eyes darted to hers, she saw dread there, dread and unease.

  “What’s this Laura? Is this yours?” he asked, his voice gradually reduced to a stunned whisper.

  “It’s nothing,” she mumbled.

  “So this is how it starts,” he replied, shaking his head. “May I?” he asked, pointing to the note she had left by the box.

  “Of course,” she managed with a shrug from her shoulders, knowing it would be far worse not to let him see it.

  “Charles? Who’s Charles, Laura?”

  “It’s the Viscount Willard. He’s the son of Earl Fenshaw…” As Laura studied Christian’s expression, a knot formed in her throat that made her pause. He was unimpressed by the fancy titles. “Mr Mills said they’re the most important financiers of the Society,” she continued, trying to appear nonchalant. She could read it in his face though; his indignation was about to explode.

  Damn his bouts of insecurity. By now, she could always tell when his next scolding was coming. It happened a lot lately, and it had started to turn her life into hell, the way he always reacted to her expressions of affinity towards high society. What’s more, her patience had been wearing thinner and thinner with every argument they had.

  “Mr Mills? You’ve been coaxed by Mr Mills to be agreeable to his benefactors? Is that it? Is that how it goes?” he asked, raising his voice.

  “No, of course not! For God’s sake, Christian, calm down!” She placed a reassuring hand on his arm, but he yanked it away.

  “It’s just that Mr Mills said it’s common for performers to receive gifts. He’s just an admirer, that’s all. It’s harmless.”

  “Are you taking me for a fool? This man clearly thinks he can take you out to dinner! Have you been encouraging him?” His face looked like thunder.

  Laura’s cheeks flushed red with the insult. “No! I certainly have not! “He asked without me encouraging him at all. I swear! If anything, I’ve already turned him down once already.”

  “What are you telling me? How long has this been going on?”

  “What are you suggesting exactly? I only met him yesterday, you stupid fool! He asked me out yesterday, and I declined, of course!”

  He arched his brows at her. “Well, I’m sure the necklace will sway you enough to accept this time!”

  “What?”

  “You heard! That’s what you’ve always wanted, isn't it?” He retorted, his face scrunched up with bitterness.

  “Ho
w dare you speak to me in this manner? Don’t you know me at all?”

  “I’m only saying it because I do know you, Laura! All you ever wanted is riches, fineries and comforts! And now it seems to me you’re finally going to get it all. You should be congratulating yourself!” The sickly smile he flashed her then, made her livid.

  “Get out! Get out of here right now if that’s what you think of me!”

  “Oh, just save it! I’m sure it suits you perfectly. It’s a dream come true for you!” he replied, sneering at her, his face full of mockery, hardened with scorn.

  “How dare you!” she managed with effort, her mind drawing blank in the face of his unjust indignation.

  “The way I see it, I’m doing you a favour. Saves time and all that! So go. Go and have it your way. But so you know, you’ll be running back to me in no time!” he warned from the door, glaring at her.

  “Oh? And what makes you think that?” she retorted, fighting back the tears that stung her eyes.

  “I’ve heard stories about him. He’s an arrogant bastard, and a notorious womaniser! He changes his women faster than he changes his socks! Good luck to you,” he blurted out last, sarcasm colouring his face ugly. He turned on his heels and walked away, satisfied to see the shock on her face.

  “I’ll be the judge of that!” she yelled behind him and shut the door with a deafening bang.

  Chapter 25

  Laura got home crying all the way. As soon as she walked through the front door, she rushed into her mother’s arms.

  At the time, Ruth was standing by the aga with a ladle in hand, about to stir the stew.

  “What’s the matter, dearest? Anything wrong with the show?” Tenderly, Ruth cupped her daughter’s cheek with a warm hand. She could see from her swollen eyes that she had been crying.