There is Nothing like a Dame A novel by Bronwen Welsh Copyright© 2017 & 2018 Bronwen Welsh A sequel to 'The Might-Have-Been Girl' and 'All the World's a Stage'

Chapter 30   Back to the States

After I hung up from talking to Edith, I sat and thought for a few minutes. I considered trying to phone Dame Emily, but decided that I shouldn't involve her, I knew what I had to do, so I dialled another number. No, it wasn't Duncan Morgan, but his secretary, Penny Lane, the 'power behind the throne', and just as importantly, a woman. I told her everything that had happened and as I expected, she was outraged.

“Duncan will not be at all happy about this. He doesn't believe that people in positions of authority should misuse their power. Leave it with me, I'll talk to him as soon as possible.”

So that was that. I had done all that I could do. Now Edith and I would have to wait and see what happened. I prayed that I hadn't given her false hope. Something else occurred to me. If Ioan lost his job, and that was the preferred outcome of my phone call to Penny, who would they get to replace him? Would they ask me? Surely not! And yet, I had some experience now as Assistant Director and if there was no one else...

The fact was that I wasn't confident enough to take over as Director yet. Despite his personal failings, I had seen that Ioan was a good Director and I might compare poorly with him. No, I would much prefer to get more experience before tackling such a responsible job, so now I had something else to worry about.

Two hours went by, and I was trying to distract myself with housework but it wasn't working. As the minutes ticked by, so my confidence in a positive outcome diminished. Then the phone ran, making me jump. It was Edith.

“Harriet, oh Harriet,” she cried and I could tell that the tears were flowing, but they were happy tears. “I've just had a call from Miss Lane. She told me that Ioan has returned to Wales due to an 'urgent family crisis' and won't be returning to Stratford. Instead, Gwynneth Soames will be taking over as director of the play. She asked if, in the circumstances, I would reconsider my resignation, and of course, I said 'yes'.”

“I am so glad for you Edith. That's the best news you could have had.”

“And it's all due to you,” she replied.

“Not really, I just made a phone call.”

“You rang Mr Morgan?” she asked, sounding as shocked as if I had put through a call to the Almighty.

“Better than that, I rang Penny Lane, his secretary. She's been with him for a long time and he trusts her judgement implicitly,” I replied.

“Well I just can't thank you enough, and Miss Lane and Mr Morgan of course. It's restored my faith in humanity.”

I laughed. “I'm sure we were all happy to right a wrong. Now you go out there and 'break a leg',” I said before hanging up and keeping my fingers crossed that she had learned a valuable lesson. Then I rang Reggie and told him what had happened.

“You're a star, Harriet. You could easily have said nothing and taken over the rôle but you did the right thing.”

“You're right, I wanted the part but not under those circumstances,” I replied. “And Edith will perform it well.”

I was right in that regard; she was a rising young star and the critics confirmed my judgement. You probably want to know what happened to Ioan. It turned out that this was not the first time he had taken advantage of his position, but he had got away with it previously. Don't ask how I know, the theatre world is a small one and news eventually gets around.

Ceridwen and he divorced, no surprise there, and that was the last I heard of him for a long time. Then, some years later, I was in America and caught the end credits of one of those soap operas that seem to go on for ever, there he was, 'Ioan Thomas, Director'. Quite frankly I thought he'd really come down in the world, although he was probably earning more than if he'd stayed in Britain. I hoped that he had learned his lesson too.

My reward for not taking on the 'Scottish Lady' was that I could now go to America and attend Miriam and Itzak's recital. I wasn't sure if Reggie would feel he had time to come as he was studying so hard, but he finally decided that a three-day break might be what was needed to clear his head and ready him for the 'last few weeks of toil', as he put it. He intended to bring along one or two books to study on the flight which I thought might negate the idea of the break, but I didn't argue with him. Instead, I decided to upgrade our tickets to Business Class so he would find it easier to relax and study.

We left Manchester early on a Friday morning having stayed in a hotel there overnight. The flight time was about ten hours, but we picked up five hours with the time difference, arriving in Boston about lunchtime. The flight was very comfortable and I was glad that I'd made the decision to upgrade our seats, it really makes a big difference if you can afford it. After picking up our luggage and going through Customs, we walked out into the Arrivals Hall and there was Henry waiting for us. He was easy to spot being so much taller than most of the other waiting chauffeurs.

“Henry!” I called out and his face broke out into a big grin: “Miss Harriet, it's so good to see you again, and Mr Reginald too.”

He insisted on taking hold of my case as he led us to where 'Annabel' was waiting. I was full of questions on how everybody was and if there was any news. In fact nothing of consequence had happened – it was only a few months since I had last been there after all, so then the conversation turned to what Reggie and I had been doing. In Reggie's case it was in a word – 'studying', but after his urging, I related how I had been called upon to step in at short notice to play Queen Gertrude in Leeds. I mentioned that David Lodge had played Hamlet and this immediately caught Henry's attention.

“You were on stage with David Lodge!” It wasn't a question, more a statement of wonder. “Blossom and I love watching your British tv on cable and we saw him in that 'Space and Time' show, So what's he like in real life?”

“He is the nicest guy you could hope to meet,” I replied. “There's not too many top actors who would be willing to help out a struggling theatre at a fraction of his normal pay, but that's the kind of guy he is. As a result, they had a sold-out season and can keep going.”

“It seems to me they had two top actors helping them out,” said Henry, and I blushed at the compliment.

“I don't see myself in David's league,” I said. “Well at least not yet,” I added with a laugh.

I should mention that the next time I saw David, which was some months later, I got him to sign a photograph with an inscription “To Blossom and Henry – Best Wishes, David”. I posted it to them and received a thank you card informing me that it was now framed and in a place of honour in their sitting room.

We stopped at the usual halfway point of the journey to East Devon, Henry being a creature of habit, and I ordered a regular coffee and a jelly donut, so what does that say about me? Reggie was considering a hamburger but Henry warned him that it would be a meal in itself. Ellen was cooking up a storm to celebrate our return and would be most offended if we were unable to do justice to it, so he settled for a donut and coffee too.

Arriving in East Devon we were greeted like long-lost relatives, and after being shown to our bedroom, and having a shower and change, as predicted, we were greeted with a sumptuous meal that evening. With local time five hours earlier than Britain, by mid-evening, our bodies were telling us it was past midnight, and together with all the travelling that day, we were feeling very tired. Fortunately Magnolia and Hiram understood what was happening, especially when we found it difficult to suppress yawns, and they excused us retiring early. It wasn't long before we were fast asleep.

The following morning over breakfast of bacon, eggs, and toast, Magnolia said that Miriam and Itzak had requested my presence at the theatre that morning, where they were conducting their final rehearsal before the evening's recital. I have a feeling that I am naturally naïve because I thought they wanted some advice on the program; why else would they want to see me?

When Reggie and I arrived at the theatre, the two young people greeted me with hugs and kisses on the cheek.

“It's so good to see you again Harriet. None of this would have happened if you hadn't invited us to be guests at your own recital,” said Miriam. “Actually, since you're here, there's something you might be able to help us with. One of the items we've been rehearsing is a Rogers and Hammerstein song from South Pacific. Itzak has written an arrangement for piano and violin.”

“There's only one problem,” said Itzak with a mischievous grin on his face. “We neglected to organise someone to sing it and we wondered if you could help us out?”

I looked at Reggie: “You had a hand in this didn't you?” I accused him.

“What me?” he replied, trying to sound indignant, but he's not a good liar.

Turning back to Miriam and Itzak, I said: “This song wouldn't happen to be 'Bali Ha'i' by any chance?”

They both laughed and said in unison:”How did you guess?”

“Someone's being 'telling tales out of school'. You do realise that I've only just started taking singing lessons, don't you?”

“We heard you sing at your recital, and you have a nice voice, so please, will you give it a try?” said Miriam.

“Well alright, but if I'm terrible, you must tell me,” I said. “I don't want to embarrass you and myself.”

With that, they led me up to the stage. Itzak sat at the piano and Miriam picked up he violin. “I'll give you the opening note very softly,” she said. And so my impromptu rehearsal began. When it had finished, I actually received a round of applause from the people who were doing various tasks in the theatre.

“You were fine, really,” said Miriam. “So will you do it for us?”

It would have been churlish to refuse so I smiled and gave in.

“We don't want to push you,” said Itzak. “But there's one other item which doesn't involve singing. I've been writing a musical accompaniment to the reciting of the Shakespeare sonnet ' Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?' It's the first time I've written something myself which I think is good enough to perform in public. Would you like to try it with us? Miriam will give you a nod when to start speaking.”

“Of course,” I replied. I was on surer ground now. They began to play and it was the loveliest, sweetest tune. I couldn't help thinking that Itzak was a young genius and his sister not far behind. Miriam nodded to me at the point where I should start speaking. I tried to match my rate of speech to the cadences of the music and managed pretty well as I spoke the last lines just before the final few bars of the music.

“Well? What do you think?” I asked.

“Wow, you nailed it first time,” said Itzak. “That's exactly how I imagined it.”

I complimented him on the music, saying I'd never heard anything better. There was nothing further for me to do, so we left them to their rehearsal.

I had brought an evening gown for the recital as it was a 'black tie' affair for the special guests. When we arrived back at the Thompsons', Magnolia smiled and said: “Well?”

I laughed. “Since everyone knew about this except me, the answer is, yes I will be performing a song with the two youngsters this evening. Everyone seems to think my singing 'passes with a push'.”

Magnolia smiled: “I'm sure it's a lot better than that.”

We had a light lunch and then a siesta before getting ready for the evening's show. Henry was driving us down in 'Annabel' and he and Blossom were staying to enjoy the recital. We took our seats in the front row, together with Miriam and Itzak's parents, grandparents and some other relatives. The auditorium was filling fast, and Magnolia told me it would be a full house.

Right on the stroke of eight o'clock, the recital began and the two youngsters showed no sign of nerves as they confidently played the items from the printed program. My contribution had been left out of the printed program, partly because they weren't sure if I would do it. It was scheduled for just before the interval.

Itzak stood up from the piano and walked to the front of the stage. “A few months ago, we were on this stage as special guests at the farewell recital of the famous Shakespearean actor Miss Harriet Stow, who was here as 'artist in residence' with the East Devon Theatre Company. Tonight I am so pleased to announce that she has flown over from England with her husband Mr Reginald Staunton to attend our recital.” There was applause at this point. “What's more, she has kindly agreed to sing 'Bali Ha'i' from the Rogers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific for us. Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Harriet Stow.”

There was applause as I stood up and walked to the steps leading up to the stage. After my previous mishap, you can be sure I lifted up the hem of my dress and carefully negotiated them.

The song was very well received and the applause prolonged and genuine. When it subsided I spoke to the audience.

“Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen. When I met these two talented young people a few months back I immediately knew that they are stars in the making. In fact, they reminded me of the Menuhin brother and sister, even if the instruments are reversed. Itzak produced the wonderful adaption of the music for 'Bali Ha'i', and now we would like to perform a Shakespeare sonnet for you, probably the most famous one of all, ' Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?' This time, Itzak has composed the musical accompaniment himself.”

I had told the audience what we were about to perform to try and stop or at least reduce applause when they recognised the sonnet. I nodded to the two youngsters and they started to play.

When we finished and the last note of the violin died away, there wasn't just applause but actually a standing ovation, something which is normally reserved for the conclusion of a concert. We bowed multiple times and then walked off the stage as the house lights rose and the interval was announced.

We joined the Thompsons and Rabinovich family at the bar. Initially, Magnolia was missing and when she appeared, she whispered to me that she'd had to go and repair her makeup because she had shed some tears during the final item before the interval. “You are all stars, my dear,” she said. The two young people had soft drinks and I rewarded myself with a glass of champagne. We were deluged with compliments and I insisted that the greatest praise should be directed to Miriam and Itzak and that I was privileged to take a small part in the recital..

For the second half of the concert, I resumed my seat in the front row. The playing was superb and the program well chosen and I wasn't in the least surprised when they received another standing ovation at the end. I was so pleased for them. When we gathered together for a light supper after the performance, I told them that I was looking forward to catching up with them in Stratford when they came over to see a performance of 'Romeo and Juliet' in a few month's time. It would be their first trip to England and they were really looking forward to it, so I told them I would show them around Stratford included historic places like Shakespeare's grave, the Knott Garden where 'New Place' had stood, and also his parents' house.

“I've heard that England is full of historic places,” said Miriam.

“It certainly is,” I replied. “Don't try to see too much at one time or it will all become a blur in your mind.” I had a sudden thought “Have you ever heard 'The Lark Ascending' by Ralph Vaughan Williams?” I asked.

It seemed that they hadn't, so I told them my favourite performance was by Hugh Bean with the New Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Adrian Boult. “There's only one word for it – magical,” I said. “If you can't find a CD of it, let me know and I'm sure I can find one in England to send over to you. However, there is a version for violin and piano, why don't you check it out? You can find some recordings on YouTube, but I'm sure you could play it better than any of those.”

They promised they would do that. I wouldn't have even mentioned it, but I was confident that these two young stars could produce a fine performance.

As we returned to the Thompsons' house, Hiram said: “You have an excellent singing voice, Harriet. You really should consider auditioning for Broadway.”

“Thank you very much,” I replied. “But I'm still taking singing lessons and think I have a way to go yet. Maybe I could do that in a year or two. I'll be guided by what my singing teacher thinks.”

Hiram laughed. “You are the most modest star I ever met. I understand what you mean, but please don't leave it too long, and let me know, alright?”

I was aware that Hiram knew a lot of people, but I didn't want to rush things. There's a saying that you only get one chance to make a first impression and I didn't want to be written off before I had properly prepared. When I did finally audition for a singing role it would be for a provincial company in England or maybe an 'Off-Broadway' production, starting small, the same way I had in my acting career.

The visit was too short, but we had to get back to England for Reggie's sake, so the next morning after breakfast we made our goodbyes, Henry loaded our suitcases into Annabel's trunk and we started on the long trip back to Boston. This time we would be heading east, so adding five hours to the ten hours of flying time. I had booked an early evening flight out of Boston which was landing in Manchester in the early morning and we could then drive back to York.

The flight was very comfortable and we slept most of the way, awakening to breakfast about ninety minutes before we landed.

We drove out into the Manchester traffic about ten o'clock when the worst of the morning peak hour had subsided, but it was still busy as it always is. An hour later saw us arrive back in York and our trip to America seemed like a dream.

To be continued.

Many thanks once again to Louise Ann and Julia Phillips for spotting my 'typos', thus allowing me to correct them before publishing.