Many a Tear Has to Fall, page 18
‘So you want to be an actress,’ said Monica, reaching out and pinching a chip from Maggie’s plate.
Maggie hit her hand with the back of the fork. ‘D’you mind?’
‘I’m hungry.’
‘That’s no excuse.’ Maggie glared at Monica, and was taken aback when tears welled in the other girl’s eyes. ‘What’s up with you? You’ve nothing to cry about. It’s me whose heart is broken. You can have three chips,’ Maggie shoved three to the side of the plate, ‘and no more.’
Monica’s tears vanished and she smiled. ‘Thanks. You’re not a bad skin. I hope you become rich and famous. It would be one in the eye for Tommy.’ She munched on a chip. ‘I bet you want to get back at him.’
‘If you don’t shut up about him, I’ll stab you with this fork for real the next time,’ Maggie muttered. ‘Let me eat in peace.’
‘OK! Don’t get your knickers in a twist. I was going to ask what Josh meant when he mentioned Norm, but I’ll mind my own business.’
‘Good!’ said Maggie.
Peace reigned, but Maggie could not get Tommy out of her mind. She ate everything on the plate. When Lenny returned he told her, ‘It looks like you’re out of luck. Dorothy just rang and said that she’s going to be late, but that if you give me a phone number, she’ll ring you later this evening.’
Maggie thanked him and wrote the Formby phone number down on a scrap of paper and handed it to him. ‘I really appreciate this. Could you do me another favour? If a bearded man of about twenty-five, smartly dressed, comes in here any time this coming week looking for me, could you tell him I don’t want ever to see him again.’
Lenny raised his eyebrows. ‘That doesn’t sound like Norm.’
‘It isn’t. But will you do what I ask?’
‘OK! What’s this one done to you? I don’t like playing messenger boy.’
Monica said coaxingly, ‘Do this for her, Lenny? She has a good reason for not wanting to face him, but she’s too much of a lady to tell you why.’
‘Does this bloke have a name?’ asked Lenny.
Maggie hesitated and then tilted her chin. ‘He has two actually. Tommy McGrath and Timothy Murphy. But who’s to say that he mightn’t give you a different one altogether.’
‘He’s an actor, is he?’
Maggie thought back to their times together, and said with a tremor in her voice, ‘Yes, he definitely is.’
Twenty
The living room door burst open and Jared, Dot and Billy, followed by Emma with the children, entered the room. ‘Thank God, you’re here,’ said Jared.
Maggie looked up from the Stage newspaper and said, ‘I’m sorry if you were worried.’
‘Are you all right?’ asked Dot anxiously.
Emma said, ‘Of course she’s not all right. Otherwise she wouldn’t have run away. I must admit I almost exploded when I heard that the boyfriend, Tim, was Tommy, Marty’s brother.’
‘If only that was all there was to know, it wouldn’t be so bad,’ said Billy. ‘A lot of families have skeletons in their cupboards.’
‘I’d like to get him by the neck,’ said Jared quietly, ‘and shake him until his teeth rattle with fear.’
‘Didn’t you hear what Pete said … that what Tommy is good at is avoiding getting hurt?’ Dot flopped down on the sofa next to her sister. ‘So did you come straight back here, Mags?’
‘No, I went and had something to eat at Lenny’s place,’ Maggie said, folding the Stage and wishing Tommy was big and brave instead of such a coward.
‘Good for you,’ said Jared.
Owen ran over and climbed on Maggie’s knee and snuggled up against her. She felt touched and soothed by the warmth and softness of his body against hers. ‘I was hungry and I wanted to talk to Dorothy Wilson. I’d heard that she was back and I thought I might find her there.’
‘But why did you want to talk to her?’ asked Dot.
‘I’m thinking about becoming an actress.’
‘An actress!’ Jared ran a hand through his thick brown hair. ‘I think I’ll have a whisky.’
Maggie watched her brother go over to the cocktail cabinet. ‘It’s not unusual for a model to go into acting.’
‘What does she think of the idea?’ asked Emma, sitting the other side of Maggie, with the baby in her arms.
‘If you mean Dorothy, she was in rehearsals at the Royal Court, but she rang me here later.’ Maggie paused with a hand to her mouth.
‘And?’ Her sister prodded her in the side.
Maggie blinked and cleared her throat. ‘She invited me to watch her and the cast in rehearsal on Monday morning. I’m to meet her for breakfast at Lenny’s, so-so we can have a ch-chat beforehand.’
‘Well, that should take your mind off things,’ Dot said, getting up and asking Emma if it was all right to make a pot of tea.
‘Of course,’ said Emma before turning to Maggie. ‘Does this mean you’ll be leaving us?’
Maggie stroked Owen’s hair back from his forehead with an unsteady hand. ‘I don’t know anything for certain yet.’
‘It’s likely, though, isn’t it?’ said Billy, accepting a whisky from Jared. ‘By the way, something you should do is write an apology to Irene and Marty.
Maggie nodded, thinking she would find the task difficult, but she wanted to be seen to be doing the right thing in everyone’s eyes.
‘What if it means living in London again?’ Emma asked.
‘And what about the cottage?’ said Jared. ‘Although at least summer’s over and the tearoom and shop won’t be doing much business until next Easter.’
‘I could still go up there occasionally.’ Maggie felt more nervous than she had felt since she had learnt of Tim’s deception. ‘I could be rubbish at acting.’
‘True, you might,’ said Dot, standing in the doorway holding the tea caddy. ‘On the other hand, you can always try singing and dancing and end up in the chorus line. You’ve a pretty face, so your looks will stand you in good stead.’
‘Thanks a lot, sis,’ muttered Maggie, thinking that to be in the chorus line was the last thing she wanted.
Maggie need not have worried. At least not as far as the chorus line was concerned. Although she was possibly more worried that Tommy might just feel brave enough to seek her out at Lenny’s, but the fact that he had not telephoned her had now convinced her that he had no intention of seeing her again. As soon as she had mentioned the wedding invitation over the phone, he had realized that he would be unmasked and so had decided to stay out of trouble. After all, running away from tricky situations was what he was good at. She had to put him out of her mind and look to the future.
Come Monday morning, Maggie was awake while it was still dark, preparing for her meeting with the famous actress. By the time she arrived at the coffee bar, she was trembling with nerves and excitement at the thought of the next few hours, and could remember only half of what she had planned to ask Dorothy Wilson.
Again, she need not have worried, because Dorothy had plenty to talk about as they breakfasted with Lenny. Not only was there the gossip from the theatre for Maggie to take in, but also plenty of Hollywood gossip about film stars Maggie had only ever thought of seeing on the silver screen.
There were also photographs of Dorothy on set to view, posing with her various co-stars in her latest film. Dorothy showed her sketches of the costumes she would be wearing for the play she was rehearsing.
‘I thought the clothes would interest you, what with you having been a model,’ she said.
Of course, she was interested! Wouldn’t most women be? thought Maggie.
Once at the theatre, Maggie found herself being introduced to the stage manager, the producer, the general wardrobe mistress and the props and runner, as well as Dorothy’s leading man. Then she sat in the stalls to watch the rehearsal. Parts of it were enjoyable, while others were worrying, especially when the director yelled at one of the young actors for forgetting his lines.
She was aware of a sinking feeling, remembering the difficulty she had found even remembering how to spell words out aloud in spelling tests at school. As for learning poetry, she had been rubbish. Why had she ever believed she could be an actress when she had such a terrible memory? She said as much to Dorothy after the rehearsal was over.
‘It’s true that not being able to remember lines is definitely a setback but that doesn’t mean you should despair. Learning lines needs practice and isn’t insurmountable,’ said Dorothy. ‘What you really need to ask yourself is: is it the dream of becoming a top-notch actress that attracts you, or is it something extra-special that draws you to a way of life you’ve seen just a little of here in this theatre?’
For a moment Maggie was lost for words, and then she said carefully, ‘If I’m honest I’d have to say that I thought of being an actress as something I would be able to do if I ever had to give up modelling, and that’s what has happened. I’ve always enjoyed dressing up and being the centre of attention, and you have to admit that in a way that’s what being up on that stage is all about.’
‘It’s about more than that, Maggie!’ Dorothy said with a mixture of amusement and annoyance. ‘Although you’re not the only hopeful who has thought like that.’
‘Then it’s about escaping into another world. Not being yourself, but making believe that you’re someone else far more interesting, and getting paid lots of dosh for doing so,’ suggested Maggie.
‘There is that.’ Dorothy laughed and patted Maggie’s hand. ‘But you’re in for a rude awakening if you’re expecting lots of dosh at the beginning of a career. In comparison with all those who enter the profession, lots drop out within a short time and get what’s known as a “proper job” because they just can’t live on what they earn. It took me years to earn a decent wage, and even longer to make the big bucks.’
Maggie was disappointed. ‘But surely it’s easier to become famous these days? What with television?’
Dorothy smiled. ‘One’s face can become so familiar that one becomes a household name, but also people can get bored with seeing the same person too often. Television is also completely different to stage work. Just as the stage is not the same as film-making. Sorry if I’m disillusioning you,’ she added.
‘I’m sorry too,’ Maggie said mournfully. ‘I’d fixed my mind on working with you in repertory theatre. Getting away from home, going from place to place where I’d meet different people.’
Dorothy fixed her with a thoughtful stare. ‘Well, if that’s what you want, then there’s nothing stopping you from working behind the scenes. With your interest and knowledge of clothes, you could be my personal dresser. I should imagine, too, you’re quite an expert when it comes to make-up. I generally do my own when working in the theatre, but I’d be happy to give you a try-out. You won’t get paid much, but you won’t find me too demanding and just might find it fun.’
Maggie’s expression brightened. ‘How long would you want me in that role?’
‘It depends. It’s possible the play will get to London and if it does … who knows how long it might run. One thing is for certain, I’d have to leave it next spring; I’m doing a musical in New York next year and I’ve a contract for another two films, so I’ll be going to Hollywood.’
Maggie said enviously, ‘You do have an exciting life.’
‘It’s not all excitement, sweetie.’ Dorothy’s expression was world-weary. ‘It’s damned hard work and there’re those one misses when one’s away so much.’ She looked wistful. Then she straightened her shoulders and added, ‘Still, mustn’t complain. Have to make hay while the sun shines, because one never knows when it might suddenly come to an end.’
‘I hope it won’t be for years and years. You’re such a good actress,’ Maggie said sincerely.
Dorothy chuckled. ‘Depends on how well I wear, sweetie. Now you’d best be off. Speak to your brother about what I’ve said, and let me know in a day or two whether you want to come with me as my dresser and general helper. You can always do a bit of walk-on work, too.’
Maggie thanked her and, with a tarrah, went off to catch the train. Her life was about to take a different path from the one she envisaged a year ago when Norm was still in her life. But she was over him now and, although she knew it would be some time before she could honestly say she felt nothing for the man she had known as Tim Murphy, surely one day that time would come, too?
Twenty-One
Monica lifted the knocker and banged it three times. When nobody came, she banged again even harder.
‘All right, I’m coming. No need to knock the door down,’ said a female voice.
The door opened and Monica recognized Pete’s mother. ‘Are Pete and Peggy in?’
‘No, they’re at Marty’s. What is it you want?’
Monica’s face fell. ‘To talk to them. I’ll go there.’ She turned away. ‘Hang on. I thought someone said that the newlyweds had gone away for a few days.’
‘They have and won’t be back just yet. Pete and Peggy are staying at their house. Is this about Marty’s brother?’
‘I’d rather talk to Pete and Peggy, if you don’t mind, Mrs Marshall.’
‘I don’t mind, luv, but you do know that Peggy’s having a baby and we don’t want her getting upset.’
Monica stared into the concerned eyes in the wrinkled face framed by iron-grey frizzy hair and said, ‘I think Peggy is tougher than you and Pete credit her for. Still, I don’t mind talking to you. I’d have had to walk there as I haven’t the coppers to spare for the fare, and I’m blinking tired. I’ve heard there’s no flies on you, so I think you’ll give me a sensible answer. Can I come in?’
‘Well, I’m not going to keep you standing on the step if it’s a private matter,’ said Gertie with a faint smile.
Monica stepped over the threshold and followed the older woman up the lobby and into the kitchen. ‘Sit down,’ Gertie said. ‘Cup of tea?’
‘No, it’s OK. I don’t want to be too long. Mam will be wondering where I am and Gran is due home this evening. One of my aunts has had a baby.’ Monica perched on the arm of the sofa. ‘I presume your Pete told you what happened at the wedding?’
‘He and Peggy told me that Maggie has been going out with Peggy’s younger brother without realizing it, and that he’d lied his socks off to her,’ said Gertie, lowering herself into an armchair drawn up in front of the fire. ‘He thought I’d have an interest because Maggie had been seeing Pete’s twin while she was in London.’
‘I didn’t know that.’ Monica looked thoughtful.
‘Sorry as I am to admit it, he dropped her for another girl who we’ve yet to meet.’ Gertie sniffed. ‘Apparently they’re engaged. I’m just hoping the pair of them don’t turn up and tell me they’ve already been married in a registry office and didn’t want any fuss, so didn’t invite us.’
‘You’ve given me an answer to something I’ve been wondering about,’ said Monica. ‘Maggie doesn’t seem to do well with men, despite her being so good looking.’
‘That’s how it is with some people.’ Gertie leaned forward. ‘You’re not so bad looking yourself. Anyway, what have you to tell me, luv?’
‘I know where Tommy is and I thought Pete would know the best thing to do with the information, with Marty away on his honeymoon.’
Gertie drew in a breath, but before she could speak there was the sound of a key in the front door. A few moments later her eldest son, Dougie, entered the kitchen. ‘Hello, Ma!’ he said. ‘I’ve just come to see if you can babysit for us tomorrow evening.’
Her face lit up. ‘Hello, son. You’re just the person we need.’
‘No,’ said Monica, staring at the man in police uniform and getting to her feet. ‘I can’t tell him!’
‘What can’t you tell me?’ asked Dougie. ‘Speak up, girl!’
Monica shook her head and hurried out of the house.
Dougie stared at his mother. ‘What was that all about?’
She sighed. ‘I can’t tell you.’
He frowned. ‘Just tell me, Ma. I think I know that girl. She has some link with Peggy’s family.’
‘I don’t know all of it,’ Gertie said hesitantly. ‘But you’ll know that Peggy’s brother, Tommy, got himself mixed up with a bad lot and drove the getaway car in a robbery.’
‘Yes, I know that. He disappeared and the others were caught.’ Dougie’s pale blue eyes were intent on his mother’s face. ‘Has he been spotted, because you do know he’s still wanted for that crime?’
She nodded.
‘Well?’ asked Dougie, after a minute or so had passed and his mother was still silent.
She sighed. ‘Monica has just told me she knows where he is.’
He frowned. ‘So why did she come here, instead of reporting it at the police station?’
‘She came to tell Peggy and our Pete.’
Dougie’s frown deepened. ‘Does she think they’ll help him to get away?’
‘I don’t know what was going on in her mind, although I wouldn’t have thought so.’ She shook her head.
‘He’s broken the law and needs to come to trial. Where does the girl live?’
‘I don’t know all the ins and outs of it. I do know Tommy’s father was an old sod and told the lad never to darken his door again.’
‘That’s beside the point. Where does the girl live?’ he repeated.
Gertie pressed her lips together and did not speak for several moments. Then she said, ‘His mother loves him, and I’m not going to be responsible for Tommy being put behind bars by you.’
Dougie groaned. ‘Come on, Ma. If you didn’t want me to do something, you shouldn’t have told me any of this. Spill the beans. I don’t want to arrest you for obstructing the course of justice.’
She gasped and folded her arms across her chest. ‘Your father would turn in his grave if he heard you threaten me. I’ve always been proud of you, but what kind of son is it who threatens his poor ol’ mother with imprisonment?’
Dougie flushed to the roots of his flaxen hair. ‘And what kind of mother is it who takes the side of a criminal?’ he said gruffly, turning away. ‘I’m going.’
