A Sister's Shame by Carol Rivers

Author:Carol Rivers [Rivers, Carol]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780857208316
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

Chapter 24

As the days went by, and after her talk with Elsie, Marie began to enjoy her new job. She made friends and used her brains to do the necessary calculations. This was very different from hammering leather in the dusty, noisy cutting room. Every day she felt an improvement.

The same could not be said of the Duke’s. Marie hated it. None of the customers paid any attention to the dancers. The heavy drinking caused brawls so that it was often impossible to perform. Sometimes the dancers had to run from the stage as chairs and bottles whizzed through the air.

On the Friday before Christmas Pedro told the girls that they wouldn’t be needed until New Year’s Eve. Rose, Shirley and Sal complained bitterly. Walter and Jeff, the drum and bass players, were dismissed, leaving only Benny.

‘You needn’t worry about your sister,’ said Benny that night as they left the club. ‘I heard from Pedro, who was told by Teddy, she’s bringing in trade.’

‘Is she happy?’ asked Marie, her teeth chattering as they stood in the freezing cold alley, both shivering as the wind blew the rubbish against the walls and over the cobbles.

‘You’d hear if she wasn’t.’

‘That’s true. But I still want to see her and hear it with me own ears.’

‘Take my tip and leave well enough alone, girl. Don’t go chasing her. Look after number one.’

Later, as Bing was driving her home, Marie told him what Benny had said. ‘I just hope she turns up at Christmas and puts everyone’s minds at rest,’ Marie ended on a sigh.

‘She will. As Benny says, if Vesta ain’t happy with something, she’ll soon let you know.’

Marie thought about this. It was true that Vesta never suffered in silence. She was a girl who wanted her own way and usually got it.

‘Have you thought any more about leaving the club?’ Bing asked her.

‘Yes. If things go on as they are, there’s no point in staying. Now the Scoresbys have gone, I don’t think Pedro cares.’

Bing smiled. ‘That’s music to my ears.’

But Marie still wasn’t certain. What if Vesta went to look for her? But wouldn’t she have done that by now, if she was unhappy? Perhaps she was waiting until Christmas, when, in true Vesta style, she would make a dramatic appearance.

Bing took her shopping the next afternoon. They strolled round the market and Marie bought presents: a pair of plaid slippers for Hector, a scarf and gloves for Ada, and a shiny pair of dangling earrings for Elsie.

When they walked past the fruit and veg stall Fat Freda called out, ‘You’re looking good, girl. Not still working at that dive, are you?’

Marie only nodded.

‘Heard it’s been dumped by them brothers.’

Marie looked at Bing, who stretched across and turned over the cabbages. ‘Got any bargains, Freda? We ain’t got all day to natter.’

Freda laughed loudly. ‘Nor have I, love. Now what would you like? I’ve got a few apples and pears on the cheap.’

‘That’ll do,’ Bing nodded. ‘And don’t forget to knock a bob off for me smile.

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