New World by Jo Macauley

Author:Jo Macauley [Macauley, Jo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Curious Fox
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve - As One Door Closes...

Beth could see that Maisie had been waiting for her back at the Peacock and Pie. The young girl leaped to her feet as soon as she heard Beth come in. “Is there any news on your friend?”

Oh, there’s news all right, and I only wish I could tell you, thought Beth.

“They’re hearing his case this afternoon at Bow Street Court,” Beth said. “They’ll find him innocent. They have to.”

“I’ll go along with you,” Maisie volunteered.

Beth wasn’t sure if it was a good idea. There was always the risk of her work as a spy being exposed when her fellow agents were in the picture, and she tried to protect Maisie from being involved. “But surely you have to rehearse?” she hedged.

“Honestly, Mistress Beth. You’re always running around looking after people, never a thought for yourself. This time, you’re the one who needs some support.”

Her friend’s loyalty nearly brought tears to Beth’s eyes. Looking at her serious face, she knew she couldn’t keep quiet a moment longer. “Maisie ... thank you, but I’ll be fine. In fact, there’s other news. Big, big news.”

Maisie’s eyes widened. “Yes?”

“I’ve been offered a new position. There’d be plenty of money, along with lots of responsibility.” She took a breath. “And it’d be in America.”

“Oh my goodness!” Maisie burst out. “What are the chances? What is it? Acting? Teaching? You’re going to be a governess?” Then she stopped and a look of fresh amazement covered her face. “Mistress Beth. I know what this is. You’re getting married to a rich merchant, aren’t you?”

“No!” Beth said in horror, then burst out laughing, with Maisie joining in. “Can you imagine me married to some terrible old moneybags?” Beth spluttered.

“Well, it’s none of my business what your position would be, I’m sure,” Maisie said, a hint of sadness in her voice now. “I just wish I had some way to come with you.”

“And I wish I could tell you all about it,” Beth said. “But the details are still being worked out. Once everything is signed and sealed, I’ll tell you more, I promise.”

“Well, whatever it is, I’m just so happy for you!” Maisie said. “It’s beautiful out there. You can’t do it justice unless you’ve seen it with your own eyes. You can really make something of yourself out there.” Her voice grew smaller. “I only hope that’s what my father’s doing...”

“Oh, Maisie,” Beth said, squeezing her friend’s hand. “Anyway, perhaps I might stay. I already have made something of myself, right here in London.” She sighed. “You make it sound so inviting. But my acting has gone from strength to strength here. What about my admirers, all the people who come to see me every week? How can I let them down? I’d be throwing away so much!”

“Oh, Mistress Beth, how can I put this?” Maisie frowned. “I think you might be more loyal to them than they are to you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Now, don’t take this the wrong way, but women on the London stage don’t last nearly as long as men.

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