Shining Threads by Joy Bounds

Author:Joy Bounds [Bounds, Joy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Troubador Publishing
Published: 2023-07-21T00:00:00+00:00

‘You wouldn’t believe,’ said Ethel to Harry, laying her spoon in the empty soup plate, ‘how this world works. The only reason Barnby agreed to do this was because of royal patronage. Or perhaps I should say pressure. And money.’

‘Maybe,’ he said, ‘but all the influence in the world wouldn’t make him do it if the music was rubbish. His reputation is at stake here, too.’

‘Fortunately, you love it,’ said Mary. ‘There’s nothing you like better than flaunting your talents to all your wealthy friends.’

Everyone laughed and Ethel leant over to smell the fragrance of the roast pork the servant placed in front of her.

‘It’s hard work, believe me,’ said Ethel. ‘Not only do I have to write the damn stuff, but I have to work endlessly to get anything performed.’

‘Don’t swear, Ethel, please,’ said her father. Ethel laughed. She had thought he had learnt to ignore her familiar complaints by now.

‘Who exactly is going to turn up, Auntie?’ asked Kitty. ‘Will the Queen be there?’

‘The Queen’s already heard her Mass,’ said Violet. Everyone laughed. The story of Ethel’s performance to the Queen had enlivened many a dinner table.

‘You never know, but it’s unlikely. No, Princess Christian, I should think, maybe one or two others. And the Empress, of course.’

‘You are going to be so famous,’ said Kitty.

‘I’m sure Ethel’s more concerned with how her music will be received, than the royal family’s attendance.’ It was Harry.

Ethel smiled at him. How she loved to hear the slight European accent within his correct English words. She must be grateful that he had not voiced his usual scathing comments about royal patronage in front of her family.

‘It’ll be a triumph,’ said George. ‘Please, keep eating everyone. It’s wonderful music, well worth playing to royalty, even to God himself. Believe me, you are in for a treat. Everyone who goes will love it.’

Ethel smiled gratefully at George. ‘Even the critics?’ she said.

‘Especially the critics.’

Lilian signalled to the servants to refill everyone’s plate and top up the wine glasses.

‘D’you know what?’ she said. ‘I wish I was singing that soprano part.’

Ethel looked at her curiously. ‘Do you miss your singing career?’

‘I certainly do,’ she said. ‘I love my children, but oh my, is there something special about stepping out on that stage.’

‘Maybe one day, women will be able to do both,’ said Harry.

‘I can’t see how,’ said Lilian. ‘Anyway, I’m pretty sure there has never been a performance of a Mass by a woman composer in London before, so we shall all take the greatest pleasure in that.’

‘I’ll drink to that,’ said George, raising his glass.

‘Auntie Ethel is leading the way,’ said Kitty, taking a sip out of her father’s wine glass.

‘Hold on,’ said Charlie. ‘You’re much too young to be drinking wine, however special the day.’

‘Mr Brewster,’ said Ethel’s father, ‘I’m told that you have a new book published that has been well received?’

‘Yes, it has. Thank you, Major. In a small way, of course. We’re not exactly talking popular novels here.’

‘Oh, I don’t know,’ said Violet.

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