The East End Nurse by Sheila Everett

Author:Sheila Everett
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bonnier Publishing Fiction

NINETEEN

IT WAS TIME FOR the end-of-term concert and Lula had booked the large reception room in the town hall. Family and friends would naturally be present, but she also advertised the event in both The Stage magazine and the local paper. Lula had high hopes that influential folk connected with the theatre and yes, the music halls, would be looking for fresh talent and she was determined the girls should follow up any offer. She was also angling for more pupils, preferably boarders, as the Cole sisters were ready for their debut, and their mother had intimated she would ask for a refund of this past term’s fees if they were not selected by a theatre manager soon.

Lula’s niece Mira insisted that Polly needed more tuition in elocution and singing if she were to join a repertory company. Polly had other ideas, which she’d confided only to Laura, who’d already appeared in the chorus in the spectacular local pantomime, Sinbad and the Great Bird last Christmas. Laura reported ruefully that Belli’s Troupe of Performing Sea Lions, were the biggest attraction. ‘They can do back flips too – and I can’t swallow a fish in one gulp!’

Polly thought that Granny Garter might disapprove, when she discovered her plans, even though Granny herself was established as wardrobe mistress, with a permanent home there. Polly was eager to become a working girl once more. She had her sights set on the music halls. She knew that would disappoint Mira, but she was a Poplar Penny Whistler at heart.

*

Lula’s pupils were ready for their graduation show. The four boarders had the advantage of extra practice sessions after the day girls went home. Each evening Emmy sat at the piano and stoically played the set music, with many repeats; whenever Lula shrieked, ‘Stop! That’s not good enough – you must get that right!’ the dancers gamely obliged.

Mira was there to listen to the singing: she clapped her hands over her ears, looking pained at any forced notes. Polly was chosen to recite a Shakespearean sonnet and received a brief nod of approval. Mira had taught her well. However, Polly enjoyed more the comical, rather than the dramatic, sketches which came between what Granny Garter called ‘the warbling’ and the dancing.

This year Lula was taking a gamble. ‘Who would like to provide a surprise act of their own, as a finale to the show? A chance to show what you are capable of, without being told what to do?’

Polly’s hand shot up. ‘I would – if I can work with Laura.’

‘Laura? Are you agreeable?’ Lula asked.

Laura grinned. ‘Yes. We could be the Garter Girls!’

‘You’ll need to work hard, practice by yourselves. There is plenty of floor space in the kitchen when Carlos and his wife retire upstairs. He can shift the table back for you. You won’t be disturbed there. You can start tomorrow. Right! That’s enough for now. Goodnight.’ Lula swept out, followed by the faithful Emmy.

‘I hope you’ve got some bright ideas,’ Laura said to Polly.

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