Learning Her Lines by Amelia C. Adams

Author:Amelia C. Adams [Adams, Amelia C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-04-29T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Melvin strode down the aisle of the theater, Mrs. Van Dyke keeping up quite well, until he reached the stage, where the rest of the cast and the crew had assembled. Many were seated on folding chairs, while others leaned on pieces of scenery. They all looked at him quizzically, their eyes darting back and forth between Melvin and Mrs. Van Dyke.

Well, let them dart. He wasn’t going to start this meeting officially until Catherine had joined them as well.

Ah, there she was. He turned at the sound of women’s voices and saw Alice leading Catherine onto the stage from the wings.

“The costume is a perfect fit,” Alice said, grinning as she walked up to him. “It’s as though I made it for her and not Miss White.”

“Thank goodness. Now we can concentrate on other things—so many other things.” Melvin rubbed his jaw. “All right, time is running out and we need to get focused. Everyone, may I please introduce Miss Catherine Ross. She’s a waitress over at the Iron Skillet, and she’s also our new Juliet. She accepted the role just moments ago, so let’s not overwhelm her with our enthusiasm—let’s get her settled in first, shall we?”

The cast and crew smiled and nodded, murmuring their welcome. Catherine responded with a little wave and a shy smile. It was quite endearing, actually.

Melvin cleared his throat. “We’re also joined by a new acting coach, a lady who will work specifically with Miss Ross but also with any of you who might be interested. Mrs. Van Dyke?”

She stepped forward, her dress swishing on the floor of the stage, her right hand fisted on her bosom. “Oh, good people of the stage, I can’t tell you what a thrill and an honor it is to be among you.” She flung out her arm to indicate them all. “I can see on each of your faces how much you love the stage, how it has seeped into your very beings, and I can’t wait to help you explore the depths of those emotions and bring them to life before your enthralled audience.”

Goodness. That had certainly been unexpected. “Er, yes,” he said, holding up a hand. “Thank you, Mrs. Van Dyke. We appreciate your contribution to our cause. Let’s take a few moments to chat and get acquainted, and then Mrs. Van Dyke and Miss Ross have some schedules to compare. We are to consider ourselves back in business, everyone, so continue to memorize your lines, and we’ll pretend as though this has all been a minor setback and not a major catastrophe.”

“And it has only been minor,” Mrs. Van Dyke said. “Much worse things could have happened.”

“True.” He took her by the elbow and guided her from the middle of the stage. “Let’s chat with some of the others, shall we? That would be nice.”

He got her talking with the conductor of the orchestra, then wandered to stage left to find Catherine speaking with Gerard. Good—those were the two who most needed to meet.

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