Rhiannon by Carole Llewellyn

Author:Carole Llewellyn
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Robert Hale
Published: 2012-03-31T04:00:00+00:00

Rhiannon willingly let Gus lead her from the stage door and down the dark, narrow alley, that led to the brightly lit front entrance of the theatre. The touch of his firm hand in hers felt good. She tried to imagine what it might be like to have his strong arms around her, then she scolded herself for having such sinful thoughts about a man she hardly knew. Yet there could be no denying the effect this handsome, charming, masterful man had on her; arousing new and exciting feelings, that screamed to be set free.

Gus led her through the entrance, deftly manoeuvring his way through the crowds of theatregoers in the foyer, all awaiting the second show.

‘We’ll have to be quick. Adam will have our guts for garters if we’re late back for curtain up ... I must be mad.’ Gus quickened his pace taking the stairs leading to the bar, two at a time. It was as much as Rhiannon could do to keep in step.

A somewhat breathless Rhiannon entered the Theatre Bar alongside Gus. Through the haze of cigarette smoke she couldn’t believe her eyes. The room was a maelstrom of men, women, girls and young boys, drinking, laughing and chatting, each competing to be heard above a cacophony of noise. Rhiannon was shocked to see the way well-dressed, and obviously well-to-do gentlemen were behaving; openly fondling coarse-looking women, who wore low-cut bodices, while other women sat atop tables, their skirts hitched up showing far too much ankle, laughing and drinking. And what were those young boys doing in the company of those lecherous looking old men? Was this what Frank’s mother had meant by the ‘rougher element of the theatre’ and the reason her aunt had been so against her coming here?

Among the noisy crowd, Rhiannon was surprised to see some of the older chorus girls and a few of the cast from the show.

‘Any sign of your stepmother?’ Gus asked.

‘No. I can’t tell if she’s here. It’s far too busy.’

‘And what do we have here? Now there’s a turn up for the books. Gus Davenport, you sly old thing.’ Sally Webber sniggered. She stood no more than a few feet away from them, still wearing her street urchin costume from the first show.

Gus immediately let go of Rhiannon’s hand.

‘Too late, me laddo. I saw you holding hands with little miss innocent, there.’

Rhiannon felt her colour rise. ‘It’s not what you think. Gus—’

‘Oh you can’t tell me anything about our Gus. Most of us girls backstage have fallen for his charms at some time or other. He can be a right charmer and that’s for sure.’ Sally turned to Gus. ‘I’m a bit surprised at you bringing her to a place like this. Mind you, after the speed with which she jumped into my shoes on stage, there’s no doubt that she’s a fast learner.’

‘Sally, if I were you I’d not judge everyone by your standards. Just go about your business and leave us alone.’

‘Sorry, I’m sure. I’ll not stay where I’m not wanted,’ she scoffed and, with an elaborate turn, moved away.

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