Rhiannon (24 page)

‘Leave it to me, Mam. Now, if it's all right with you, before I leave I'd like to call and say so long to Mair.'

‘Tread softly, son. The lass obviously thinks a lot of you. Why, she almost begged me not to tell you about her condition.'

‘Truth be known, Mam, I think a lot of her, too.'

‘Well, all I ask is, be honest with her; don't go sending her mixed messages, she's far too vulnerable to deal with it,' Ethel warned.

‘I won't, Mam, I promise,' Frank assured her.

Frank knocked on Mair's bedroom door several times, but there was no answer. ‘Mair – Mair, please open the door.'

‘She's told you, hasn't she?' Mair sobbed from behind the door.

‘Yes, I know about the baby, if that's what you mean. And as far as I'm concerned, it doesn't change anything between us. Mair, love, I have to leave in a few minutes and I don't know when I'll be able to make it back. Please, don't let me go without seeing you.'

The door slowly opened and a tearful Mair stood at the door. Seconds later Frank's open arms engulfed her and he was gently kissing her forehead. ‘Mair, trust me when I tell you that, while I've strength in my body, no one will ever hurt you again. You're not alone in this. Whatever it takes, we'll get through it – together.'

With Frank's strong arms around her and, hearing his heartfelt words, Mair once again felt totally safe.

December 1909

 

It was 4.30 and the afternoon was closing in. The cool overcast day was replaced by a biting cold wind when Rhiannon and Clara turned up to band-call for the pre-show rehearsal at the Cwmbran memorial hall. Both of them were dressed in long winter coats, woollen hats and mufflers.

Clara was first to spot the young soldier, leaning against the wall smoking a cigarette. ‘Well now, what have we here? If you're a stage door Johnny you're a bit too early. The show doesn't start until half past seven, so you've a long wait,' she mocked.

‘Frank, is that you? My, don't you look grand in your uniform?' Rhiannon cried, throwing her arms around him.' She felt his body tense and, feeling somewhat embarrassed, she immediately stepped away. ‘Clara, this is my good friend Frank Lewis. You've heard me talk about him often enough.'

Clara offered her hand. ‘I'm Clara Boxall, and pleased to meet you, I'm sure.' She deliberately kept hold of his hand. Then turning to Rhiannon, she said, ‘You never told me that your Frank was so good-looking and a soldier to boot! You know what a sucker I am for a man in uniform. If he wasn't such a good friend of yours I'd make a pass at him here and now.' She chuckled to herself. Frank visibly blushed.

‘Clara. Will you stop embarrassing him and get yourself on into the hall. I'll be along shortly. Now, go away!'

‘Sadly, I know that three's a crowd, so I'll leave you friends alone to catch up. Duty calls and all that. Maybe another time – another place, eh, soldier boy?'

As she turned to leave she threw him a wicked wink.

‘Pleased to have met you,' Frank muttered awkwardly.

‘Sorry about that. She's got a heart of gold, really,' Rhiannon apologized. After the way he'd reacted to her impulsive embrace Clara's innocent teasing, suggesting that Frank and Rhi were more than friends, was the last thing Rhiannon needed. She had to clear the air somehow.

Rhiannon sucked in a breath of cold air and shivered. ‘Frank, it's far too cold to talk out here. Let's go inside. We can use Adam's office. I'm sure he won't mind.'

Frank smiled. ‘You're right, it's cold enough to freeze the whatnots off a brass monkey.'

Rhiannon giggled. ‘Whatnots? There's polite you're being.'

‘Lady present, isn't there?'

Rhiannon bobbed a curtsy. ‘Why, thank you, kind sir.'

They both laughed.

Once inside Adam's office, Rhiannon lit the gas heater and turned to Frank. ‘It really is so good to see you. And I'm so glad that, after your mother's wedding, we got things sorted out between us. Frank ... we did get things sorted out, didn't we?'

Frank smiled and nodded. ‘Yes. But I wasn't entirely truthful with you.'

‘What do you mean?'

‘Back home. The thing is that when Mair told you that I was besotted with you, she actually hit the nail right on the head.'

‘Fr-Frank, if I've in any way led you to believe... .'

‘Don't be embarrassed. I've known for ages that you didn't feel the same way about me.'

‘I'm so sorry.'

‘Please don't reproach yourself. I'm over it, I promise. In fact you did me a favour – but enough of that.' Frank wanted to tell her of his growing feelings for Mair, but stopped himself – this was neither the time nor the place. ‘One thing's for sure; while I never had the pleasure of meeting Gus Davenport in person, in my mind he was a fool to leave you the way he did.'

‘I really don't want to talk about it. Maybe one day, eh? Anyway, it's so nice to see you. We're here in the Newport area for the next two days, before spending our final week in Swansea. How long can you stay?'

‘Rhi, this isn't a social call. I'm afraid I can only stay for a few hours and then I have to catch the train straight back to barracks. A few of the lads have promised to cover for me. If the CO, that's the commanding
officer, were to find out that I'm AWOL – absent without leave – I'd be up on a charge.'

‘I don't understand. What could be so important to make you risk getting into trouble? Is something wrong at home with the family or ... Mair?' The look on his face said it all. ‘That's it! It's Mair, isn't it? When I'd been so long without a letter from them I had a feeling something was wrong!'

‘My mother thought it best to give you the news face to face, like. She thought, with your tour coming to an end and you, no doubt, eager to get back to the valley to see Mair, she felt you should be warned... .'

‘Frank will you stop babbling on and tell me what's wrong?'

Taking a deep breath Frank said, ‘Mair – Mair's pregnant!'

‘Oh, no, please, not that?'

‘I'm afraid so – the result of that dreadful night at Harry and Nellie's apartment.'

‘That means she must be almost six months gone!'

Frank nodded.

‘Did she know before we left Cardiff?'

‘I'm not sure. She was nearly three months when my mother and I first found out. You had already left the valley by then.'

‘If you've both known for three months, why wasn't I told before now?'

‘Mair made us promise to delay telling you.'

‘Why? Surely she didn't think I'd judge or turn away from her ... did she?'

‘No – nothing like that. She thought that if you heard the news earlier you'd want to be with her. She didn't want you to leave the tour and maybe endanger your career prospects on her account.'

Rhiannon bit her lip. Mair hadn't wanted her to leave the tour on her account? Or was the real reason that Mair couldn't face the fact of Rhiannon, once again, choosing her career before her? Rhiannon remembered back to when she and Mair had first arrived in Cardiff; of how her Aunt Florrie, when faced with the question of letting them stay, had made it perfectly clear that ‘my career has to come first'.

‘I've become as selfish as my Aunt Florrie,' Rhiannon said aloud.

‘I'm sorry?' Frank said.

‘Ignore me, I'm just thinking aloud.'

‘Rhi, I have to go. But look, there's no great hurry. No one's expecting you back in the valley until a week before Christmas, when the tour ends so—'

‘So they're all in for a surprise then, aren't they? I'll need to clear it with Adam but, if all goes well, I should be at your mother's house in time for tea tomorrow evening.'

Frank beamed a smile. ‘And a welcome sight you'll be too.'

 

‘Adam? There's no easy way to say this but ... I'm going to have to leave the show.'

‘You're joking, yeah?'

‘No, I'm afraid not. I need to get back to the valley. You know I wouldn't leave unless I felt it absolutely necessary. With only ten days to go before the end of the tour – I'm sure that Clara is more than capable of filling in for me.'

‘The audiences are expecting you!'

‘I'm sorry. I really am. But I have to go,' Rhiannon persisted.

‘At least tell me why?'

Although not wishing to announce Mair's predicament to the world she felt that Adam, having been instrumental in saving Mair from Harry and Nellie's clutches, had the right to know the truth. So feeling it best not to beat around the bush or babble on as Frank had done, she found herself blurting out, ‘Mair's pregnant!'

‘What dreadful news, Rhi. I assume it's in consequence of that awful night.'

‘Yes. According to Frank she's nearly six months gone.'

‘Frank came to tell you? Where is he? I'd like to see him. He's such a nice, sensible lad. The night we picked up Mair, he was to be commended. I could never have managed it without him.'

‘I'm afraid he couldn't stay as he needed to get back to barracks. He sends his regards, though.'

‘No doubt there'll be other times. Now – regarding your situation. You get yourself off to Mair and don't give the show another thought. Just you take good care of her.'

‘Thank you, Adam. This time, taking good care of her is what I intend to do – if she'll let me, that is.'

‘And why wouldn't she?'

‘Well, I've not always done so in the past, have I? Too busy putting myself, my career, my life and even Gus before her.'

‘My Gus turned your head. He made you—'

Rhiannon raised her hand, cutting him short. ‘Adam, when are you going to stop blaming Gus? How many times do I have to tell you that what happened between us was as much my fault as his? It's time to
face the truth; I wanted him as much as he wanted me. You have to stop putting me on some sort of pedestal – I'm a big girl now.'

‘So I can see. I consider myself well and truly told off! And maybe you're right. After all, everyone knows – it takes two, eh? But it doesn't stop me wanting to protect you. After all, you were my protégée; I was the one who first encouraged you to go on the stage, so in lots of ways I still feel responsible for you.'

‘And I wouldn't want to change that. Knowing you're there looking out for me has always made me feel special ... the way my dad used to make me feel.'

‘I'm honoured. Now, go on, be off with you and start packing. You have until the February auditions to sort your family commitments out. On your way you can tell Clara I want to see her. When she finds out that she's to be your understudy for the rest of the tour – it'll be akin to my lighting touchpaper; her screams of excitement will no doubt be heard for miles, so cover your ears.'

Rhiannon laughed. ‘I'll do that. And Adam, thanks again.'

 

Back at the digs, in the small bedroom she shared with Clara, as Rhiannon packed her belongings into her valise, she felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her; leaving the tour was the right thing to do. And now that the decision had been made she couldn't wait to be on her way. Luckily, its being Sunday and no show that night, there'd be no goodbyes. She'd leave Adam to come up with a plausible excuse; ‘family commitments' would more than cover it.

A few hours later an exhausted Clara, having been put through the paces of a long rehearsal by Adam, entered the room.

‘Rhi, what's happened? Why have you got to leave? Does it have anything to do with Frank's visit earlier today?'

‘Yes. He brought news from home. I can't say too much; let me just say it's a family problem and I'm needed back in Ponty.

‘I'm sorry to hear that. Pleased as I am to be getting the chance to understudy you, I really don't want to see you go. But if you have to... . Is there anything I can do to help?'

‘No thanks. I'm almost packed. In the morning I plan to catch an early train to Cardiff, then another from Bridgend to Pontrhyl and then a charabanc up the valley. It'll be a long trip but I can't wait to get home.'

Clara caught around her. ‘I'm going to miss you. I only hope I can do your song justice. I know I've practised it with you often enough
and I've my own costume; the one Mrs Gordon made me before we left, but you're a hard act to follow.'

‘You'll do fine. I've every confidence in you and, who knows? If you do as well as I know you can, Adam may give you your own slot in his new show.'

‘Yes, and pigs might fly.'

They both laughed.

Rhiannon reached into her valise for a pencil and quickly scribbled Ethel's address on the back of an old theatre programme. ‘Look, this is where I'll be staying. If you like, you could write to me – let me know how you get on. With everyone going their separate ways for Christmas, it'll be nice for us two to keep in touch.'

‘That's a great idea. When I write to you, I'll send you my mother's address in Oxford. Whatever happens I intend to be in Cardiff for Adam's February auditions. I really enjoy working for him – I'd settle for any part in the show, really.'

At 7.30 after a long day's travelling, Rhiannon eventually arrived at Ponty Square. The trip up from Pontrhyl station had seemed to take ages; the horse-drawn charabanc had stopped at regular intervals to let valley folk on and off along the way. Rhiannon recognized some of the older travellers but, apart from inquisitive looks, they didn't seem to recognize her. And why should they? Dressed in all her finery – dark-blue long coat, fur hat and muffler – she looked considerably older than her age, and so different from the sixteen-year-old who'd left the valley nearly a year ago.

The horses drew the charabanc to a stop. Rhiannon picked up her valise and, after politely thanking the driver, stepped off. For a moment she didn't move, taking in the familiar surroundings. She was home at last.

She took a deep breath and made her way along Oxford Street, passing Peglers' store and Oliver's shoe shop. Across the road she could see John Jenkins's butcher's shop; it was closed now and in complete darkness, but his house next door, with the glow of the gaslight filtering through the curtain, looked so welcoming, it made Rhiannon feel very warm inside.

She crossed the rough stone road and knocked on the door. From inside the house she heard Aunt Ethel's familiar voice call out.

‘Sadie, Martha, there's someone at the door. I'm busy washing the dishes, so can one of you please answer it?'

‘I'll go, Mam,' one of them called back. Rhiannon couldn't tell whether it was Sadie or Martha.

Seconds later the door opened and Sadie stood there, her eyes startled as a rabbit's in headlights. ‘Rhi? Is it really you? But you're not due until Christmas.'

‘Sadie, love, I assure you it is me. I came home early to surprise you all.'

Sadie flung her arms around Rhiannon. ‘Welcome back – we've missed you so much.'

‘What's all the commotion?' Ethel demanded as she came to the door.

Releasing her stranglehold on Rhiannon, Sadie turned to her mother, ‘Look Mam, it's Rhiannon. Rhiannon's back!'

‘Well, my good God! Sadie, move aside, don't leave her standing on the doorstep, she'll catch her death. Rhi, come on in,' Ethel gushed.

‘I'll go and find Martha, I can't wait to give her the news,' Sadie enthused.

‘It really is so lovely to see you, Rhi, we weren't expecting you so soon,' Ethel said, leading the way down the hall.

‘I know. I wanted to surprise you all. Where's Mair?'

‘She's having a bit of a lie down. You know she's... ?' Ethel stopped and turned to face Rhiannon.

‘Pregnant? Yes. Frank called to see me. That's why I'm here. How is she?'

‘She's fine – as big as a house, mind. You'll not recognize her. She'll be that pleased to see you. I'll go up and call her, shall I?'

‘Aunt Ethel, if it's all right with you, I'll go up to see her. I'd like some time alone with her.'

‘Of course you would. Here give me your lovely coat, I'll hang it up for you.'

‘Thank you,' Rhiannon said, removing her coat, hat and muffler.

‘You take your suitcase up to Mair's room, the room you shared with her after my wedding. It's a big room with a large double bed, so I hope you'll be all right?'

‘We'll be fine.' Rhiannon smiled. ‘Aunt Ethel, it's so good to be back home.'

Ethel sniffled into her handkerchief. ‘Now look what you've made me do. You go on up and see your sister and when you're both done catching up, come on down to the kitchen and I'll make you both a brew and a light supper. Uncle John is at the church choir rehearsals, but he'll not be gone long. Why, he's going to be that made-up to see you.'

‘Will he? I'm sure he wasn't best pleased to find out I'd left you to care for a pregnant young girl – that was never part of the bargain. I bet she's been the talk of the valley.'

‘He, like me, never gave a fig what malicious gossips had to say. What they don't know they make up. But we know the truth. We know that Mair's condition was through no fault of her own. Anyways, the gossips soon found someone else's misfortune to get their teeth into.'

‘We're so lucky to have the likes of you and John Jenkins on our side.'

‘All you have to believe is that, working together as a family, we can get through anything. Now, get yourself up to see Mair.'

Before making her way upstairs Rhiannon stopped to give Ethel a hug and, placing a kiss on her aunt's forehead, whispered, ‘You're a real treasure.'

Rhiannon gave a gentle tap on Mair's bedroom door.

‘Come in, Aunt Ethel, I'm not sleeping.'

Rhiannon reached for the decorative china doorknob and slowly opened the door. ‘Mair, love, it's me,' she croaked, as she welled up with emotion.

‘Rhi! Rhi! What are you doing here?' Mair cried as she attempted to raise her heavy body off the bed.

‘Stay where you are, I'll come over to you. Auntie Ethel was right. I can't believe the size of you. Frank told me you were six months gone, but I never imagined that the skinny waif I left behind could ever get this big.'

Mair muffled a nervous laugh. ‘Yes, I knew that Frank intended calling on you. But I didn't expect you to come see me. Rhi, I'm sorry you had to find out like that. It wasn't that I didn't want to tell you. I thought something was amiss when we were in Cardiff, but I didn't want to believe. I thought if I ignored it, then it might go away.'

‘You daft ha'peth. You shouldn't have had to go through the worry of it on your own.'

‘To be honest, when Aunt Ethel guessed at last, it was such a relief. Everyone has been so kind – especially Frank. He writes to me every week. He'll be home for Christmas and New Year. Uncle John Jenkins made me the most fantastic cot and Aunt Ethel has been busy knitting baby clothes. Frank insists that he's buying me a baby-carriage. He's seen one in Howells in Cardiff. He's been saving up for it for months. Rhi? About Frank and... .'

‘Yes. What about Frank?'

‘Well, Frank and me ... we're sort of ... courting.' Mair blushed.

Rhiannon saw it as the blush of a young girl in love. It seemed so natural and yet, at the same time, considering her condition, so out of
place. Rhiannon felt a lump rise in her throat.

‘Rhi, you don't mind do you?'

Rhiannon swallowed hard in an effort to regain her composure. It worked. ‘Of course I don't mind. I think it's great news. I always knew that lad had sense.'

‘It's early days yet. And I am only fourteen, but Frank says, that only gives us more time to really get to know each other. And Rhi, he also says that, even though the baby's not his, we're going to manage just fine.'

‘And I believe him. If anyone has the strength of character to deal with it, then Frank has. I'm so pleased for you both but, tell me, how did Ethel take the news?'

‘As always, she said she knew before we did, and said she couldn't be happier. Secretly, I think she was worried that his career in the army might distance him from her and the valley. As it is, he's back home every chance he gets.'

Rhiannon laughed, ‘And there was I thinking you might be in need of a big sister. I even left the tour to be with you.'

‘Oh, but I do. I really do! You can't believe what it means to me to have you put me before the tour, it makes me feel so ... loved.'

‘Mair. I really do love you. I may not have always shown it but I do.'

Rhiannon sat on the bed and caught her sister in her arms. They embraced for what seemed like ages, happy to have restored the bond they had thought they'd lost for ever.

Eventually it was Mair who spoke first. ‘Well then, sis, are you going to help me off this bed? I think it's time we put Auntie Ethel out of her misery. I bet she wishes she could have been a fly on the wall, eh?'

They both laughed aloud.

With Rhiannon leading the way they headed downstairs to give Ethel the good news, united as sisters and as friends. As they entered the kitchen the look on their faces spoke volumes.

Ethel smiled. ‘I can see we're going to have such a great Christmas!'