Sister's Trio Squad

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

He looked into Nancy's animated face. She'd not even asked how badly Anne was hurt or what was the matter with Delia, she'd even forgotten Margaret's wedding. George had been frantic, he'd almost gone down on his knees to Delia, but she was having one of her tantrums and refused point blank to go on. She was exhausted, did he expect her to drop on stage? And what was that wretched girl doing riding pillion on a motorcycle anyway? He'd just have to manage with someone else. It was only for one night, what was the matter with him? And much more in the same vein. That was when he had telephoned Edward and he had suggested Nancy. He had been unsure of his decision. He knew she would jump at the chance, knew that she could do it and do it well, probably even better than Delia Heysham, but he had thought she would have refused -

at least hesitated. 'So, what are you going to do?' She was torn between going to Liverpool to see her family and to see Margaret married, and the longed-for opportunity of being the star of the show - even if it were for just one night. She felt annoyed. Oh, why couldn't Margaret have got married on Saturday like most people did? But she couldn't afford to let this chance slip by. I'm not going. I'll send a telegram. You do understand, don't you? You of all people must understand what this means to me! What happened to Anne?'

He'd known her answer even before she'd opened her mouth. He had seen the determined set of her chin, the cold glitter in her eyes. 'I was wondering when you'd get around to asking. She was on the back of a motorcycle when it skidded and crashed. She's got a broken arm and a broken leg as well as cuts and bruises and she's badly shocked. Her boyfriend was killed outright. They collided with a lorry." 'Oh, I'm sorry.

He wondered if she really was. Anne's injuries would keep her away from the theatre for months and Nancy was probably thinking just that. You won't have any regrets about not going to the wedding?' 'Of course I will! I was looking forward to seeing them all!

It's not all fun here, I would have thought you'd understand.' 'Oh, I do Nancy, I do! You are the most ambitious young woman I think I've ever met. I can think of a few who are just as hard and selfish, but not many!'

She turned on him. 'I'm not hard and selfish! You have to seize every opportunity and it's not my fault that Anne had an accident or that Margaret picked a Friday to get married! I'm not selfish!'

He laughed and leaned forward and gave her a peck on the cheek. 'No, of course you're not! Go on, get unpacked and then try and stay calm for the rest of the morning. George is expecting you for this afternoon's rehearsal.' Edward got out and opened the door for her. 'Oh, and Nancy, no temper tantrums, you can't afford them - yet!"

Sarah looked around her in awe, then she smiled. Oh, Margaret had done very well for herself, that she had. This house was bigger and far more tastefully furnished than even Mrs Butler-Power's. They'd had quite an event ful journey, for the train had been boarded at Carlow by the Army and all the men, including Matty, had been searched before they had been allowed to resume their journey.

There were troops everywhere in Dublin and she had been shocked; she'd never seen the Free State Army in such numbers before, but they had boarded the ferry without any trouble, and, although the weather was a little rough, she had slept most of the way thankful for the tiny cabin and narrow bunk. When they had arrived, her future son-in-law had sent his car for them and they had enjoyed their first sight of the city that Margaret would now call home, in comfort and style.

Margaret had hugged her mother and kissed her, exclaiming how much she'd missed her and Lewis Vannin had shaken her hand most cordially and called her 'mother in-law', which had sounded very strange as he was as old as herself. Matty had said little, but had tucked into the breakfast set for them and had then sat in the kitchen talking to Violet. Lewis Vannin had retired to his library and she now sat on the bed in her room. Margaret sat in a low chair facing her.

'How many bedrooms does the place have then?"

'Six.'

'Six! And just for the three of you! Wouldn't Mrs Butler Power turn green with envy!' She fingered the rose pink eiderdown. And pink sateen in the spare bedroom, too!

Now, what about you, Margaret?" 'What about me?"

'You know what I mean! Are you happy, do you love him? It's all a bit sudden. It's not just all this that's influenced you, is it?'

'Oh, Ma! What a thing to say!'

Are you happy?' 'Yes, I'm happy."

'But?'

And I'm fond of him, in my own way.'

But you don't love him? Well, I'm old fashioned enough to believe that love comes after marriage. At least you're not some silly little thing, chasing after romantic day dreams. You always had your feet firmly on the ground. He seems to be a good man."

'He is and I'm very fond of Ellen.' 'I can see that. She's a pert little piece but she idol izes you.'

You have to wheedle Ellen around to your way of thinking. It's no use trying to force your will on her, I've found that out.'

'So, you've a ready-made family. I'm glad you're set tled and comfortably off, too, I won't need to worry over you.'

Margaret leaned over and took her mother's hand. 'Ma, you've never needed to worry about me, haven't I always been the "sensible one"?"

Sarah thought there was a note of sadness in her voice. 'Are you sure you're doing the right thing? There's still time to change your mind. It's a big step, Margaret. It's forever! Until death do us part!'

'Ma I'm sure. I'm absolutely certain. I couldn't leave Ellen to be brought up by servants, strangers... Lewis is very busy. Now, there's an end to it. I thought I heard. the door, it must be Nancy or Lisa!'

So that was it, Sarah thought. It was the child. She was marrying him for the child's sake. She just hoped Ellen Vannin was worth it. Children caused you pain as well as joy, she'd found that out, but Margaret seemed to be content enough on the surface. Oh, well, she'd made her decision, she'd have to stand by it now.

They met Ellen half-way up the stairs. Ma it's a tele gram! Sorry Miss O'Maxwell - it's a telegram for you!'

'Whatever are you calling her Miss O'Maxwell for, child. In a few hours she'll be your new Ma?' 'Lewis is rather formal, Ma. It was his instruction."

Margaret was opening the buff envelope. He certainly has some very peculiar ways, Sarah thought.

'Who's it from?'

'Nancy. She's not coming.' Margaret couldn't keep the disappointment out of her voice. 'Oh, I wanted to see her! I wanted to ask her all about

the theatre!' 'You, Miss, have too much to say for yourself!' Sarah

scolded Ellen, taking the telegram from her daughter. 'Something desperately important has come up. Sorry, but won't be able to make it. Congratulations and love to

you both. Nancy.'

Sarah handed it back. What was so important that would miss her own sister's wedding and the chance of seeing her family again?

'It must be something really important, no doubt she'll

write and tell us what.'

'No doubt,' Sarah said coldly, making a mental note to

write Nancy a strongly-worded letter at the first oppor

tunity.

'I'd better go and tell Lewis.'

'Yes, you do that. I want a word with this one here. Come on in here with me, Ellen Vannin, and if what I say, you may call me Grandma!' you mind

It was nearly two o'clock before Lisa arrived. The train had been late and she was hot and flustered. It was Matty who let her in and she gave a cry of joy and hugged him.

'Where is everyone?'

'All flapping around like chickens with their heads cut off - except our Margaret.' She looked around in amazement. Oh, what sheer

luxury!

A child appeared on the staircase, dressed in a frock of pale blue layered tulle that was far too light for the time of year. 'Are you Lisa?' she asked.

Lisa nodded. "That's Ellen. She seems to be everywhere at once! No wonder Himself's locked in his library! It's a madhouse, that it is!' Matty shook his head.

Then Grandma says you're to come up straight away. She didn't think you were coming either and she's cross!' Lisa was bemused but she followed Ellen up the carpeted stairs. Who else isn't coming?'

'Nancy, she sent a telegram. Oh, I forgot, I have to call you Aunt Lisa and Aunt Nancy now. Grandma is in here and Ma is getting ready and I have to help her.'

She left Lisa standing outside a door and dis appeared through another one. What a strange child, Lisa thought. Who were Grandma and Ma? Then she remembered Margaret's letters and she smiled. Ellen was obviously very proud and happy to have a new Ma and Grandma and two new aunts and an uncle.

'Lisa, where've you been, we'd almost given you up!'

She was clasped in a tight embrace and then released.

'Let me look at you! You're thinner and I'm not at all happy about you living up there in Scotland, but I'll speak to you about that later. You'd better hurry up and change!'

'I don't need to change.'

'You don't mean to tell me you're going in your old winter coat and those shoes?"

'I bought a new hat and skirt. I couldn't afford anything more, Ma. I don't earn a fortune!'

"Then tidy yourself up. You should have let me know you were short of money for some decent things and I'd have sent you some. I just hope no one notices those shoes. What's got into you, Lisa, you used to be so fussy?' Lisa washed her face and was brushing her hair

before replacing her hat. 'Ma, no one is going to notice me.' This Elizabeth person will if what the child's been

telling me is right." 'It's Margaret's big day, everyone will be looking at her, not me.' Lisa tried to shrug aside her mother's comments, but she did feel dowdy. 'Isn't she his elder daughter?'

'Aye, and a holy terror by the sound of it or so Ellen says, but I think she might be exaggerating. She's spoilt is that one! She'll need a firm hand and I intend to tell Margaret so, but I've had a good talk to her and I think she understands she must be good and quiet today. Now, are you ready?'