Digging wealth

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Ariah was stage-struck and entranced by the beautiful girl who sang like an angel and who was actually her own aunt. 'Can Ariah have a drop, too?' Edward asked, coaxingly.'

'Oh, can I, Ma? Please? I won't tell Pa, I promise!' 'Oh, all right, but just a little! You're spoiling her Edward and she's already had her fair share of that!" 'I can see that,' he laughed as he poured a small amount into a glass and handed it to Ariah. To you and Lewis and to Gina!' He raised his glass.

'And to Gina and you!' Elianna replied. He smiled a little wryly. He was trying to keep his

feelings for Gina under control. 'Will we see Aunt Gina when it's over?' Ariah asked excitedly.

'Of course. We're all going out to supper later.'

'Me, too?'

You, too, although, like Cinderella, you must be in bed by midnight.'

'I'll do no good with her at all after this, Edward, you do realize that?' Elianna laughed. 'A little excitement won't hurt either of you!"

Ariah handed back the glass. She hadn't really liked it much. 'It's starting again now! Ma, can I have the opera glasses? I want to see Aunt Gina more closely. You said her hair was red.'

'It is, that's a wig! Now hush!'

As the final curtain fell the applause was deafening and the cast received a standing ovation. Gina took four curtain calls! It was a success! She'd done it! She was a terrific hit! She was shaking, but now it was with emotion and tears trickled down her cheeks. If she were to drop down dead right now, she'd be a happy woman! The world was her oyster now. She could have a place of her own, dress in the height of fashion, frequent the Café Royal and the Ritz and everyone would recognize her and want her autograph! Her head was spinning as she dashed away the teardrops and hurried back to her dressing room, thrusting the bouquets into Ellie's arms.

'Did you hear them? Did you hear them, Ellie? Oh, I just can't believe its happening to me!'

'You were magnificent, Miss O'Donnell. Here, let me get you out of that dress, they'll all be hammering on the door in five minutes and you'll need a police escort to get out!'

Even as she began to unbutton Gina's dress, there was a loud knock on the door.

Miss O'Donnell isn't seeing anyone for at least fifteen minutes!' Ellie shouted in an authoritarian voice. She was well used to Stage Door Johnnies and the like. Is she decent, Ellie? It's Edward Vinetti and I have

Miss O'Donnell's sister with me!' Gina was struggling into a pale blue crêpe-de-chine robe. 'Oh, let them in, Ellie!' she cried, snatching off the wig and running her fingers through her hair.

With a cry of delight, Gina launched herself at Mary Kate and hugged her. 'Oh, I was so nervous and so petrified that I'd forget my lines!".

Elianna held her away from her. 'Gina! Oh, how you've changed and I'm so proud of you! I only wish Ma could have been here but she won't leave Matty or Uncle Richard.'

Edward produced another bottle of Champagne. 'I think we've all got something to celebrate. Come on, Ellie, you as well!'

Gina bent down. And you must be Ariah. Elianna has written and told me about you, but she didn't tell me you were so pretty!" 'Gina, she'll be impossible after tonight! And before you

ask, Ariah, no, you can't have any more Champagne, your

Pa would be furious!"

Oh, Ma!' Even though she hadn't really liked it she wanted to join in. Gina laughed. 'How odd that sounds!"

'I've booked a table at the Café Royal,' Edward broke in. 'So we'll finish this and leave you to change. I'll bring the car around, but I'm warning you, your friends are all probably flocking around the stage door.'

Gina laughed delightedly.

Twenty minutes later, as she walked to the car, Gina felt as though she was walking on air. Oh, if only those sceptics back home could see her now! Wouldn't that fool, Michel Feehey, just eat his words. She laughed aloud as Edward drove off.

'What are you thinking?' Elianna asked.

'The Sisters O'Donnell! Do you remember Michael Feehey and Dinny MacGee?'

Her words had a sobering effect on Elianna. Obviously Gina hadn't heard about the Feehey's latest tragedy. 'Yes, but I don't think Michael will be thinking about us three.'

'Why?'

Briefly Elianna told her and Gina frowned. She'd been too busy to take any notice of the snatches she'd heard about the trouble in Ireland and she'd only read the bits of both her Ma's and Elianna's letters that really interested her. And Clonmel certainly didn't interest her any more.

I was disappointed that Daleyza didn't come. I thought she would at least have made an effort.' Edward glanced sideways at her. 'She found herself in much the same position you did when Elianna got

married, and she took the same decision

people shouldn't blame her for that.' 'Oh, don't start lecturing me, Edward, not tonight. Nothing is going to spoil tonight. Absolutely nothing!'

you of all

As Edward helped them all out of the car, Gina stared around her with smug satisfaction. The last time he brought me here I looked awful. Everyone looked at me as though I was something the cat had dragged in." "They won't tonight!' Elianna said, proudly. Gina

looked radiant. 'I could drink Champagne until morning! I don't really feel hungry, Edward.'

'You've had nothing to eat for hours and I don't intend. to have a repeat performance of you and Helen Mason's "celebration" of "Starlight and Syncopation"."

'Oh, he's such a kill-joy, isn't he?' Gina laughed as they were shown to their table. This time the gazes centred on them were approving and congratulatory and she beamed at everyone. The taste of success was so sweet!

And what are you going to do now?' Elianna asked as they waited for Edward to order.