Lily nodded. ‘It’s okay, Sheila, forget about it. We can just move on,’ she said. ‘We just need to get the show on.’
Sheila looked crestfallen but Lily couldn’t let her guard down and she wasn’t sure why. Jessica had damaged her reputation but more than that, she was worried if she got too close again to anyone, she might lose her nerve, or worse, her voice.
Lily’s eyes made their way back to Nick amidst the crowd. He stood tall at the back of the group observing everyone with a look that was difficult to understand. He had not moved towards her and she was grateful yet also disappointed. God the heart was so confusing.
‘Okay, everyone, let’s get to work. We have to find some more time to schedule rehearsals, and Lily now you are here, what is your schedule looking like? I know you care for your grandmother.’
Lily paused. ‘I also have a job now. I’m working a few days a week teaching.’
She saw a look of surprise cross his face.
‘Do you? Well done. Okay tell me your days and we can work out a schedule. We can do nights if it’s easier for you and your grandmother.’
Sheila scurried off to get a clipboard and came back to look at the times with Jasper as Lily went and put down her bag and then stood with David who was practising his Henry Higgins accent.
‘Glad you’re back,’ he said to her. ‘It’s been a nightmare.’
Lily smiled. ‘I’ve heard. Do you want to walk me through any new blocking?’
As she and David worked, she noticed Nick kept himself busy, but she was acutely aware of him as she practised, and she knew he was aware of her.
Jasper called out, ‘Act One, Scene Seven, Ascot. Actor please.’
Lily walked to the stage as Nick came over to her.
‘Hello,’ he said.
‘Hi,’ she answered.
‘Can we talk after rehearsals?’ he asked, his face hopeful.
She nodded. ‘Yes,’ she said as Jasper called for places and then she put Nick out of her mind and suddenly she was Eliza again, trying to fit in, shocking the Ascot crowd and making Freddy laugh uproariously and, for that moment, she forgot everything that had happened and was in the moment again.
At the end of the scene, Jasper clapped wildly. ‘That was as good as anything I have seen professionally – all of you, exceptional work,’ he said. ‘Let’s do it again with the chorus at the start, singing the “Ascot Gavotte”. Places, everyone.’
‘You were bloomin’ marvellous,’ said Nick as he walked past her and it took every ounce of willpower not to kiss him in the middle of the stage.
*
Nick was waiting outside for Lily when she left rehearsals.
‘Sorry, I had to get measured for a hat,’ she said to him.
‘Do you want to walk down to the river?’ he asked. Lily noticed Sheila looking at them from the doorway and Lily nodded.
‘Yes please. Away from prying eyes,’ she said with a rueful laugh.
They walked down the little, twisting path towards the river. After the stifling hall, the late afternoon air was refreshing as they walked in sync, their footsteps sounding lightly on the road.
Their view widened out before them as they rounded a mild curve, where a thin stone wall, its aged surface studded with tiny wildflowers and moss, ran beside the road. There weren’t many tourists today, for which Lily was thankful, and Nick pointed to a quiet area somewhat off from the other groups. ‘Shall we?’ he asked, his voice matched in anxiousness to Lily’s own sensations.
Lily nodded, inhaled deeply, and followed them down to the river, prepared to meet the truth that lay ahead.
‘How have you been?’ he asked her after they were seated.
‘I’m okay,’ she said, and it was the truth. ‘I feel like my world has been shaken, but it had to be. I had to have some time to think about what I wanted, without any interference of promises.’
Nick was silent for a moment. The sound of the water was soothing, and Lily could see the late sun dappled in the trees over the river and some dragonflies darting about amongst the grasses.
