A Sister's Shame (7 page)

‘Mum’s bound to say she wants something done.’

‘We’ll help her first and then do it.’

Vesta pushed the tips of her blonde hair under her cap as the loud ringing meant their break was over. ‘Teddy said, if our act is good enough, he might be able to get us into the club
where he works.’

‘The Duke’s, you mean?’ Marie asked in surprise.

‘Yesterday whilst you were out with lover boy, I met Teddy on the stairs. I thanked him for throwing me the rose. Then I told him about our act. I said how much we wanted to go on the
stage.’

‘What did he say?’

‘That he’d see what he could do for us. He knows the bosses of the Duke’s. The Scoresby brothers are always on the lookout for talent, though the acts must be of a very high
standard, as we’ve heard.’

‘So that’s why you suddenly want to practise!’ Marie grinned.

Vesta smiled. ‘It might be our chance to get away from here.’

As they joined the queue filing out of the canteen, Marie wondered if Teddy had simply been trying to impress her sister and all his talk would come to nothing. Who were the Scoresby brothers?
What was the Duke’s like? Until there was something more to go on, Marie decided not to get her hopes up.

At least, not too much.

For the rest of the week they practised every spare moment they had. They chose two songs that Hector had taught them: ‘Algy’ by Vesta Tilley and ‘When I Take
My Morning Promenade’ by Marie Lloyd. Both lent themselves to the type of cheeky routines that would show off the twins’ dancing.

On Friday night, when they climbed into bed, Vesta snuggled close to Marie. ‘I saw Teddy today on the stairs,’ she whispered excitedly.

‘Is it good news?’

‘He says he’s going to ask Mr Scoresby tomorrow.’

‘Oh.’ In spite of trying not to get excited, Marie was.

‘He said one of the singers has left so there might be a slot. You never know, something wonderful might happen.’

‘When will he tell us?’

‘Teddy says we have to be patient. Wally and Leo Scoresby are important people and have business interests in the West End. Wally is the one we’ll see if we’re lucky enough to
get an audition. Cabaret is really hard to get into.’

‘What would they want with us, then?’ Marie asked. ‘We haven’t had any experience at cabaret. I don’t even really know what it is.’

‘The acts sing and dance in front of a microphone, on a small stage.’

‘Did Teddy tell you all this?’

‘Yes, he made it sound wonderful.’

‘Does he sing for the customers too?’

‘Yes, of course. He’s the lead act.’

Marie wondered what kind of people could like Teddy’s voice. But if a lot of them were women, then Teddy could be popular.

‘As it’s our half-day tomorrow, we can practise all afternoon.’

‘Don’t forget I’m seeing Bing.’

‘Oh,’ sighed Vesta disappointedly.

‘I won’t be long.’

‘Every minute counts now.’

Marie laughed. ‘That’s what I’ve always told you.’

‘I’ll ask Dad if we can borrow his top hat and cane, like we did as kids,’ said Vesta dreamily.

‘Will that be too old-fashioned?’ asked Marie.

‘Everyone liked it before.’

‘Yes, but we’ve only sung and danced in front of a few people.’

‘Doesn’t matter. We’ll do our best.’ Vesta slipped beneath the covers and shivered. ‘If we get a job at the club it will be because of Teddy. I shall be grateful to
him for ever!’

Marie could hardly believe their names had been put forward to a real cabaret club.
Would
Teddy come up with an audition? They would have to wait and see. Only then would they be able to
judge for themselves what the Duke’s was like.

‘You’ve got a big smile today,’ Bing commented on Saturday afternoon when he called for Marie.

Again she noticed how well dressed he was. A blazer complemented his cream flannels and brown brogue shoes. With a little more attention to detail she was sure he could make something of himself
and his talent.

‘Yes, I have.’

He held out his arm and she took it. ‘Has it got something to do with us?’

Marie laughed. ‘No, why?’

‘Just wondered,’ he grinned as they turned into the main road. A big sun was high over the river, spreading its rays amongst the houses and factory buildings. The afternoon was very
warm again and Marie had changed into a light summer frock, though she hadn’t had time to wash her hair after work. She was worried it smelled of leather.

‘Actually, I’m trying not to get too excited about something important,’ she told him.

‘Crikey, sounds a big deal.’

‘It is.’ She spoke in a rush, as she told him about Teddy putting in a good word with the Scoresbys and their hopes they might get an audition. ‘Then we’ll be able to see
what sort of club it is,’ she ended, glancing at him quickly.

‘Are you sure it’s on the up and up?’ A doubtful frown creased his brow.

‘Why shouldn’t it be? Or do you think we’re not good enough?’

‘It’s not that. But you are very young.’

‘Mum always says that.’ She felt like sulking as they entered Island Gardens. ‘You could seem a bit more interested.’

‘Oh, I am,’ he said quietly and his gaze fell on her face. ‘I’m interested in everything you do. It’s just that . . .’

‘What?’

‘Nothing.’

‘What aren’t you telling me?’ She pinched his arm. ‘It’s not like you to hold back.’

He gave her a long steady look. ‘It’s just that the two brothers who run it have got a mixed reputation. They opened a place up West that is said to be one of these gentlemen’s
clubs. Only it ain’t very gentlemanly, if you see what I mean?’

Marie shook her head. ‘No, I don’t.’

Bing hesitated as he looked at her. ‘The rumour is, it’s for all these wealthy blokes who want a higher class of . . . well, women.’

Marie raised her eyebrows. ‘So you’re just adding to the rumour, is that right? Or do you know for sure?’

He took a long breath. ‘No, I don’t. And I’ll admit, it’s not up to me to put you off—’

‘You won’t,’ Marie interrupted. ‘My information is that this club is looking for quality acts, not hiring loose women. That is what you meant, isn’t it?’

‘I was only trying to help.’

‘Well, you haven’t. You’ve put the damper on it instead.’

‘You did ask.’

‘I wish I hadn’t now.’

‘Marie, I’m sorry. I spoke out of turn. But it’s only because I care for you.’

Marie was upset. ‘I think going out again with each other would be a mistake.’

He reached for her hand. ‘Forget what I said. I won’t mention it again. Let me drive you up West next Saturday.’

‘No, thanks. We’ll be busy practising.’ She wanted to let him know she was serious about the Duke’s.

‘When can we meet, then?’

She heaved a deep breath. ‘Bing, you are a very nice person. I’m sure you will find someone nice to settle down with. A girl who wants a home and a family and vegetables in the
garden, just like you do.’

His eyebrows shot up. ‘You mean you don’t want vegetables in your garden?’

‘Don’t try to make me laugh. It won’t work this time.’

‘Tell you what, we’ll toss for it. Heads we go up West, tails we call it a day and that’s the last you’ll ever see of Bobby Bing Brown. You have my word on it.’

‘But that still gives you a chance.’

‘Yes, a small one. Go on, live dangerously.’

She sighed and rolled her eyes. ‘All right. But hurry as I’ve got to get back.’

He took a penny from his trouser pocket and flipped it. They both gazed at the coin on the back of his hand.

She groaned. ‘Heads! That’s not fair.’

‘It’s fate,’ he said, grinning. ‘All right, friends it is, but one day we’ll drive up to Lyons and have a cream tea, then walk along the Embankment.’

‘You don’t give up easy, do you?’

‘No.’

‘I’ve got to go home,’ she said, blushing. ‘Vesta’s waiting.’

‘Righto. Hold on to this.’ Again he gave her his arm. On the way, he began to talk about his parents, Ivy and Johnny Brown, who lived in Aldgate. He reminded her he’d done a
little travelling in the Navy. He even said that he would like to go to America to see his idol, Bing Crosby.

‘So you have got a dream,’ she said in surprise.

‘I don’t expect I’ll get round to it.’

‘America . . .’ she breathed, thinking of all the famous film stars she’d seen at the pictures. ‘I’d like to visit, too.’

‘You’re on. With your looks and my money we could go a long way.’

She burst into laughter. As they walked, Marie knew she liked him – perhaps liked him too much. He always seemed to be able to win her round. But she had promised herself that romance
wasn’t yet for her. And she meant to keep that promise, even if Bing Brown had other ideas!

‘I’m not convinced we’ve got it right,’ said Marie later that day after they had been practising to the records in their bedroom. They had the place to
themselves as Ada and Hector had gone out. The Victor phonograph needed a new needle but that hadn’t stopped them dressing up in their costumes; pale pink and silver dresses with full skirts
and taffeta petticoats that bounced around them as they danced. They only just fitted now, Marie reflected as she tried to adjust the bodice. The dresses had seen many alterations since the day Ada
had first found them hidden under piles of crumpled clothing on the market stall. But they still looked pretty.

‘Why’s that?’ Vesta sank down on the bed, raising her feet to study the scuffs on her well-worn tap shoes. ‘These songs are our signature tunes, made famous by our
namesakes.’

‘Yes, but it’s all swing and jazz nowadays. Fanny Brice and Josephine Baker are more popular.’

‘I still think our songs will do.’

Marie frowned thoughtfully as she played with the soft silk bows on her dress. ‘We know the words to “Falling In Love Again”. We’ve sung it enough on the way home from
work since we saw Marlene Dietrich looking so glamorous in
The Blue Angel.
’

‘Yes, that’s right, we do.’

‘And what about “I Found A Million Dollar Baby”? We know the words to that too.’

Vesta giggled. ‘It will make a change from all the old stuff.’

‘Come on, we’ll begin with Marlene’s song.’ Marie dragged Vesta up from the bed. ‘Let’s look in the mirror and practise.’

‘Don’t make me laugh.’

‘I won’t. This is serious.’

They practised for a good half an hour and finally got all the words right.

‘We don’t sound much like her,’ said Marie afterwards.

‘No, we’re more like stray cats. But with a little more practice we’ll be all right.’ They were laughing when a loud knock came on the front door. When they rushed out to
open it, they found Teddy standing in the hall.

‘What are you dressed like that for?’ His dark eyes gleamed as he stared at their costumes. Wearing a dark grey suit and a matching Homburg he looked very handsome. Marie could feel
Vesta almost wilting beside her.

‘We’re rehearsing,’ said Marie, feeling a little uncomfortable as Teddy’s eyes strayed down to their bare legs and stayed there.

‘Is there any news?’ asked Vesta hopefully.

‘Mr Scoresby has agreed to see you next Saturday.’

Vesta flew into his arms. ‘Oh, Teddy, thank you!’

Marie was embarrassed as Teddy held her close. ‘I told you I would try to fix you up.’

Vesta disentangled herself slowly. ‘We’re very grateful.’

Marie nodded. ‘Thank you,’ she said quietly.

‘I’ll drive you in my new car, if you like,’ said Teddy casually, leaning a shoulder on the door jamb. ‘But I’ll be singing later that evening so you’ll have
to make your own way home.’

‘Thank you,’ said Vesta again, staring up at him with adoring eyes.

‘Six thirty sharp, then.’ He reached out and drew a finger down Vesta’s cheek. ‘Mr Scoresby will be impressed, I’m sure.’

Marie was suddenly aware again of their old dresses. In this last year the twins had both filled out and the buttons on the backs of their bodices were straining. She didn’t like
Teddy’s expression, but Vesta seemed flattered.

‘Better be going.’ He raised himself slowly. ‘Bye, girls.’

‘Bye, Teddy.’ Vesta watched him go up the stairs. Then she closed the door and fell back against it, sighing dreamily. ‘Oh, he’s simply wonderful. Fancy getting us an
audition. And he said we would catch Mr Scoresby’s eye.’

‘Don’t get your hopes up,’ Marie warned her. ‘We’ve got to tell Mum first.’

‘She can’t stop us. And anyway, why would she want to?’

But Marie knew they were dreading breaking the news to Ada.

‘Why didn’t you ask me first?’ Ada stood stiffly in the kitchen after placing her bags of groceries on the table. ‘I don’t want you going off
somewhere strange on your own.’ Ada’s face had gone white after Vesta had told her.

‘But it’s the Duke’s, Mum,’ pleaded Vesta. ‘Everyone’s talking about it and saying how posh it is. And anyway, Teddy will take us there in his car so we
won’t be on our own.’ Red spots appeared on her cheeks and Marie waited for the full force of Vesta’s disappointment to show itself.

‘I should have been asked,’ repeated Ada, beginning to unpack her groceries. ‘Now take off those costumes. They’re too small.’

‘Teddy said we looked pretty in them.’

Ada glared at Vesta. ‘You must tell him you can’t go.’

‘We can’t do that,’ Vesta gasped. ‘He’s gone out of his way to get us an audition. The Scoresby brothers are looking for quality acts. We’re very lucky to get
in.’

Ada turned to Marie. ‘And what have you to say for yourself? Were you part of all this secret scheme?’

‘It wasn’t secret, Mum. It was just a vague offer from Teddy at first. Neither of us knew it would come to anything.’

‘You were wearing those when he called?’ Ada nodded to their dresses.

‘It was just a coincidence,’ Marie insisted. ‘We were practising in our bedroom.’

‘It was very underhand of you to go behind my back.’

‘Only because we knew you’d object,’ Vesta cried angrily. ‘We’re eighteen now and can do as we please.’

‘Not in this house, you can’t,’ Ada said as Hector strode in.