Forgotten Dreams (50 page)
‘Oh, Jack, Lottie – I mean Sassy – is an even better actress than I am,’ Louella said eagerly. ‘She could be another toy . . . or she could do the modern dance routine that Merle did, as a separate act . . .’
Troy had been silent, following the conversation with eager attention, but now he interrupted. ‘Sassy’s got a job waitin’ for her,’ he said quietly. ‘And it’s a job she’ll really enjoy. Gran and meself own a barge on the Leeds to Liverpool canal, only Gran’s not been so well recently, so she’s not allowed to do any of the hard work. If Sassy’s agreeable, we’d like to take her as the third member of the crew, and naturally she’d have a third share of the profits. But, of course, it’s Sassy’s choice. Gran and meself wouldn’t want to influence her one way or t’other.’
Louella turned to stare incredulously at her daughter. ‘Work aboard a canal barge?’ she almost squeaked. ‘Hefting heavy goods, out in all weathers, leading the horse along muddy towpaths in autumn and fighting your way through snow in the winter? Oh, Sassy my love, that’s no life for a pretty, talented girl like you.’
‘But it’s a grand outdoor life, Mam, and I’ve already had a taste of it and loved every moment,’ Sassy said gently. ‘I was on the canal before, you know, and I loved it then as well. As for leading the horse along the towpath, you’re way out there! Gran had her barge converted from horsepower to engine power a few years back, which has done away with a lot of the slog.’ She grinned at Jack. ‘It sounds like hard work, but it’s the freest sort of life you could imagine. The barge putters along through the most glorious countryside. We buy provisions from the farms and villages that we pass and everyone knows everyone else, not like the theatre where the audience is always changing. So if you can truly manage without me, then I’ll be back on board the
Girl Sassy
before you can say knife.’
Girl Sassy
before you can say knife.’
‘Darling, you can’t mean it,’ Louella said. She shuddered eloquently. ‘All that sun and wind will ruin your complexion in a month. I’m sure you’re just saying you prefer the canal because Jack seemed to imply that you weren’t wanted . . .’
Jack made an inarticulate sound, but Sassy flew to his defence at once. ‘You’re quite wrong, Mam. I’m sure Jack would welcome me if I wanted to return to the theatre, because he’s always been a true friend to both of us. But I don’t want to come back. I’ve had years of working in stuffy auditoriums, wearing garish costumes and pretending to be happy, happy, happy, when quite often I’ve felt more like crying. You’re a born actress, Mam, but the truth is, I’m not. Maybe I’m a throwback, or maybe those six years spent with Gran changed me, but the thought of working in the theatre again makes me feel quite desperate. Oh, I still love you, and I’m very fond of Jack, but I don’t mean to come back. Once it’s in full working order, the barge will dock in Liverpool every few weeks, and I’ll make time to nip up to the Court and see you both, but now I know you don’t need me, I’m going to do what
I
want and work the canals with Troy and Gran.’
I
want and work the canals with Troy and Gran.’
Louella stared very hard at her daughter, an anxious frown creasing her brow, but then it faded and she began to smile. ‘You might say the wheel has turned full circle,’ she observed. ‘My mother wanted me to marry the farmer whose property adjoined ours, but I kicked over the traces and became an actress. Now you’re doing the same, only in reverse. And if you’re half as happy as I’ve been, you’ll be a very lucky girl. Don’t think I’ll try to stop you, sweetheart, because ever since you’ve left us, and made me look facts in the face, all I’ve ever really wanted for you is your happiness.’ She turned to Troy, holding out her hand. ‘We’ve never been properly introduced, Troy, but you’ve clearly grown into a dependable young man. Take care of my daughter; she’s the only one I’ve got.’
Troy nodded solemnly and put an arm round Sassy’s waist. ‘I will,’ he said steadily. And then, just for a moment, the oddest thing happened. Sassy saw a picture of herself and Troy standing side by side in front of the little altar of a church. She was looking up at him as the words ‘I will’ came from his lips, but then the picture faded and she was kissing Louella, and hugging Jack, promising to see them again soon.
Then she and Troy, hand in hand, left the theatre and were running, running, making for the life that they both loved, aboard the
Girl Sassy
, with Gran.
Girl Sassy
, with Gran.
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