Applause (The Dudley Sisters Saga Book 2) by Madalyn Morgan (best authors to read txt) 📕

wonderful husband. But be quick. I hate going to bed on my own,’ she said through chattering teeth. Jumping up and down on the spot, Margaret took off her clothes, dropped them on the armchair, and pulled on her nightgown. ‘That’s better,’ she said, putting her arms down the sleeves of her dressing gown and wrapping it tightly around her.

‘This’ll warm you up.’ Bill put a cup of cocoa on Margaret’s bedside table. ‘And cuddle that,’ he said, handing her a hot water bottle.

‘I’d rather cuddle you.’

‘That can be arranged,’ he said, sitting on the bed next to her.

With the bottle in her lap and both hands clasped firmly round the cup, Margaret sipped her hot cocoa. ‘Poor Kat. It’s almost too much to take in.’

‘It is,’ Bill agreed. ‘Did you know she was expecting?’

‘No. I don’t think anyone did. They probably wouldn’t tell me anyway.’

‘Is she engaged, or courting?’

‘She doesn’t wear an engagement ring, but she’s got a gentleman friend. He’s old and posh. Well-to-do, if you know what I mean.’

‘How do you know? Have you met him?’

‘Good Lord, no! Kat wouldn’t introduce him to the likes of me. And I wouldn’t dare speak to him unless she did.’ Margaret thought for a moment. ‘He’s a cold fish according to Betsy. I heard the girls talking about him once. They said he was a politician. He must be rich, because he sends Kat flowers almost every night – and they’re not from the market.’

‘What, with everything rationed?’

‘Yes, and he picks her up after the show in a chauffeur-driven car.’ Margaret laughed. ‘You should see Kat rushing around on the nights she sees him. Don’t think he likes to be kept waiting.’

‘So if she’s got a boyfriend with plenty of money, why are you looking worried?’

‘Because I think he’s married.’

Bill clicked his tongue. ‘Come on,’ he said, taking Margaret’s empty cup and putting it on the dresser. ‘We’ll talk about it tomorrow. Let’s get some sleep.’

Margaret let her arms drop down by her sides, and her dressing gown slid from her slender body onto the chair to join the rest of her clothes. Then she crawled into bed and pushed the hot water bottle to the bottom by her feet. ‘Turn over, Bill, so I can spoon,’ she said. And although he was half asleep, Bill turned, and Margaret snuggled up to him.

CHAPTER FIVE

Margaret bumped into George and Betsy coming out of Lyons Corner House. She walked with them along the Strand, turning into Bedford Street, and then Maiden Lane. As they arrived at the Prince Albert Theatre stage door they were met by Natalie and Anton Goldman. Seconds later Bert appeared, followed by Miss Lesley, Mrs Horton, and the rest of the backstage staff.

‘Wonder what’s going on?’ Betsy whispered.

George shrugged. ‘No idea.’

Anton Goldman cleared his throat, but before he had time to speak two black cabs pulled up on the opposite side of the road. Nancy got out of one and Kat the other. When both women had joined the gathering, Anton acknowledged them with a smile and continued. ‘Last night during the bombing of the East End, part of the water filtration plant at the sewage works was hit, and it’s possible that some of the main pipes were damaged. The Water Board has closed the theatre while they investigate. So I’m afraid tonight’s show has been cancelled.’

‘How long will we be dark?’ George asked.

‘One night, possibly two--’

‘Two?’ But we’re nowhere near the sewage plant. It’s miles away in Lambeth, or Greenwich, or somewhere.’

‘It’s a precaution in case the pipes across the river are cracked. Tomorrow there’s a full inspection and if the pipes haven’t been damaged we’ll be open at night as usual.’

‘Huh!’ Kat flicked the air. ‘What harm can a little water do?’

‘It isn’t water,’ Nancy said, ‘it’s sewage.’

Kat grimaced and covered her nose. ‘You mean--?’

‘Yes, it could get very smelly,’ Betsy laughed.

‘And,’ Anton called above the banter, ‘if water, or any other liquid, gets into electric wiring it would be very dangerous. So, ladies, tell Bert what you want from your dressing rooms and he’ll get it for you. Have a well-deserved night off. Thank you.’

Bert, Mrs Horton and Miss Lesley went into the theatre while the girls said goodnight to Natalie and Anton Goldman.

Margaret watched the lads from stage management leave, discussing which pub they were going to. She wished she could go to a pub, but--

‘What about you, Margaret? What are you going to do?’ Nancy asked. ‘Margaret?’

‘Sorry, I was miles away. I’ll wait for Bill, I suppose.’ It was times like this she wished her friend Jenny still worked at the theatre so she could travel home with her.

‘You can’t wait out here for four or five hours.’ George looked up at the sky. ‘Not a cloud in sight; perfect bombing weather. The streets are too dangerous, Margaret.’

‘I suppose I could go down to the ambulance station at Tommy’s and wait for him.’

‘I have a better idea,’ Nancy said. ‘Come to the club with Betsy, George, and me?’

Margaret had wanted to go to the Prince Albert Club since she first came to London, but Bill wouldn’t take her. The girls were always talking about the fun they had there, how good the band was, and how they had danced till all hours. She was desperate to go, wanted to say yes. ‘What about Bill?’

Nancy handed Margaret her coat and handbag. ‘Bert’s staying until eleven, in case the sewage people telephone.’ Nancy turned to the stage doorman. ‘You’ll tell Bill where Margaret is when he gets here, won’t you, Bert?’

‘Of course, Miss.’

Nancy kissed Bert on the cheek. ‘You’re a pal.’

‘I can’t go to a smart club dressed like this,’ Margaret said, putting on her coat.

Nancy put her