The Christmas Songbird

by Emma Hardwick

  25

  The audition

  The opera’s director of music summoned Suzanna to his office. A small grey-haired man, full of self-importance, he had been raised by a demanding father who had no time for women. The director’s view of them worsened when he became stuck in a loveless marriage. His only meaningful interaction with females was when he needed the services of a brothel. For the best part of a year now he had been so busy planning the production of Tosca, which meant the opportunities for his flesh to be satisfied had been few and far between.

  “Sit down,” he ordered Suzanna.

  She complied, terrified, having heard several rumours about how awful the director was if he were angered.

  “You have been dishonest with us,” he continued.

  Suzanna was taken aback by the accusation.

  “How so?”

  “I have received a telegraph from London. Read it,” he told her as he threw the note across his desk. “Is this true?”

  “Yes, it is,” was the meek reply.

  “Why did you not inform us about this?” demanded the director.

  “I didn’t think it was applicable. I thought that people are chosen for their talent, not their parentage,” answered Suzanna.

  “We cannot have a Roma amongst our students. They will never tolerate it,” he said abruptly.

  Suzanna stared at him in disbelief. For the first time in her life, Suzanna experienced anger as she never had before. How dare this oily little man sit in front of her and critique her life. She was proud of who she was, and she did not have to excuse herself.

  “I participated in the competition. Your judges chose me. I am not to blame for this,” she argued courageously.

  The director studied Suzanna’s determined face. He had heard her singing, and there was no doubt that she was very talented and an asset to the Italian opera school.

  Italian men did not fall far from the hedonistic Roman tree. He weighed up the pros and cons of keeping Suzanna in Florence. His conclusion was the same as the ambassador’s about Monique. If I ensure the girl stays at the school, she will have to show me her appreciation. He stood directly in front of Suzanna leaning against his desk. He felt a stirring for the first time in months. If this was his reaction just looking, he wondered how aroused he would he feel in bed with her.

  “Are you lonely in Italy?” he said, trying to sound gentle, but it came across sinister.

  Suzanna did not answer him, feeling uncomfortable with him so close to her. It was thoroughly inappropriate. He bent forward and stroked her cheek gently, his head mere inches away from hers.

  “I can help you stay here and become our most famous soprano. I will keep your secret safe,” he whispered.

  Suzanna’s eyes narrowed, knowing that he was going to stipulate his conditions.

  “You will have to look after me, of course, Suzanna. I am all alone in the world, just like you. If you want to sing for the opera, the answer is very simple. We don’t need to bother with a formal audition. This will do—”

  He reached towards her bosom, groaning with pleasure as he approached. Suzanna jumped to her feet then slapped him so hard across his face his ears rang.

  “What do you think you are doing, you stupid woman?”

  “I have a home, and I have a family—and I have a man who loves me.”

  In a furious temper, Suzanna packed her necessities into a carpet bag and marched to the station. She had never felt more confident in her life. She was in love with David and regretted that she had chosen Italy over him. Nothing was worth it if she did not have him in her life. She did not know how long it would take to reach London, but she was not afraid to find her way home, back to the man that she loved.

  26

  Narendra

  “Mr Thomas! Mr Thomas! We have a terrible problem,” Mr Thakur shouted as he ran across the courtyard.

  “Narendra Thakur has disappeared,” he yelled.

  “You’ve lost one of your children?” asked Thomas, readying himself to jump into action.

  “No, Mr Thomas. Narendra is the snake.”

  “What snake?”

  “The snake for the show, Mr Thomas. My brother in law is a snake charmer and he says Narendra has disappeared.”

  “Is it dangerous?” asked Thomas.

  “Yes! Narendra is a cobra. “

  Thomas closed his eyes in horror. Even the English knew that a cobra bite was deadly. The kerfuffle attracted Max’s attention.

  “What’s all this racket? What’s happening now?”

  “Narendra is missing, Mr Max.”

  “Oh my goodness, Thomas,” said Max, “Panic stations. Call Sergeant Payne, he will know what to do.”

  Payne divided all the men into small groups and told them where to search, suggesting they each went off armed with a club or a spade.

  “Capture Narendra alive,” ordered Sergeant Payne. “We cannot afford any fatalities.”

  A man wearing a top hat crossed the courtyard and approached Thomas purposefully. It was the magician, The Great Maurice, who still resembled an undertaker.

  “Mr Thomas,” he warned, “I will hold you personally responsible if that snake kills Judas.”

  “Who’s Judas?” asked Thomas.

  “One of my disciples.”

  Thomas looked utterly confused and gave Maurice a look that suggested now was not the time to be obtuse.

  “He’s my white rabbit—and the cornerstone of my act,” hissed the magician. “Frankly, I do not know where he is—and woe betide you if he is inside a snake’s belly!”

  “Is there no way you do can your show without Judas?”

  “Perhaps you’ll have me magic up the elephant from my top hat. That will be a crowd-pleaser for Max,” Maurice said sarcastically. “Judas has been by my side for years. He loves to wander off and explore backstage but always returns before the show. It’s not been a worry in the past, but knowing that blasted snake may prey on him—I am terrified.”

  David arrived in the courtyard, also eager to see what all the fuss was about.

  “We need to be sensitive,” said Max, panicking, “these creatures are precious to their owners.”

  “I saw a white bunny outside Lee Ting-Chong’s door,” said David. “Perhaps you should look there first?”

  Max stood to attention.

  “Leave it to me, Maurice. Please stay here. Can’t be too careful with this cobra on the prowl. Rest assured, Sergeant Payne and I will find Judas for you.”

  Sid and Max bounded upstairs. Curiosity compelled Thomas, David and Mr Thakur to follow. Fretting about his beloved Judas, Maurice ignored Max’s instruction and tagged along at the rear calling out the rabbit’s name. Judas, however, was nowhere to be seen. The magician went to check on the remainder of his livestock housed in one of the attic’s many cubby holes close to Lee’s lodgings.

  Payne knocked loudly on the Chinese workers’ door. Lee opened up and peered through the gap. Beads of sweat began to form on Max’s brow, and not just because of the exertion of climbing several flights of stairs in one go.

  “What wong, Mr Max?” asked Lee.

  “We are searching for a white rabbit,” Max probed. “Have you seen him?”

  “I see labbits often. They hop hop hop on steps.”

  Maurice returned looking a little more at ease.

  “Simon, Peter and Andrew and the others are safe in their straw beds,” the magician announced, relieved. “Alas, Judas is still at large.”

  “How many rabbits do you keep up there?” asked David.

  “Twelve!” Maurice tutted. “They are disciples, man! Have you been listening to me at all? They follow me religiously. That’s why my wife suggested apostles, but I preferred disciples.”

  That comment alone confirmed to David they were dealing with another mad man. Granny Chong appeared behind Lee, brandishing a bloodied meat cleaver, looking more cheerful than usual.

  “Granny Chong make special dinner tonight,”
said Lee proudly.

  The blood drained from Maurice’s face.

  “Oh, how lovely,” said Max cheerfully, forgetting Granny Chong’s propensity to light the fireworks with a stray spark from her stove. “Sharing a hearty meal is a special time for families,” he gushed.

  “What will she be cooking?”

  Lee looked at Granny Chong and spoke to her in Mandarin. The old woman beamed in delight, then jabbered a swift response before disappearing back inside.

  “She bling meal to show you, Max. She good cook.”

  Moments later, Granny Chong returned, smiling from ear to ear. In one hand, she carried Judas by his ears furiously wriggling as if his life depended on it, and in the other one, she had an angry and muscular Narendra firmly by the neck, his tail whipping around furiously with contempt.

  Maurice and Mr Thakur ran forward at the same time. The old woman could not work out what all the fuss was about. She stepped behind Lee and shouted at them, refusing to hand over their precious pets. Maurice manhandled Lee out of the way, reached for Judas and started to pull at his legs, desperate to free the animal. Mr Thakur clutched at Narendra’s long body. A frenzied tug of war ensued. Feeling she was being attacked, Granny Chong shrieked in terror and tightened her grasp.

  Sergeant Payne could predict what would happen. Granny Chong would be left with Judas’ ears, and Mr Thakur would be left with a headless snake stretched to twice its length. It was time for the military man to regain control of the troops.

  Sid reached into his top pocket and pulled out a whistle. The shrill sound was so piercing everybody covered their ears with their hands. The two creatures fell out of Granny Chong’s hands, with their owners diving forwards, desperate to halt their fall. Her gnarled hands grasped like the talons of a bird of prey, angry her quarry had been stolen and her meal plans ruined. Lee had to give her a bear hug to restrain her as they made their escape.

  Downstairs, Max was the first to speak, acting as if the chaos was perfectly normal.

  “Right then. That’s all sorted. Good-o. Shall we get back to working on the Christmas show fellas?”

  27

  The Christmas Eve spectacle

  David sat in his apartment and looked across the street to The Songbird. The last few days had been the worst in his life. Aside from the continual demands of the business, his life was empty. He missed Suzanna far more than he thought he would. Their romance had been brief and fleeting and he expected to move on quickly. What he hadn’t anticipated was the intensity of it. She’s the one. I know she is. And now she’s gone.

  The Christmas chaos at the theatre seemed to spiral more and more out of control each year. He was exhausted with it all. Although his father had said he would step away when he retired, David couldn’t quite see Max abandoning his crazy showbiz schemes—especially now he knew how much it mattered to Maika.

  After many a sleepless night, David made a decision. I will continue to be an accountant, but for a business with a more stable and measured owner—someone who values budgetary restraint, cash reserves and respects my financial projections. He would find a small house somewhere in the countryside, a short train ride from a town or city. He would fall in love and finally give Max his darling grandchildren. Alas, despite being certain on his professional future, he was not yet ready to abandon his dreams for a life with Suzanna, although he knew at some point he would have to. There had still been no word from her since she left.

  David was annoyed that he did not tell her his feelings sooner, that he wanted her to be part of his future more than anything else. His heart had broken when he said goodbye to her. The night she departed, he had gone to his apartment and got roaring drunk. He threw the empty whiskey bottle into the fireplace. Halfway through the second bottle of single malt, he collapsed onto his bed.

  The temptation to go to Florence and find her was strong, but he preferred that she contact him first. If she had fallen in love with her new singing career, he knew his attempts to woo her would be doomed. He toyed with the idea of sending a telegram to at least wish her well in her forthcoming debut but had struggled to find the time.

  The joy of Christmas escaped him most years, and this year he positively hated it. I have no interest in these blasted festive shows. This year has been a farce from the outset. If I had my way, I would sleep through all of December and wait for the dreadful thing to pass.

  With the disgraced Monique now dismissed, Max had to source a new singer in a hurry. He put a bold quarter page advert in The Times advertising the vacancy. He was inundated with applicants. Fortune smiled upon him and the audition brought forth another beautiful woman with a powerful voice. The moment that Max heard her, he knew she would succeed. The songstress jumped at the chance to fill Monique’s shoes and began rehearsing in her lodgings the day she heard she was successful.

  David heard a knock on at his door. Thomas had come to check up on his missing colleague.

  “Why aren’t you dressed? We only have an hour to go to tonight’s show!”

  “I am not going,” muttered David, looking a little tipsy.

  “You must go. It’s Christmas Eve. Tonight is one of the biggest nights.”

  “No, Thomas. Tomorrow is the big charity day. I will go tomorrow instead.”

  “You know how significant tonight’s show is to your father.”

  “It has no meaning for me. I am tired of Christmas. I am tired of The Songbird. And even though the theatre is heaving with people—I am lonely.”

  “Well, you won’t be lonely if you’re with us over the road. Come on, now.”

  Thomas was in no mood for any more Leibowitz shenanigans. In silence, he selected an outfit and lay on the bed ready for David to put on, but he didn’t take the hint. Thomas began to dress him like a girl would dress a dolly, trying to pull his limbs about and force them into his evening suit. It was no use. He let David flop back onto his bed. The mournful man sat with his head in his hands as if he were hiding from the world. Thomas waited a few minutes before he spoke.

  “This morose attitude of yours of late, it’s because of Suzanna, isn’t it?”

  David nodded.

  “Yes, it is all because of her. She has been the greatest joy in my life, Thomas. I have known her for so long, and I don’t know how I will live without her.”

  “I guessed you were keen on her. It seems my hunch was right.”

  “Papa had an inkling too, but it was Monique who was certain of my feelings to Suzanna.”

  “Is that why you attacked her? Because of her diatribe about Suzanna’s father?”

  David nodded.

  “Before the competition, I decided I was going to ask Suzanna to marry me. I even bought a ring. I think we both secretly thought Monique would win.”

  David dragged open one of his desk drawers and pulled out a small velvet jewellery box. He tossed the case over as if it were nothing. Thomas opened it. Inside, a stunning diamond solitaire glistened.

  Not knowing what to say, he clicked the box shut and respectfully returned it to David, who slid the small box back in his inside pocket.

  “Come on, old chap. You don’t have to make a big show of it tonight. Just let Max know that you are there and give him some peace of mind. He’ll worry if you’re absent.”

  “No, Thomas. Not tonight. I want to be alone with my thoughts. I will force myself to attend tomorrow.”

  Thomas poured the two of them a glass of whiskey, sensing that David needed some moral support. He was sure he could salvage the situation, even though the atmosphere was tense. Silence reigned. David sank into his loneliness once more. It absorbed him like quicksand. Thomas couldn’t see a way to change his mind and gave up, vowing to try harder tomorrow.

  “Look, we have a busy night ahead. I need to get going. I’ll tell Max you are feeling unwell but I am sure he’ll know that’s a lie. I’ll check up on you later.

  From his apartment window, David watched the sophisticated crowds arrive in their fancy c
arriages and glittering gowns, but it made no impression. There was nothing that represented Christmas cheer in his apartment. It was bare, cold, joyless and loveless.

  The lovestruck man poured himself another drink and sat next to the fire. He fell asleep on his chair, only to be awoken by the sound of fireworks at midnight as the audience left. He did not even bother to look out of the window and admire them. He got into his bed fully clothed, pulled his covers over his head and tried to sleep.

  28

  The big day arrives

  Max delivered a three-line whip to Thomas to act as his henchman. David will be forced to attend our show on Christmas Day and that is the end of the matter. For Max, it was his swan song party, and there was no way he would tolerate his son’s absence. Even though the Christmas Eve show had been chaotic behind the scenes, David’s failure to appear had not gone unnoticed by his father.

  It was almost three o’clock in the afternoon, and Thomas advised David he had to hurry to be on time, else there would be no limit to his father’s wrath. David washed and dressed as fast as he could, giving himself a pep talk as he stared in the mirror. Come on, you can do this, David. One last time—then you can tell him you’re leaving. The Songbird will be safe in Thomas’ hands.

  For someone who was in such a hurry, David arrived at The Songbird looking exceptionally well turned out. The air was crisp, and the dark clouds hung low. There was a good chance of snow.

  He pushed his way through the unruly crowd of working-class locals, to whom the day was dedicated. As he arrived at the front entrance lots of girls nudged each other and pointed at the tall and handsome blond man passing by. David pushed his way into the crowded foyer then through to the theatre looking for Max. He found him and Thomas stood in the main aisle watching everyone find their seats, greeting each person with beaming smiles.