One Night With a Rock Star

by Chana Keefer

  “That settles it. These are too special and I was going to sew sequins on them…”

  “You will use these,” Helena insisted. “It will remind me of her all night; Vincent too. I’d like that.” She patted my cheek. “You’d better get sewing.”

  Later, as I sat on the floor surrounded in white feathers and sparkles, my hands shook with building excitement. A Ball. A real masked Ball, and Esther from Texas would be there. My mind swirled with more anticipation than I’d felt since I was a child looking out a window to get a glimpse of Santa.

  Dad came in. “Quentin invited us for a horseback ride in the morning.”

  Could a person die from anticipation? If so, I was pushing the limits. I gave a sigh of rapture. Dad rolled his eyes and quipped, “I’ll take that as a ‘yes.’”

  After that, I sewed sequins onto feathers in a happy daze.

  Around midnight, I straightened up with aching back and sore hands. I’d gotten a bit more ambitious than originally planned, looping the thread through a line of sequins along the edge of each wing then scattering them evenly throughout each piece. When Kate found out about my endeavor, she brought a bottle of craft glue and a box of loose rhinestones. The work had gone much faster after that and I now looked with satisfaction on the beautiful feathered wings shimmering and twinkling as if touched by twilight.

  I slipped into the navy velvet dress Grandma Min made for Mom, then put together the rest of my accessories, finally ending with the sapphire crown I’d rigged from craft wire and the blue broach. The dress was old and blue, the wings borrowed… I wondered once more about the bride who had worn the gorgeous wedding gown. Had it been Helena? Emma? An image overwhelmed my mind of the glorious stairway of the house covered in flowers and ribbons, as that beautiful satin train trailed down the stairs and all eyes were fixed on the bride who looked down at… I shoved the vision away since I could imagine only one person playing the role of groom.

  I removed the items and slid into bed, enjoying the wing’s sparkle in the light of an almost-full moon.

  In the gray light of dawn, someone tapped on my door. “Up and at ‘em, Esther,” Dad called. “We want to get an early start.”

  I dressed in a rush of excitement and headed toward the back door where Kate packed sandwiches and water into the saddlebags of the three horses who stomped and champed. The smoke of their breath made clouds in the morning chill. I would ride Flicka while Dad’s mount would be Faust who was declared “proud but reliable.” “Ye might haveta show ‘im who’s boss a bit,” Quentin advised.

  Quentin would ride Flibber T. Gibbet since he was familiar with Flibber’s bag of tricks. “He’ll settle down soon enoof once I ride the willies out of ‘im.”

  Just before we started, Kate came back out to hand me a Brown cowboy hat that appeared to have survived many a cattle drive. “’Tis a bit beat up, but it’ll save yer face from the sun.” It was large for me, but the cord under the chin held it in place.

  We started with a trot and lope in the open field next to the house. Soon we were passing through the belt of encircling trees as Quentin worked hard to keep Flibber to a walk. “If I let him have ‘is head now he’d clean me off on a low-hangin’ tree.”

  That morning passed quickly as we explored cliffs, coves, forests, and fields of the island, even having the chance to fulfill a personal dream of mine to ride a horse at breakneck speed down a beach, hooves spraying foam and sand behind us. I hadn’t counted on the peppering of sand from the other horses’ hooves, but Dad’s steed, Faust, refused to be second.

  Quentin guided us to a spot where rocks jutted out of the sand and a cliff towered above us sending down a thin cascade fall from the hills above. The horses drank from the stream while we devoured Kate’s lunch of sandwiches and buttery shortbread cookies.

  “None can match Kate’s shortbread in these parts. ‘Tis the best on the island I ken assure ye,” Quentin stated.

  After lunch I climbed up the hill overlooking the beach to gaze across the bay toward a couple of outlying islands. The seagulls and sandpipers flew and pecked in the surf as the fresh salt air whipped my hair around my face. I removed the hat and wove a braid on each side. As I was about to put the hat back on, I noticed the name “Les” written on the label. Hopefully he wouldn’t mind.

  I placed the hat back on and gazed at the calming scene of ocean waves and soft blue sky blending on the horizon. I’d only been here a couple days and already felt at home. Maybe I could stay. Perhaps offer my services as a companion to Helena and additional domestic help for Kate? Very tempting. No, it wasn’t the best way to utilize my shiny college degree, but I could do worse than an island off the Scottish coast with plenty of fresh air and room to roam.

  “Esther!” Dad signaled they were ready to leave. I limped down the hill, careful not roll down as I had the morning before, and we were on our way. It had to be mid-afternoon already, judging by the sun, and Quentin was needed for unfinished party business. I could use the time to transform my windswept, sandy self into the Blue Fairy.

  Kate, with rollers in her hair and a flowered wrap on her head to camouflage the fact, met us as we rode up to the backdoor. “Lord, Miss Esther, but yer fairly glowin’ ya are,” she commented. “We’ll make a bonny highland lass of you yet.”

  When I started to follow Quentin to the barn to help with the horses Kate said, “Let the men handle ‘em.” Then she scooted me toward my room to begin preparations for the night.

  After bathing, I allowed my hair to dry in front of the fire while I took the time to paint my nails, something I hadn’t done in years, since it seemed fitting for a fairy.

  As I prepared to dress, a knock sounded on the door. Kate stood there clad in the Brown cloak and merry little black hat with a cherry on top of Mary Poppins. I gave a whistle of enthusiastic approval. as she brought out the reason for her visit. “The Missis thought ya might like this.” She handed me a ribbon-wrapped wand with a glittered star on top where a large, dark blue stone shimmered. It was the perfect touch.

  “Did you two whip this up today?” I asked, in awe of their thoughtfulness.

  “Aye,” Kate answered. “Tweren’t na trouble at all.”

  “Well you can take a message back to the Missus for me.” I gave Kate a warm hug.

  She stood back to appraise me. “Yer hair is lovely all loose an’ curly. Would ye like a hand with it? I was always a whiz with me sisters’ hair.”

  She soon returned with an ancient curling iron. As she put my curls in order we heard music from the solarium below. We both giggled and ran to the balcony to observe. Already, costumed revelers arrived and a few could be seen from our perch. We hurried back to finish my coiffure for the evening so Kate would be free to join the party. “The Missus has so much hired help tonight she told me to just enjoy.”

  She created a shining array of ringlets worthy of a fairy. When she left, I made up my face carefully, thankful for the mental notes I took from make-up artists over the years who valued application over quantity. Next, I shimmied into my velvet finery. As I slipped on the wings and crown my heart raced. The ankle was still slightly swollen so I wrapped it with a sports bandage, hoping to make it through the evening without limping noticeably—anything to enjoy the magic of this night.

  Just one more touch to complete the look. I put on the sequined mask, rearranging the curls to accommodate it, and stepped in front of the full-length mirror. Wow. I didn’t even recognize the Blue Fairy who stood before me with glittering wings peeking over her shoulders. What fun this would be. But who ever heard of a Blue Fairy with a Texas drawl? I recalled my tri-lingual modeling pal, Evelyn, whose gorgeous, Latin/Parisian accent would fit the persona perfectly.

  I headed down the first flight of stairs, careful to avoid entangling my wings on the posts. The sound of music and merriment grew louder with each step.

  On the landing above the first floor I hesitated, taking in the sight of costumed guests in bright groups and pairs. A
court jester with a white-painted mime face entertained revelers with juggling and handstands while a Spanish dancer fluttered her lace fan.

  I moved slowly down the stairs searching the crowd for Mary Poppins or Scarlett O’Hara. A couple of steps from the bottom I heard a low whistle and turned to discover Captain Hook observing my descent.

  “Shiver me timbers! What a beauty!”

  I shrugged and shook my head a la Evelyn, “You are too kind, monsieur,” I answered the slightly short pirate who came across the floor to bow low and kiss my hand.

  “Captain James Hook at your service, mademoiselle.” I inclined my head. “My dear, you appear in need of an escort. Might I be so bold?” The gallant gentleman offered his arm.

  I accepted the proffered arm and we moved toward the solarium where Scarlett greeted her guests.

  Helena wore the gorgeous green velvet from Tara’s plantation draperies. As she greeted guests with the gold tassels from her hat swinging in time to her boisterous conversation, I easily imagined a younger Helena had been very much the belle of any ball.

  “I simply must ‘ave ze name of your dressmaker,” I told Helena as she greeted me.

  “Ah saw it in the winda and just couldn’t take ma eyes off it!” Helena flashed a flirty smile and shook her borrowed ringlets, then gave me a hug. “You have a magical night, my dear,” she whispered before growling a fierce, “ARRR!” at my pirate friend and turning to greet Julius Caesar and Little Bo Peep.

  “Magic” was exactly the word to describe the solarium that night. Round white linen-draped tables lined the huge glass-enclosed structure. Candles glowed from large sconces attached to the walls and a sparkling chandelier cast its golden reflection like millions of stars off the surrounding panes of glass. The windows allowed a breathtaking view of the twinkling cloudless night and over-sized round moon reclining on a mountain peak. Flowering trees and vines entwined with lights overflowed in every corner and draped overhead from trellises and archways like a fairy garden.

  A small ensemble dressed in powdered wigs and old-world satin breeches played on a raised dais at the far end of the room. “So,” my pirate friend inquired, “does milady prefer victuals or dancing?”

  Helena had asked in the invitations that the guests forego gifts, but behind the tree by the cellist I spied a low table where a few bow-bedecked boxes had been laid and I clapped a hand to my sequined forehead.

  “I’ll be right back,” I told the captain before racing toward the stairs to retrieve the gift I purchased for the occasion. As I ascended, my heel caught in the hem of my dress and I bent to correct the situation.

  “Now don’t steal my routine,” a white-gowned Cinderella quipped from a small group of laughing revelers including a priest and Tarzan as I continued my hasty climb. I tripped one more time on the hem and bent to remove my shoes. There. Now I could move quickly.

  I returned to the stairs as quickly as possible juggling wand, gift, and shoes. The descent was a bit iffy due to my full hands and the need to keep the skirt out from under my feet, leaving no hand to hold the banister. “If these wings really worked I wouldn’t be in this mess, “ I grumbled as I nearly dropped the gift and stumbled at the same time.

  “Frankly, my dear, you could use a hand,” a tubby Rhett Butler commented in exaggerated drawl from the bottom of the stairs.

  “You are too kind,” I replied as Rhett, a great deal more grey-headed than I remembered from the movie, approached to relieve me of the gift and wand as he offered his arm.

  “My Scarlett once took a tumble down the stairs and it was most unpleasant.” He flashed a charming smile under a very “Rhett” mustache. Up close, I could see traces of make-up had been added to increase the lines on his face, mostly hidden behind a simple black mask.

  “I think I have met this Scarlett.” I followed his game as I sat on the bottom step to replace my shoes. “Is she not ze lovely young woman draped in velvet?”

  “I see you’ve had the pleasure.” He grinned as we approached the solarium entrance. “You must excuse me, my dear, my presence is required elsewhere.” He bowed low and moved through the crowd.

  On the dance floor, I caught sight of the Queen and Dan’l Boone enjoying a waltz. The song ended and Rhett escorted the lovely Scarlett to the center of the floor as the guests clapped, cheered, and whistled. The opening notes of the The Beatles’ “When I’m Sixty-four” filled the room.

  Helena and her Rhett moved slowly, chatting and laughing while doing the fox-trot like my dad used to show me as a kid; step, step, quick, quick, step; tracing slow little circles and careful turns to the delight of the crowd.

  The court jester let loose a piercing whistle while the dark-skinned Harpo next to him honked his bicycle horn and wagged his short blonde curls in enthusiastic approval.

  Rhett whispered something in Scarlett’s ear and her mouth formed an “Oh” of disapproval as she gave his shoulder a little swat but laughed heartily nonetheless.

  “Does me heart good ta see him give ‘er such joy,” Kate said in my ear as they danced past. “Such a fine young man!”

  “So this is the great Lester?” I asked rhetorically.

  “Aye. Seems a waste he’s not married. I know The Missus’d love to be bouncin’ her great gran’babies on her knee.”

  “Want something to drink, Kate?” I asked. She declined and I moved away to the drink table wondering how pushy this little set-up was going to be. Over my shoulder I watched the dance wind down.

  Lester/Rhett went down on one knee and Helena twirled to finally perch gingerly on his leg as the last notes faded away. The guests cheered as he gave his Gram a kiss on the cheek and whispered once more into her ear, this time causing her to dab at her eyes. The touching moment brought a lump to my throat.

  I turned toward the drinks and beheld a fountain spouting red wine and an abundant buffet. Too excited to be hungry, I simply slipped a lime slice into my water glass from a towering display of fresh fruit.

  I jumped as a sharp honk sounded behind me and turned to find “Harpo Marx” grinning from behind his mask. “Hello,” I greeted him.

  “Honk!”

  “May I help you?”

  “Honk! Honk!” He squeezed his bicycle horn and hopped back and forth to the music.

  “You wish to dance?”

  “Honk! Honk! Honk!”

  I laughed and curtseyed. “Oui, Monsieur. I would be most honored.”

  Harpo stuck the horn in his pocket, clapped his hands, then bowed and tucked my arm in his.

  As we turned toward the dance floor, Helena approached with her grandson in tow.

  “And this is my own guardian angel.”

  “Ze mistake is common,” I teased. “I am a fairy. You may call me ‘Blue’.” I reached a gloved hand toward Lester. “And might I be introducing Harpo?” I gestured toward my new friend who honked his horn then stretched out a hand.

  Their hands met with a buzzing sound that caused Lester to jerk back in surprise. Harpo shook with silent mirth as he displayed the electronic shocker in his palm.

  “Harpo!” I admonished my new friend who hung his blond head in mock shame. “You must be apologizing.”

  Harpo became penitent, clasping his hands together at his breast and wiping away a non-existent tear. He stretched both hands toward Lester who grudgingly reached to make amends. This time it was Harpo who jerked away. When he turned over his hand, a small hors de oeuvre on a cracker was attached to his palm.

  Harpo looked up at Rhett with a calculating gaze, ate the hors de oeuvre from his hand, licked the palm thoroughly, and extended his hand once more toward his opponent. Lester held up his hands in surrender, refusing the proffered palm. “You win, sir. But ya can’t dance with the lady with those hands so I’ll kindly take your place.”

  Harpo, recognizing his momentary defeat, shook a fist toward Rhett who chuckled as his disgruntled opponent moved away. A sharp “Honk” sounded at Rhett/Lester’s derriere as Harpo flashed an
evil grin.

  Helena had a satisfied smile on her face. “Well now, you two can get acquainted while I mingle with our guests.” She moved away and soon conspired with Mary Poppins as they both smiled in our direction.

  “I have ze good news,” I commented. “I will be leaving in ze morning and they will have nothing with which to embarrass you.”

  “I’m so sorry. Why don’t we just dance and try to ignore the fact we’re bein’ thrown at each other.”

  I agreed as we walked among the few brave dancers on the floor for the swing standard “In the Mood.” “I am afraid this is not, how shall I say, my specialty?”

  “Then we’ll just have to muddle through.” Lester smiled. “I’m game to make a fool of myself if you are.”

  I shrugged my consent and we started, testing out the steps and trying to imitate Dan’l Boone and The Queen who had a grasp on that genre. I quickly ran into trouble with the wings since I couldn’t turn without hooking on someone so I deposited them on an obliging chair before another attempt.

  Soon I laughed as we attempted to at least stumble to the correct beat. We got better as we watched and learned and I ran to the side again to kick off my shoes.

  Soon the song ended and Lester bowed just as Harpo came forward to “Honk!” him out of the way.

  Harpo’s style was unique, a sort of ragtime with a touch of Samba. I had to work hard, throwing in some Charleston to keep up. When our dance was over, he honked his approval and pumped my hand—thankfully without the buzzer. Over the course of the next few dances, I changed partners several times, even working in a waltz with Dad in his coonskin cap.

  Lester/Rhett danced with several different ladies before leading Helena onto the floor for a slow dance. I tried not to stare, but I loved seeing them together. He treasured his grandmother with every action and expression.

  I finally took a break to rest the sore ankle, secured my customary water with lime, and turned to find Lester.

  “Ya recommend that concoction?” he asked.

  “Try it for yourself.” I prepared another glass for him and added the lime. “I find it very refreshing.”