Page 46 of The Songbird of Wychwood

We both watched silently as Doris made the tea. There was no way I’d say a word in response to the offer while this nosy bint was within earshot! She placed a chipped cup and saucer on the table in front of me, and another was presented to Mr. Grayson, who gave her a slap on the arse, eliciting a girlish giggle. “Shut the door on your way out girl,” Grayson called as she headed for the door.

The last thing I wanted at this moment was a cup of stewed tea. Grayson picked up his cup and took a noisy slurp. I pushed my teacup away. I’d been reluctant to admit to myself that my time at the music hall was over, but things were finally coming to a head and there was packing to do! I had to get out of this office and continue with my preparations.

“I’m ever so grateful for the opportunity, sir. But…can I think about it?” I asked meekly. “I’ve got some…well…personal arrangements that I need to smooth over before I can give you an answer,” I added with a regretful wince.

Grayson eyed me suspiciously and then his grin brightened. “Well, well, well, ‘ave you got yourself a secret sweetheart Georgie-boy?” he snickered filthily and rubbed his hands together.

“My boy, my boy! Opportunities like this come once in a lifetime. Don’t you let the grip of a wet cunny fool ya! A good looking fellow like yourself can have as much quim as your pecker can handle when you’re out on tour. That’s one of the perks of touring; you love ‘em and leave ‘em.” he chuckled.

I felt sick. I could not believe I’d once thought Alfred Grayson to be a kind and agreeable boss. I stood, and made to leave but as I opened the door Grayson called,

“Three days George. I want your answer in three days. Preparations have to be made.” I looked back, nodded, and then hurried through the doorway.

I rushed through the dingy back corridors and doorways that led from the foyer to the dressing rooms. I was both bilious and furious. I knocked rapidly on the door of the dressing room.

“Hey, hey, ‘old yer ‘orses. Stop that bloomin’ racket,” Eloise called.

“Lou, let me in, quick.” I heard the slip lock snick and then Eloise pulled the door open. I rushed in, closed the door, and then leaned on it, as if the devil would soon be knocking.

“What the bleedin’ ‘ell ‘appened? You’re in a right two-and-eight.”

“I have to pack up my room and be ready to move quickly Lou. This ain’t no joke. Grayson’s trying to get rid of me.”

“He fired you?” she exclaimed furiously. “We’ll just see about that,” she said as she stormed towards the door, batting her hand as if she expected me to move and let her pass.

“No, no! He wants to put me out on tour,” I clarified and that made her pause. “He said seven cities, a week in each.”

“That’s…that’s wonderful,” she brightened. “Isn’t it?”

“No, no, it’s not. He’s trying to get me out of the way, Lou. Can’t you see? I’m his biggest earner. He had to stop me from looking into publishing my songs. I swear, he was a changed man, all smiles and geniality. It gave me the willies. He even offered me a cup of tea!” I shuddered.

“He did WHAT?” Eloise exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock. Now my best friend understood the weight of what was happening. Such a gesture was not normal behavior for Alfred Grayson. He had a reputation for ducking out of the pub when it was his round, and if it wasn’t for Mr. Myrna keeping an eye on his accounts we’d have to hold him upside down by the ankles to get paid each week!

“He knows this scam will be found out sooner or later and so he’s pretending to do me a favour, saying it will benefit my career to do a national tour. He thinks that getting me out of London while still having me perform and earn for him will end his worries. I’ve got three days to think about it.”

“What are you gonna do?”

“What d’ya think I’m gonna do? I am not sticking around to be manipulated by that thieving snake. I may not have a roof over my head anymore, but I’ve got my pride. This won’t stand, you mark my words. Alfred Grayson is going down,” I said fiercely. My blood was up now and I would not stop until I got some justice.

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