CHAPTER ELEVEN
Applause and cheers rang out from the theatre, and Frazer encouraged Lily to give an exaggerated bow at the end of their waltz.
It was the first time that Lily realised the extent of Frazer’s popularity as a dancer, and that people were keen to see him perform, even if it was only waltzing with a beginner with potential like her.
‘You danced well,’ Frazer said to her. ‘How did you enjoy your first performance on stage?’
‘It was fun.’ She sounded happy.
Frazer waved to others to join them up on stage, and that’s when Lily noticed Dougal and Victoria had arrived at the theatre. They’d been for a meal before heading to the party, but they’d seen the full waltz performed.
In the happy melee, people danced on the stage and down near the front row of the auditorium as Huntly played another few songs on the piano. Huntly was a classically trained pianist.
Niall played a second number on his guitar, and then ended up partnered with Victoria for the dancing. Niall was like many of those present, able to waltz socially, but Victoria attempted to upgrade his ability, correcting his stance, and he was up for being taught.
Dougal danced with Huntly’s girlfriend, Mari, showing her how to waltz like a pro. Mari was thirty, attractive, similar in height and build to Lily, with strawberry blonde hair and a ready smile.
Frazer was inundated with several ladies eager to waltz with him, and in all the fun and frivolity, he became temporarily separated from Lily.
‘You’re a lovely dancer,’ Heather said to Lily as they took a breather for tea at the buffet.
‘I’ve only recently started ballroom dance lessons from Frazer,’ Lily revealed, as he made his way back to her.
‘No wonder folk are talking about taking dance lessons from your studio,’ Heather said to Frazer. ‘Book me in for a course in the New Year.’
‘Lily has an aptitude and a love of ballroom dancing,’ said Frazer. ‘She had a few ballet lessons when she was a wee girl. But she has the dancing in her. And she wants to learn.’
‘I’d love to learn,’ Heather emphasised.
‘Come to the studio in the New Year,’ said Frazer. ‘There’s a free assessment and then you can take a few lessons.’
‘I’ll book lessons too,’ said Mari, joining them. ‘I danced with Wil, briefly, during a night when he was down at the theatre. He owns a dance studio up the coast. Wil is a wonderful dancer, like Frazer. It made me want to be a better dancer.’
‘You and Heather will be made welcome,’ Frazer said to Mari.
‘Can I steal you away now for a wee chat about the ballgowns?’ Heather said to Lily.
Lily smiled. ‘Yes.’ She was keen to have a peek at the costumes and fabric in the wardrobe department backstage.
‘We’ll not be long,’ Heather assured Frazer.
Mari went with them.
The last Frazer saw of them, they were chattering about dresses as they disappeared backstage. He’d seen what the wardrobe area looked like. A main corridor with rows of rails filled with costumes hanging up, organised into categories, including rails packed with dresses.
‘If they’re not back by the end of the night, we’ll send out a search party,’ Huntly said, joining Frazer at the buffet.
Frazer poured himself a cup of tea, and one for Huntly. ‘It could be a long night.’
‘It’ll give us a chance to talk about the dance routines you’re planning for our shows,’ said Huntly, eager for an update.
‘I’ve been rehearsing new routines that could work for the performances. I’ll record the choreography and let you have a look at what I have in mind for the ballroom dance scenes.’
‘Jon, the show’s director, has the scenes mapped out,’ Huntly told him. ‘I’ll give you a copy before you leave this evening.’
‘I’ve never been backstage in a theatre,’ Lily said, tagging along with Heather. There were numerous nooks and crannies, areas where props and scenery were stored, and dressing rooms for the actors and other performers. It was narrow in parts, but extended far more than she’d imagined.
‘Wardrobe’s over here,’ Heather said, leading the way with Lily and Mari in tow.
They walked past clothes rails that were jam–packed with costumes.
Lily read the labels that separated them. Coats, tailcoats, jackets, capes, trousers, breeches, jeans, pantaloons, kilts. ‘Are some of these garments vintage?’
‘Yes,’ said Heather. ‘When Huntly and Niall took over the theatre, they inherited a lot of the original stock of costumes, and they’ve acquired more since then. We have lots of second–hand treasures.’
With all the rails of costumes, it was hard to tell where the wardrobe area began or ended. Rather it was there in the heart of everything. Heather’s sewing machine was the main anchor, lit by spotlights that made Lily’s lamps seem dull in comparison.
Heather stopped and reached up to a shelf behind her sewing machine where she kept her costume design folders and selected one that was packed with sketches, notes and fabric samples.
‘I know we’ll chat tomorrow at the Christmas craft afternoon,’ Heather said to Lily. ‘But I want to show you what I have in mind while you’re here in the theatre.’
‘I’m keen to see what you’re planning,’ said Lily. Then she looked at Mari. ‘Are you going to the craft afternoon at Ivy’s shop?’
‘Yes, I’m bringing my knitting,’ said Mari. She went on to explain that she supplied hand knitted garments for sale in Ivy’s shop, and taught knitting classes there too. But she’d cut back on teaching knitting because she was now involved in writing plays for the theatre.
‘How exciting,’ said Lily.
Heather showed Lily the costume designs in the folder. ‘These are rough sketches of the type of ballgowns we need for the show. And fabric samples. Pink, blue and yellow chiffon. When I saw the dresses you’d designed, I thought maybe you could help with the ballgowns for the show.’
Lily studied the samples. ‘What type of show is it? A dance show?’
‘It’s a romantic drama with music and dancing,’ said Heather.
‘All the shows in the theatre are new,’ Mari explained.
‘Mari helped with the script,’ Heather told Lily.
‘Jon, the director, wants to make it an exciting performance piece,’ said Mari. ‘Frazer is choreographing the ballroom dances.’
‘I didn’t know that,’ said Lily.
‘Nothing is totally settled yet,’ Heather explained. ‘Everyone is busy with the Christmas shows. But Huntly and Niall want to include dance shows in the New Year.’
Lily studied the dress designs. ‘These are similar to my current designs.’
‘The performers need dresses that are light to wear, nothing too grand, but still beautiful, with a fairytale quality,’ said Heather. ‘Like your designs, Lily.’
Lily looked at the rails of dresses, from twenties beaded numbers to evening gowns. Most of the fabrics were rich satin, heavy brocade and velvet.
‘These dresses are gorgeous,’ said Lily.
Heather nodded. ‘We have lots of dresses. But no fairytale ballgowns. That’s where you come in...’
‘Glasgow?’ Huntly exclaimed to Frazer. ‘When?’
Frazer sounded downcast. ‘January.’
‘Does Lily have to leave?’
‘It’s her career. I don’t want to interfere with her plans.’
‘But surely she can build her dressmaking and design business from Edinburgh,’ said Huntly.
‘I’m fine about it,’ Frazer lied.
‘I spend my days and evenings in the company of thespians,’ said Huntly. ‘I know when someone is putting on an act.’
Frazer shrugged. ‘I don’t want to jeopardise her career,’ he emphasised. ‘She has an online meeting due with them soon. I think she’ll accept the job offer.’
‘If she’s in a bind financially, surely you could help her.’
‘I don’t bring up about my money. Just as I’m sure you don’t with Mari.’
Huntly nodded.
‘I’d help Lily in a heartbeat if she needed it,’ Frazer added. ‘But she’s a very capable and independent young woman, and I think her business is starting to thrive. So this could be a sensible move for her.’
‘I’m sorry, Frazer. I can see how much you like her.’
‘We’re good friends.’
Huntly smirked. ‘Lily has put a spring in your step.’
‘Why aren’t you two up dancing?’ Victoria said, cutting–in, unaware of what they were discussing.
The music had notched up into a lively beat and people were enjoying themselves.
Huntly and Frazer were pulled into the fun.
Niall had gone in search of Heather and the others backstage in wardrobe.
‘Come on,’ Niall beckoned to Heather, Lily and Mari. ‘You’re missing out on the dancing.’
Heather closed the folder. ‘Niall’s right. Let’s join the party. We can chat more tomorrow at the Christmas crafting.’
They headed back through with Niall to the hub of the activity and were soon swept into the dancing.
Frazer clasped hold of Lily’s hand. ‘Come and samba with me.’
Lily laughed. ‘I don’t know how to samba.’
‘It’s all in the bounce action.’ Frazer demonstrated the energetic moves.
‘I can’t do that.’ Lily giggled.
‘Just feel the rhythm of the song,’ Frazer encouraged her.
Seeing everyone dancing and just having fun, Lily let Frazer lead her into some samba action.
‘I think we’ll add samba into your lessons,’ Frazer teased her.
‘No, I’ll stick to the waltz and slow foxtrot.’
The song came to an end and then another lively and dramatic piece of music began.
Frazer changed his dancing style. ‘Tango with me.’ He gently pulled her close to him, and she could feel his muscular body pressed against her.
‘I’ve never done a tango before,’ she said.
Frazer danced smoothly to the beat, and then included a few staccato moves.
Lily felt a blush rise in her cheeks and tried to look over his shoulder so he wouldn’t notice.
She saw several couples attempting a tango, including Victoria and Niall. Dougal was partnered with another woman and she was keen to be instructed by him. But mainly, everyone was having fun, enjoying the music, celebrating another successful show at the theatre.
And in the heart of it all, there was Lily, dancing with Frazer, and feeling welcome.
‘I never imagined my life would be like this when I moved to Edinburgh,’ Lily said to Frazer.
‘No?’ He dipped her dramatically. ‘Did you picture it being livelier, more exciting and fun?’
‘Very funny,’ she said.
‘Cutting in!’ Dougal tapped Frazer on the shoulder. ‘You can’t dance with Lily all night.’
Frazer grinned. ‘I was teaching Lily the tango.’
Dougal feigned being unfazed. ‘I’ll up your tango with a cha–cha–cha.’ And he swept Lily away.
‘I don’t know how to do the cha–cha,’ Lily said, trying not to giggle too much as Dougal led her in the moves.
‘Luckily for you, I’m a dance instructor,’ Dougal joked with her.
Frazer looked around and noticed that Mari had just finished dancing with Huntly. He approached her as Huntly was waylaid by others.
‘Would you like to dance, Mari?’
She happily accepted.
Frazer took her in hold. ‘Let’s call this your assessment.’
Mari laughed.
Heather was nearby and smiled at them.
‘You’re next, Heather,’ Frazer joked with her.
The cheerful atmosphere continued well into the night, before starting to wind down, with people gradually heading home. The lights in the theatre started to dim and the music finished.
‘It’s past midnight,’ Frazer said to Lily. ‘Are you ready to go home?’
‘I am. And I had a great time.’
Frazer walked her up the centre aisle of the auditorium to the foyer.
They bid goodnight to Huntly and the others. Huntly gave Frazer a copy of the director’s notes for the dance show scenes before they left.
In the foyer, Lily took her shoes off, tucked them in her bag, and put her boots on.
Frazer shrugged his coat on and helped Lily on with hers. ‘I’ll walk you back to the dress shop.’
Stepping outside, she shivered in the cold night air, in such contrast to the heat of the theatre.
Frazer fought the urge to put his arm around her shoulders to shield her from the cold, and instead walked by her side, leading her back along the same shortcut route they’d taken earlier.
‘Mari says you’re doing the dance choreography for a new show at the theatre,’ said Lily.
‘Yes, Huntly and Niall, and Jon the director, wanted me to create choreography for the ballroom dance scenes. I’ve been putting together some moves. That’s something else I’ve been working on when I’m dancing late at night in the studio. Though I’ve practised at home too.’
‘You dance at home?’ she said, prompting him.
‘I have a small dance floor in my living room where I practise my dancing. Or I dance to unwind after a busy day. I don’t use it as much since I opened the studio, but I plan to.’
‘When you find time to relax at home.’
He nodded. ‘That’s the plan.’
She pictured he was the type to stick to his plans. ‘I feel like my plans have been cast to the wind.’
‘Is that good or bad?’
‘I don’t know yet.’
They walked on, under the glow of the Christmas lights.
She tugged the collar of her coat up. ‘I’ve just partied the night away. I tend to dressmake the night away.’
‘It’s exciting to mix things up a little sometimes,’ he said.
She nodded. ‘I think I just didn’t expect to be dividing my time between dressmaking and dancing.’
‘That sounds to me like a fine balance of work and fun.’
Lily became thoughtful, remembering what Mirren had said to her earlier. That’s no way to live, Lily. There has to be a balance between work and fun .
Frazer gazed up at the clear night sky. ‘I love evenings like this. I love the winter, especially Christmas. But the New Year is lining up to be just as busy. The ballroom dance routines for the theatre show. Planning other events, like the ball, for the studio.’
‘A busy New Year for both of us,’ she said wistfully.
‘Probably on opposite sides of Scotland.’
Before she could respond, they’d reached the shop.
‘I’ll wait until you’re safely inside,’ he said.
Lily dug her key out and unlocked the door. It was way too late to invite Frazer in for tea, so she said goodnight.
‘I really did have a great time.’
‘So did I. Thanks for...being a wee bit wild.’ Smiling, he waved as he walked away.
Her heart ached with an unfamiliar longing seeing Frazer go. Closing the door on one of the best nights she’d had in a long time, and certainly the wildest dance night ever, she went upstairs and got ready for bed by the glow of her Christmas tree lights.
Frazer felt the cold night cut through him as he walked to his car. But that’s not what sent a chill through him the most. Every time he thought about Lily leaving Edinburgh, his heart turned to ice. He would miss Lily.
Walking on and getting into his car, he turned the heater up and drove off. And he thought about Lily. He hadn’t known her long, but he felt he knew her well.He turned the radio on to tune out his wayward thoughts. A festive tune was playing, reminding him of Christmases past. Reminding him too that he was due to be interviewed on the radio the following morning to chat about the ball and his dancing.
Frazer knew the radio presenter from being in theatre shows and dance events. They’d been friends for a few years. The presenter wanted to chat to him about the Christmas Eve ball and other dance shows that were planned.
The studio was in Edinburgh, and Frazer had been interviewed on the show before. The interview in the morning was a live chat.
He’d meant to tell Lily to tune in.
Listening to festive songs all the way home, he parked his car in the front garden of his house, and stepped out, breathing in the cold air. The trees surrounding his property looked like they’d been iced white. He stood for a moment and sent a message to Lily before heading inside:
Forgot to tell you. I’m being interviewed on the radio tomorrow morning . He gave her the show’s name and time.
Lily was tucked up cosy in bed when she heard a message come through on her phone that was on the bedside table. She reached over and glanced at the name. Seeing it was a message from Frazer, she read it and replied:
I’ll tune in. Good luck .
Thanks. I didn’t mean to wake you up.
You didn’t. I wasn’t asleep yet. I’m still buzzing from the tango and cha–cha–cha.
So am I. If I wasn’t doing the radio interview, I’d dance off some of this energy.
I’m looking forward to hearing your interview. I’ll tune in at the shop.
Are you still going to the craft party in the afternoon?
Yes. But I’ll be at the studio at night for my next lesson.
See you at seven. Goodnight, Lily .
Goodnight, Frazer .
Lily put her phone aside and snuggled under the quilt, but her mind was whirring with thoughts of Frazer, the party at the theatre, seeing the wardrobe area and Heather’s folder of the designs she needed for the new show.
Stars glittered in the vast dark sky arching over Edinburgh. And here she was, wondering if she should design three ballgowns for the show with plenty of sparkle in the fabric.
It would be great to see the ballgowns worn by the performers on stage with a live audience. Usually, she never saw any of the dresses she’d made after they were bought by customers. But she imagined them being worn to dances and parties. Now she could be sitting in the theatre, as part of the audience, watching the performers wearing the ballgowns on stage. Wouldn’t that be magical, she thought. And then she realised...by the time the show was on, she would’ve left Edinburgh.
Tugging the quilt around her, she tried to get some sleep, listening to the wind picking up pace, blowing by her bedroom window.