Chapter 34
The morning of opening night was clear and crisp and Lily made her tea and went into the garden. Nick was at his flat and she was alone in Pippin Cottage.
The garden of Pippin Cottage was awash in soft morning light, and the leaves of the old apple tree were a riot of reds and oranges. It was the sort of morning that Gran would have cherished and she felt the sadness come back. She wiped tears from her eyes with the sleeve of her robe.
As though the world was listening, she heard her phone in her pocket signal a text message and she opened it and saw her dad’s name. Fear ran through her. When would she stop being anxious at text messages? she wondered as she opened it.
Gran had a good night. Nurse said if she continues like this she can come to closing night. Hope we can come then too.
Despite Lily’s best efforts to keep her optimism in check, her heart soared at the prospect of Gran coming, but she was also aware of how rapidly things could shift in relation to Gran’s condition.
It was disappointing her parents weren’t coming tonight but her mother was barely speaking to her, so she wasn’t about to beg her to come to the show.
‘That’s good news about Gran, isn’t it?’ she said to Mr Mistoffelees as he wandered about the grounds. The garden was still half done and Lily wondered if she could fix it in time for Gran’s return and then gave up the thought.
One thing at a time, she told herself. She had moved here to slow down, not to fill every moment with activities.
She had the day to herself, alone, and it felt almost surreal. Nick had been here every night since Gran had been in hospital but they had agreed they would get proper sleep the night before the show.
After breakfast, Lily cleaned the cottage to keep herself busy and pulled a few weeds out and then sat in the sun with the cat and enjoyed the morning.
At lunchtime, she contacted the hospital, but Gran was asleep, and she didn’t want to wake her up.
How is Gran? came a text from Nick.
She’s asleep but Dad said she’s a bit better and might come to closing night, she said.
That was five shows away. Would Gran make it to then?
Want a pickup on the way to the show? texted Nick.
Yes please.
Lily sat at the piano and played a few notes, and then started to play a ‘Nocturne in B-Flat Minor’ by Chopin and felt herself relax into the music as she played. How long had it been since she had spent time playing for no reason other than for pleasure?
It was so peaceful in the cottage as she played. Mr Mistoffelees came and jumped up onto the stool beside her and sat purring, listening to the music.
She glanced down and smiled at the cat. Everything was okay, she reminded herself. Not perfect but it was okay.
*
Late afternoon, Lily arrived at an already bustling village hall, with the orchestra warming up and the final touches to the lights and sound being tested.
The members of the cast were seen moving around in a variety of costumes and makeup styles. All the while Jasper’s voice could be heard booming directions.
‘Lily!’ Immediately after he saw her, Jasper called out, ‘I’m very happy to see you, my dear, but please, please, let’s get you ready.’
Lily knew she had plenty of time but she wasn’t about to tell him that. Jasper seemed to do best when he was in panic mode.
During the process of being led into a makeshift dressing room, Lily caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her face was pale, and her eyes were wide with nervousness.
‘Deep breaths,’ Sheila murmured as she appeared next to her with a smile. ‘You’re going to be wonderful.’
In the hour that followed, Lily had been converted into Eliza Doolittle by the makeup girl, who was also Sheila’s granddaughter.
Lily was in her costume, standing in the wings and looking out at the hall, which was fast filling up.
The rapid beating of her heart was so loud that she was certain everyone could hear it.
Suddenly, Nick was there by her side, looking absolutely stunning in his Freddy Eynsford-Hill costume. He put his hands on her shoulders and she felt herself relax at his touch.
‘Are you okay?’ he asked.
‘I was wondering where you were,’ she said with a smile. ‘I’d kiss you but I would put coal on your face and suit and that isn’t in the script.’ She laughed.
Nick kissed her shoulder. ‘You’re going to be amazing.’
‘Do you have anyone in tonight?’ she asked, peeping through the curtain at the audience.
‘Yes, my parents, sisters and their partners and my neighbour at the flat and some friends,’ he said casually.
‘God, that’s terrifying,’ said Lily.
‘What about you?’ he asked.
‘No one,’ she said.
‘Not even your parents?’ he asked, surprised.
She shook her head. ‘They might come with Gran but let’s just say, Mum isn’t happy with me and this show.’
Nick shook his head. ‘Her loss. You’re amazing in it.’
‘Five minutes to curtain!’ In his call, Jasper’s voice had a little quiver, which was a clear indication of his own uneasiness.
She felt Nick’s breath on her neck.
‘Lily,’ he said in his low voice. ‘You were born for this moment. This includes not only the performance but also teaching, being at Appleton Green, and everything else. You have arrived just where you were supposed to be. Take it all in.’
Lily’s eyes began to well up with tears, but she blinked them back.
‘Thank you,’ she said as she left.
‘Places everyone!’ Jasper’s voice could be heard again.
Nick gave her hands one final squeeze before leaving. Lily drew in a long breath and closed her eyes for a brief period.
‘This is for you, Gran,’ she whispered. ‘Thank you for everything, even if you don’t get to see this, thank you. I love you.’
As soon as the curtain began to rise, Lily experienced a peculiar sense of serenity that engulfed her as she looked out into the audience, and there, in the front row, with her parents sitting either side of her, was Gran, all three beaming with pride.