Page 104 of Dancing Fools and All That Jazz
‘What can I get you, Fay?’ Ingrida asks.
‘Oh, perhaps a continental selection? Croissants, cold meats, cheeses… Oh and if they have olives… and those French pastries look very tasty…’
There is a wonderfully congenial atmosphere in the room as the ladies help themselves to the generous buffet.
‘Yum, look at these.’ Cath and Bonnie point to some Cruller donuts. ‘And what are those? Radishes with butter and salt. Is that a thing?’
‘I’m trying everything. We need to build-up our strength for our dance.’ Cath loads her plate.
‘Ingrida, I’m glad to see you have two plates. You need to eat plenty.’ Bonnie curves her hand over her stomach as she smiles.
Ingrida replies sharply, ‘This is for Fay.’
‘Is that all you’re having, Asha? A single croissant…’ Before Bonnie can say more, Cath pulls her away and steers her to the table.
Waiters pour us coffee and fresh orange juice and if it were not for the ache in my leg, I would be feeling on top form, especially with the news I have in store for our group.
When we have all finished eating, Hazel prompts me to make the announcement.
‘Ahem. You will all know I am unable to dance today, which poses a problem for the “Dancin’ Fool” routine.’
‘Hey. We could incorporate the wheelchair into the dance. It would add to the comedy of the performance.’ Ruby nudges Monica.
‘That would take entirely new choreography, Ruby.’ Clarissa’s voice comes from the open door. ‘But dancing with wheelchairs is not unheard of. You will rememberStrictlyhad a wheelchair dancer in one of their shows. However, that is not what we will be doing.’
Ruby winks at Monica as Clarissa continues. I do not think Clarissa realises almost every utterance from Ruby’s mouth is a joke or chide. I must say I preferred it when Monica and Ruby were not speaking. Ruby’s constant patter – now she is back to her usual self – is grating on me.
‘No, Hazel and Fay have come up with a much better solution. Ladies, please meet Edith, Fay’s daughter.’
Clarissa stands aside and ushers Edith into the room. The majority of the ladies look from Edith to me with surprised expressions.
‘Hi again.’ Edith, who is dressed in dance leggings, a black T-shirt and jazz shoes, looks a little self-conscious as everyone waves a hand to her.
‘Edith has kindly agreed to perform in Fay’s place,’Clarissa continues. ‘We have just run through the routine several times in the hotel gym, and I have to say Edith has picked up the dance with incredible speed.’
Edith dips her eyes and fidgets with her hands.
Clarissa continues, ‘We will need to rehearse together so Edith can dance in situ with the group. To this end, I am pleased to say we have been given additional rehearsal time on the main stage in recompense for Fay’s unfortunate accident yesterday. I hardly need tell you, Edith is a magnificent dancer – a tour de force – and we are incredibly lucky to have her.’
Edith lingers by the door a little awkwardly and I am relieved when Cath stands and crosses to shake Edith’s hand.
‘Welcome. How did you pick up the dance in just a few run-throughs? It took us months to learn it.’
‘Edith is a natural dancer with a memory for pattern. She assimilated the steps with ease. She could be a professional dancer,’ Clarissa responds.
Edith blushes and Cath takes her arm to lead her to the table.
I beam, unable to hide my delight.
‘I hope you don’t mind me joining you,’ Edith sounds a little shy as she addresses everyone. ‘I just love the routine. It is such a contrast to the numbers my group normally dances. I’m honoured to be allowed to dance with you.’
‘The honour is all ours,’ Asha signs ‘thank you’ with her fingers to her chin. ‘Your “Fix You” performance was outstanding.’
‘That’s kind of you to say. Thankfully, we are doing that later in the finals show. I had to check the programme before agreeing to come and try out “Dancin’ Fool”. You know, give me time to change costume and get into a different frame of mind.’
I hang onto Edith’s every word, delighted with the reception she has been afforded by the others.
Clarissa goes to the breakfast table to help herself to some food and Ruby and Monica stand to greet Edith across our table.
