“What are you staring at?” Archie seemed amused.
“It’s such a lovely room,” she said.
He ordered pints for everyone as Vern joined them, followed by Zeta and Lou. The Vadas sisters entered, and soon everyone was asking their manager about the theater they would be performing in.
“What’s it called?” Ruby asked.
“Matinee Theatre. It used to be called St. George’s Hall.”
“Can we go see it? Tonight?” Bessie asked.
Vernon shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t see why not. It’s not in use right now as we have it booked for the next several weeks. They mentioned a stagehand who is always there.”
Ruby smiled as she remembered Lewis, the old curmudgeon in New York who guarded the stage door as if it was his own private domain.
After their round of drinks, they took several taxis to the theater and entered by the stage door. A lone man sat reading his newspaper, puffing on a pipe. He greeted them happily, even though the hour was late.
“Hello. I’m Vernon—”
“Aye. I’ve been expecting you Yankees,” he said.
Bessie watched as Ruby stiffened, and she tried to explain. “It’s what they call us. All of us.”
“I know. It just has a different meaning for me,” Ruby bristled.
“Go on and sniff the place out,” the stagehand directed. “There ain’t no one here but me.”
They walked out onto the vast stage looking out over the huge empty audience that could hold up to eight hundred people.
“Wow!” Bessie said as she and Archie danced across the stage while Ruby walked the length of it.
“Impressive.” Ruby felt the strange sensation of being frightened.
Though she had never suffered from stage fright, the immense cavern of people packed inside this theater would be intense. The theater had an elliptical roof of wood with skylights on the side and a balcony that ran along three sides of the room.
“What is it, Ruby?” Bessie asked, seeing the look on her face.
“It’s quite overwhelming.”
Bessie smiled. “It’s no different than New York. Maybe not as big, but no different. We’re here to perform and put on a good show.”
Ruby nodded. “Yes. You’re right.”
She cast a final glance at the theater before everyone moved down the aisle to leave through the front doors. She passed by sheets and sheets of bills that would be placed all around London soon enough. She saw her name listed as one of the acts appearing, and she smiled.
When she and Bessie returned to the hotel, she spotted Ford exiting a taxicab. He was alone, and it was then that she remembered King would be staying at his town house. She was glad he was not staying at the hotel. She would be able to focus on her performance until the time came to fulfill her promise and act as hostess to his colleagues.
Ford tipped his hat at her and Bessie as they moved into the hotel.
“He is so handsome,” Bessie said, smiling as they took the stairs.
Ruby said nothing but remembered him leaning over her as she wrapped her arm
s around his neck and his mouth touched hers. Yes, she thought. He certainly is.
19
The next day, everyone gathered at the theater to do a run-through rehearsal without costumes. King did not make an appearance, but Ford did. He remained seated in the large audience while everyone performed their act.