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goodness’ sake, Dad. I’m a grown woman, earning a living, not a child!’ And she went into the scullery to find a vase for her flowers.
    ‘Now, Frank,’ her mother said quietly, ‘Bonny is quite right. She’s no longer your little girl so don’t treat her like one.’
    ‘I know that, but besides being her father I’m a man and I know how they think.’
    Millie raised her eyebrows in surprise. ‘Whatever do you mean?’
    ‘You’ve read about stage-door Johnnies. They see a pretty girl on the stage and think she’s easy pickings.’
    ‘But our Bonny’s not like that. She’s been brought up right, and now you have to let her make her own decisions.’
    ‘Maybe, but I don’t have to like it.’ He folded his paper. ‘I’m off to bed.’
    Millie sought out her daughter. ‘Your father is only being protective,’ she explained. ‘You have to give him time to get used to the idea that you are now a grown woman.’
    ‘I know, Mum. But what on earth will he be like if I ever get a job in London?’
    Millie couldn’t answer because she was wondering how she would react if her daughter left home in the future. Cutting the apron strings was never easy for any mother, but they all had to face up to it at some time. She just hoped it wouldn’t be for a while yet. And with that crumb of comfort, she too went to bed.

Four
    With Belle Carlisle on the bill at the Palace Theatre, the demand for tickets was fierce, and on opening night the stalls, circle and upper circle were full to capacity. Bonny peered through the curtain, thrilled to see the townspeople scurrying to their seats.
    The opening number went well and the girls had plenty of time to change before closing the first half of the show. ‘I’ve never seen Mr Kendrick so nervous,’ said Bonny to her friend, who was repairing her stage make-up in the seat beside her.
    ‘That’s because Belle is on the bill. According to Jack, the stage doorkeeper, she’s a handful. Nothing is ever quite right and she complains constantly. But she brings in the crowds, so poor old Sammy is usually tearing his hair out by the end of the week. Or so I’m told.’
    The wardrobe mistress, who was helping Bonny to change, leaned forward and in a quiet confidential tone said, ‘No doubt he’ll be on hand at her hotel later to calm her down!’
    Both girls stopped what they were doing. ‘What are you inferring, Nan?’ asked Bonny, intrigued by this nugget of information.
    ‘They go back a long way,’ they were told. ‘They’ve been lovers off and on for years.’ And she moved on to the next girl.
    ‘Dirty old devil!’ exclaimed Shirley.
    ‘I’m not that surprised,’ Bonny said. ‘After all, he does have a wicked twinkle in his eye. I’ve watched him looking at the chorus line with more than a little interest.’
    ‘He hasn’t tried anything with you, has he?’
    ‘No. As far as I know he hasn’t with anyone.’
    ‘I wonder that Lily hasn’t worked her so-called magic on him. After all, he is the producer.’
    ‘She wouldn’t stand an earthly against Belle Carlisle now, would she?’ And they both laughed at the very idea.
     
    Belle stood in the wings waiting for her entrance. Smoothing down her dress, patting her hair, taking deep breaths.
    Sammy Kendrick walked on to the stage and made his announcement. ‘Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to welcome one of London’s best loved stars to our stage. Please give a warm welcome to Miss Belle Carlisle!’ He held out his hand towards the wings.
    As the music began, Belle, wearing a stunning blue gown studded with sequins, made her entrance to huge applause. She walked slowly and deliberately to the microphone, smiled at the audience and started her opening number: ‘ Night and day, you are the one …’
    There was not a sound to be heard from the audience as she sang. She went through her repertoire faultlessly and left the stage to a standing ovation. She waited in the wings for a few