The Hollywood star hadn’t been known for musicals, but there was no doubt in Brooke’s mind that Harmony could easily have played a starring role in them. Her voice was pure and sweet and every note was perfectly in tune. As Florrie, Immi and Millie joined in halfway through the verse, their voices soared together, and the emotion in Harmony’s voice was surprisingly touching. It made tears well up in Brooke’s eyes.
She glanced over at Danny and her heart melted. He looked terrified. Even though everyone had assured him – quite truthfully – that his voice was amazing and that he sounded fantastic, he was still a bag of nerves about performing alone. She wished he had more confidence in himself.
When it came to his turn to sing the verse, Danny seemed to forget his nerves. His voice was strong and true, and as Brooke looked around, she could see the admiration in everyone’s faces. Even Silas Alexander looked quietly pleased, although she doubted he’d ever tell Danny how good he really was.
As the final notes of the chorus faded and the music ended, everyone cheered in relief. It was the first time they’d done a perfect rehearsal. No one had forgotten the lyrics, everyone had come in at exactly the right places, and the instruments and voices were in perfect time, which wasn’t easy when living musicians were accompanying ghostly singers. It helped that Immi was singing most of the song as Sam and Amelia could keep time with her, while Lawrie’s violin pieces added the finishing touch to what, Brooke thought, was a pretty good effort, and one she was sure that Callie and Brodie would love.
‘At last, signs of improvement,’ Silas said gruffly.
‘Well,’ Amelia said at the same time, ‘I don’t know about you, but I thought that sounded fantastic.’
Silas scowled. ‘And how would you know? You can’t hear a note!’
Lawrie shook his head. ‘No need to be so rude, Silas. Amelia was going by the instruments and Immi’s voice. I thought it sounded spectacular, frankly. Well done, everyone.’
Everyone clapped in delight. Sam placed his guitar on the floor and said, ‘Just as a matter of interest, have you come up with a name for this group yet?’
‘A name?’ The older ghosts looked puzzled. ‘What sort of name?’
‘Do we need a name?’ asked Lawrie.
‘I think it would be fun to have one,’ Sam said, and Amelia nodded in agreement. ‘If nothing else we want to introduce you properly. And it sounds more professional than The Ghosts, don’t you think?’
‘Like The Beatles?’ Millie said happily. ‘Maybe The Ghost Beatles?’ She laughed to show she wasn’t being serious, much to everyone’s relief.
‘The Funky Phantoms,’ Immi said with a giggle. ‘There’s an old cartoon called something like that.’
‘Funky phantoms indeed,’ said Agnes, shaking her head. ‘Whoever heard the like?’
One by one, the ghosts suggested various names. Some were far too pretentious (Walter). Some were dreary in the extreme (Isaac and Peter). Some were downright silly (as suggested by Ronnie and Bill, Robert, John and Florrie).
Then Harmony cleared her throat and said, ‘Hey, what do you guys think to High Spirits?’
There was some muttering as they all considered it.
‘You know what?’ Immi said. ‘I like that.’
‘I like it too,’ Danny said, and Aubrey nodded in agreement.
‘What do you like?’ Sam asked Immi.
‘Harmony has suggested High Spirits,’ Immi explained. ‘What do you think?’
‘I think it’s preposterous,’ Silas informed her.
‘Fabulous,’ Amelia said, beaming. ‘High Spirits it is then!’
* * *
Danny
Danny couldn’t wipe the smile from his face when, as the ghosts filed out of The Magic Lantern, he spotted Rory waiting for him.
‘Ooh,’ Polly said keenly as Rory smiled and waved at him, ‘who’s that attractive gentleman?’
‘My brother,’ Danny said proudly. ‘He’s staying in Rowan Vale for a few days. I can’t believe he’s come to meet me.’
Polly whistled. ‘Well, he looks very handsome, just like you, Danny. Two very good-looking brothers. Isn’t that right, Brooke?’
