‘What now?’ Claire asked.
Isobel announced, ‘The show must go on!’
‘Are you referring to life, or the show in particular?’ asked Claire.
They all burst out laughing.
Rufus said, ‘I never thought I’d see the day that we’d all be in a room together laughing – or, in actual fact, an ambulance. Are you sure you’re going to be okay, Isobel?’
‘Oh, yes, thanks to Jack. He is the real hero of the hour. Talking of which …’ Isobel grinned. ‘Jack said he is going to spend some money doing up the rooms backstage, especially the one gutted by fire, before his soon-to-be ex-wife gets her hands on all his money.’
Rufus said, ‘Then the show really will go on – hoorah!’ He turned to Reggie. ‘I don’t suppose there might be a small bit part for me in the show?’ He quickly turned to Claire. ‘If that’s all right with you?’
Claire smiled. ‘Of course it’s all right. You’re retired now. You can do what you wish.’
‘Oh, how I wish I could return to the theatre.’ He looked at Reggie eagerly.
‘I’m afraid it’s not up to me. You’d have to discuss that with the producer.’
‘The producer?’
Reggie grinned. ‘Yes, our daughter, Bridie.’
‘Our daughter.’ Rufus returned his smile. ‘Thank you, Reggie.’
‘Not at all. Now, let’s get this show on the road!’
‘Finally!’ The paramedic shook his head as they all clambered out of the ambulance. ‘Do you call that five minutes?’ He looked at Isobel. ‘Where do you think you’re going? I want you to come in for observation this evening.’
‘I am fine. However, I’m more than happy for my friend to observe me this evening.’ She eyed Reggie.
Reggie looked at her, eyebrows raised. ‘Who – me?’
‘Yes, and you can observe me very closely.’
‘Very?’
Isobel said, ‘Oh, yes.’
He grinned. ‘I think I can do that.’
The paramedic eyed them. ‘Well, as long as someone will be with you tonight.’ He looked at all four of them. ‘So, are you sure you’re done? Can I go now?’
‘Yes,’ they all said in unison.
‘Good, I’ll just wait for my other patient.’
They all looked over at Bridie, who was heading through the small crowd of onlookers in Jack’s direction. Isobel said, ‘Might be a bit of a wait. I’m afraid. I get the feeling they have a lot to discuss.’
The paramedic rolled his eyes. ‘Oh, not again!’
Chapter 57
Bridie had taken her time, walking past the fire engines, through the small crowd of people still gathered outside the theatre. Kate kept trying to chivvy her along, but Bridie was feeling absurdly nervous about confronting Jack with the truth. She hoped she could persuade him to acknowledge the truth too – he didn’t really want to be with her. He wasn’t in love withher. Just the idea of her because of their history. It was just nostalgia for the past.
Andy appeared by Kate’s side, with George, William and Maisie. ‘Sorry, I knew we were meant to stay in the flat, but the kids were desperate to find out what was happening – and so was I!’
Kate and Bridie exchanged a glance. Kate said, ‘A lot happened. I’ll fill you in later. But everything is good. Really good.’
