Ragged Rose

Rose nodded eagerly. ‘Of course. I’ll do anything – absolutely anything – to help free Billy.’

‘I can see that.’ Bennett glanced over her shoulder. ‘But I think you are wanted, Miss Sunshine. I see Fancello advancing on us with a purposeful look in his eye.’

‘I’ll have to go,’ Rose said, rising to her feet. ‘When will we meet again?’

Bennett opened his mouth to reply, but was forestalled by Fancello. ‘I’m sorry to interrupt, sir, but Miss Sunshine has another performance. We must not disappoint her other admirers.’

‘I’m coming, signor.’ Rose smiled and nodded in Bennett’s direction. ‘Thank you for the champagne, sir.’

‘That’s enough of that,’ Fancello hissed in her ear. ‘I pay you to keep all my customers happy, so don’t think you can pick and choose.’

‘No, signor. I understand.’

Holding her head high, Rose swept past him and made her way to the wings where Cora was waiting for her. She could tell by her sister’s heightened colour and the sparkle in her blue eyes that Gerard had proved to be an exciting companion.

‘I’ve had such a lovely time,’ Cora whispered. ‘He’s such a gentleman and he wants to take me driving in the park one afternoon. Do you think Papa would allow it?’

‘Are you mad?’ Rose grabbed her by the wrist. ‘You can’t tell anyone about this, least of all Pa.’

‘But that’s not fair.’ Cora’s eyes brimmed with unshed tears. ‘He likes me, Rose. He really likes me.’

‘I’m sure he does. Don’t cry, Corrie. There’s our intro – we’re on stage, so smile.’

As they emerged from the smoky atmosphere of Fancello’s saloon into the darkness of Cupid’s Court, Rose was immediately aware of a tall figure loitering at the far end of the alley. He was silhouetted against the light of a streetlamp, but he appeared to be wearing an opera hat and cloak. Her conversation with Bennett had put all thoughts of Carter out of her head, but now she was nervous.

‘What’s the matter?’ Cora demanded. ‘Why have you stopped?’

‘It’s nothing,’ Rose said quickly. The last thing she wanted was to worry Cora, but her heart was thudding against her ribs and she was scared. ‘We must hurry or Aunt Polly will have retired for the night.’ Rose walked on, hoping that the man would go away, but it became obvious that he was waiting for them. He turned to face them and she saw to her relief that it was Bennett Sharpe.

‘Who is that man?’ Cora demanded breathlessly. ‘Do you know him?’

‘It’s all right, there’s no need to be scared,’ Rose said hastily. ‘I met him in Fancello’s. He’s a friend.’

‘And you thought I was being forward,’ Cora whispered. ‘At least I didn’t arrange an assignation with Gerard.’

‘It’s not like that. Trust me, Cora. This man is to defend Billy in court and he’s here to help us.’ Rose greeted Bennett with an attempt at a smile. ‘I didn’t realise you were waiting for us, Mr Sharpe.’

‘I thought it best if I were to escort you home.’

‘I recognise you now,’ Cora said slowly. ‘You’re the gentleman who put that dreadful man in his place. I was going to come over myself, but I could see that you had the matter well in hand. I’m Cora, by the way. The other half of the Sunshine Sisters act. How do you do, sir?’

Bennett’s expression softened and he bowed over Cora’s hand. ‘Bennett Sharpe. How do you do, Miss Sunshine?’

‘It sounds so odd when you say it that way, Mr Sharpe,’ Cora said, laughing.

Rose was accustomed to seeing strangers falling under her sister’s spell, and it was clear that Bennett was no exception, but it was getting late. ‘We have to call in at our aunt’s establishment in Old Street, and we need to get there before she locks up for the night.’

Cora tucked her hand in the crook of Bennett’s arm. ‘I expect Rose has told you everything, Mr Sharpe. The things we get up to might be the plot of a penny dreadful, but we have to go to great lengths to keep our secret, and we couldn’t do it without Aunt Polly’s help.’

Bennett proffered his free arm to Rose. ‘Anything that either of you can tell me will be of great value, and if you don’t want me to speak to your parents it might help if I can talk to your aunt.’

Polly was ready for bed and did not bother to disguise the fact that their late arrival was an annoyance. Her expression hardened when she saw Bennett.

‘Who is this? Why have you brought a man to my house? This is unacceptable behaviour for which there is no excuse, girls.’

‘It’s not what you think, Aunt Polly,’ Rose said hastily. ‘Mr Sharpe is the barrister who has been hired to defend Billy. He came to the saloon tonight to talk to us, and he’s going to see us home.’

‘You’d better come in.’ Polly showed them into her parlour. ‘You’re very late. I was about to go to bed.’

‘We’re so sorry. We didn’t know we were expected to do two shows this evening.’ Cora laid a hand on her aunt’s arm. ‘Don’t be cross, Aunt Polly.’

Polly shrugged, refusing to be pacified. ‘Your father would be horrified if he knew what you girls were up to. Quite honestly I’m beginning to regret my part in all this.’

‘Pa will be even more horrified if he discovers that his only son is awaiting trial for murder.’ Rose had not meant to speak so sharply, but it had been a long and exhausting day. ‘I’m sorry we’ve caused you to worry,’ she added apologetically. ‘But events have moved rapidly, and Mr Sharpe thinks we might be able to help.’

Polly clutched her robe around her, eyeing Bennett with suspicion. ‘I suppose you’re trying to justify a huge fee, sir? We’re poor people and these girls are risking more than their reputations in an attempt to raise the money for William’s defence.’

Bennett inclined his head. ‘As I discovered this evening, ma’am.’

‘I can’t talk to you now.’ Polly glared at him, refusing to be soothed by his apologetic smile. ‘It’s late and my nieces should be at home in bed. I’ll ask you to wait in the hall while they change into their street clothes, and then you may walk them home.’

‘I understand perfectly, ma’am. I hope you will excuse this intrusion and will allow me to call tomorrow at a more suitable hour.’

‘I’ll see you at noon. Don’t be late, I detest bad manners.’

‘I will be here on the dot, ma’am.’ Bennett left the room, closing the door behind him.

‘He’s trying to help us, Aunt Polly,’ Cora said mildly.

‘And he’s Billy’s only hope.’ Rose took off her bonnet and shawl. ‘I’m very sorry I couldn’t let you know that we would be late.’

‘Don’t be angry, Aunt Polly. I will cry if you scold us.’ Cora’s bottom lip trembled ominously. ‘I am so very tired.’

Rose stepped into her plain grey gown, fumbling with the tiny buttons on the bodice in her haste to get dressed. ‘We’ll be gone in a few minutes, and tomorrow we’ll have time to talk properly to Mr Sharpe and discover exactly how he plans to help Billy. You do want to help him, don’t you, Aunt?’

‘Silly girl, of course I do.’ Polly moved to a side table and poured a generous tot of brandy into a glass. She collapsed onto the sofa, took a sip and sighed. ‘I doubt if I’ll sleep a wink tonight. All these comings and goings are too much for me.’ She seized one of the many fans that were scattered about the room and used it vigorously.

Rose experienced a pang of guilt. Aunt Polly was not a young woman, and she worked hard to keep the unfortunates in her care from ending up in the workhouse. ‘You must say if our visits are too much for you. I know you are up at the crack of dawn every day.’

‘Are you insinuating that I’m too old to be of any use?’

‘No, of course she isn’t.’ Cora slipped her shawl around her shoulders. ‘You weren’t, were you, Rosie?’

‘Certainly not, but we don’t want to take advantage of your good nature, Aunt Polly.’ Rose moved to her aunt’s side and leaned over to brush Polly’s powdered cheek with a kiss. ‘You are a wonderful woman and we love you dearly. We couldn’t raise the money to save Billy without your help, and I know you will work your considerable charm on Mr Sharpe tomorrow. He’ll be eating out of your hand, just as the gentlemen used to when you were the toast of the London stage.’

Polly drained her glass of the last drop. ‘It’s true. I had my devoted following, but those days are long gone.’

‘I’m sure you could dance all night if you chose to do so, but you’ve taken a different path, Aunt. You look after women who are in desperate need, and I admire you for that.’ Rose patted her aunt on the cheek. ‘I think you are a heroine, Aunt Polly.’