Authors: Frances Devine
The roar of the laughing crowd startled Katie, and she stood up straight.
“So let’s give a true Chicago welcome to Miss Katherine O’Shannon.”
Katie walked onto the stage, propelled by sheer emotion.
Thomas gave her a smile and walked off, leaving her alone on the suddenly unfamiliar stage.
As she faced the applauding audience, she could feel the brush of the curtains against her hair and she envisioned herself falling backward in a faint, ripping the curtain from the rope.
Stop it. Think of Mother and Father. Make them proud.
Her lips curved in a faint smile, and she heard murmurs of approval from the people in front of her. The opening bars of her music floated to her ears. A surge of strength encouraged her, and she opened her lips and began to sing.
The next thing she knew, the last line of “A Little Bit of Heaven” trilled from her throat, and the audience was on its feet, applauding and cheering. Katie blushed, gave a little curtsy, and then hurried off the stage.
She fell into her father’s arms. A wide grin split his face. “Go back, Katie girl. Sure and they’re wanting more.” He turned her and gave her a little shove.
Rejuvenated, she almost danced onto the stage and sang the last few lines of her song again. She floated off the stage and in a daze heard her friends congratulating her.
Katie watched the show from the wings, too excited to sit and too jittery to do any sewing. Over and over, she relived the performance and the wonderful reception the audience had given her.
That night, she repeated her number and was received with the same enthusiasm as she had before. By the time she and the troupe got back to the boardinghouse, she was so emotionally exhausted she practically stumbled through the door to her room. She went to bed convinced she wouldn’t sleep a wink, but exhaustion won out and she quickly fell into a deep slumber.
❧
The next two weeks flew by for Katie. She loved performing her songs but secretly hoped her father would allow her to take a small part in the next musical comedy. She’d read it over and over and was mesmerized by the enchanting Maggie Donovan and her crooning suitor, Sean Kelly. All the major roles had been assigned, with Emma Gallagher getting the lead female role. Katie knew she wasn’t ready for those anyway, but she had her eye on the one-line part of the housemaid, Rose. When she tried to broach the subject to her father, however, he threatened to pull her from the singing number if she brought up the subject again.
The first official rehearsal day was bittersweet for Katie. It was exciting to see the troupe walking around the stage practicing their parts. Her father had acquired the role of Sean Kelly’s Uncle Andrew and had everyone in stitches in the boardinghouse living room as he became the bumbling Irish tavern keeper.
Patsy Brown had gotten the part Katie coveted and let everyone know she wasn’t very happy with it. Katie felt like slapping the girl every time she heard the whining complaints. As she watched Patsy’s rather insipid characterization of the young housemaid, Katie told herself she could have done a much better job.
They were beginning the second week of rehearsals when Rosie Riley tripped over a rope that had been left on the floor backstage. The doctor’s proclamation of a broken foot set the cast astir.
Katie was just coming out of the ladies’ dressing room when her father found her.
“Katie girl,” he said, “it’s against my better judgment, but the show opens next week, and someone has to take over for poor Rosie.”
Katie’s jaw dropped open. “Me? I get to take Rosie’s part?”
“Well, of course not. And you having never played a show in your life? Patsy steps into the role of Maggie’s cousin, Sally, and you get the part of the housemaid. But only until Rosie can walk again.” He sighed, and worry crossed his face. “It’s obvious you’ve got stars in your eyes and won’t have peace until you give the stage a try. But Katie girl, I can’t help but hope it’ll wear off and someday you’ll settle for a more normal life.”
“Oh, but Father, I don’t understand why it worries you so. You love show business yourself. And I know Mother did, too. I can still remember how her face would glow before she stepped onto the stage.”
“Maybe so, but I’ll always be blaming myself for taking her away from her parents’ farm and into this crazy life. Maybe she wouldn’t have gotten sick.”
“Father, you don’t know that. Why, just last year, little Annie Samson came down with pneumonia. She was only six years old and was gone in no time. People on farms get sick and pass away, too.”
He cleared his throat and looked away, clearly finished with the current conversation. “Well now, you better get with Patsy and see if she can give you some tips about your part. You’ll be needing a script, too.” He kissed her and walked out of the dressing room.
Katie couldn’t help the little scream of joy that escaped. She glanced around to make sure no one heard. She wouldn’t want anyone to think she was glad Rosie broke her foot, because she certainly wasn’t. But, oh, she was in a play! At last!
❧
“I’m not handing out good money to some inexperienced clerk!” The tall, burly man sitting across from Sam’s father was red-faced with anger. He leaned forward, and his eyes squinted at the elderly attorney.
“Mr. Howard, I can assure you my son is neither inexperienced nor is he a clerk.” Sam could tell from the glint in his father’s eyes that he was fast losing patience with Jeremiah Howard. “Sam is a bright young attorney who is being considered for partnership. He is well qualified to represent you.”
“That’s not good enough. I want a senior partner, and that’s all there is to it.”
“Yes, well, I’m sorry, but neither I nor the other senior partners are available. So if you do not wish to be represented by Sam, you’re welcome to find yourself another attorney.”
Sam, seated next to his client, almost laughed at the bevy of emotions crossing the man’s beefy face.
Howard started to stand then dropped back into his chair and cleared his throat. “Well, all right. I suppose I can give the boy a chance.”
Sam, in spite of his hopes that this case would win the partnership for him, was almost disappointed with Howard’s decision. Everything about the man filled Sam with distaste. From the smell of his apparently unwashed body to the spittle that sprayed from his mouth when he talked. And this character was one of the wealthiest men in Chicago.
At a nod from his father, Sam stood. “I’ll see you to the front, Mr. Howard. Our secretary will make an appointment for you to see me later this week, and we’ll go over the case so you can see where we are in the legal process.”
Howard hefted his form out of the chair. “An appointment won’t be necessary. Let me know when to appear in court. I expect to win this case, Nelson. See to it.”
Sam escorted his client to the front door and said good-bye. He wished he could put his foot on the man’s backside and give a push. He neither liked nor trusted Mr. Howard. But liking his clients wasn’t part of his job. If the man was innocent of wrongdoing as evidence seemed to support, he had a right to counsel.
As he was about to leave the office later that day, Jack hailed him. “How about a game of billiards tonight?”
“Billiards? Where?”
“My father just finished renovating two rooms on the third floor.” He grinned. “Mother finally rebelled against the cigar smoke and loud voices of Father’s cronies. He’s calling tonight the grand opening. Nine o’clock?”
“Sure, I’ll be there.”
Sam wasn’t sure what his own father would think of his plans. Isaiah Myers owned one of Chicago’s more notorious taverns featuring dancing girls and backroom gambling. But Sam didn’t see any harm in a game of billiards, especially since it was at the Myers home. Jack was a decent fellow and wouldn’t have invited him if anything wasn’t on the up-and-up.
When Sam was ushered into the third-floor room promptly at nine, cigar smoke nearly knocked him over.
Jack waved from across the crowded room and motioned him over.
The sharp crack of the billiard balls assaulted his ears, and by the time he reached his friend, his eyes were watering from the smoke. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.
Jack introduced him to the men around his table, and they played a couple of games before Sam begged off.
“You should just see the little darling. I tell you she’s a beauty and has a voice like an angel.”
Sam turned as the voice reached his ears from the table next to them.
Laughter greeted the man’s declaration. “Yeah, but I wouldn’t be getting any ideas if I were you. They say she’s a sweet young lady, but her father guards her with fists of steel.”
Sam lifted his eyebrow and sent a puzzled glance at Jack.
“I think they’re talking about the new singer at Harrigan’s,” Jack said. “Have you seen her yet?”
Sam shook his head. “I haven’t been to a show in weeks.”
“I hear there’s a new musical comedy starting next Friday. Maybe the girls would enjoy it, and you could get a glimpse of the gorgeous Katherine O’Shannon.” He laughed. “But don’t fall for her and break Janet’s heart. Sally would blame me.”
“Don’t worry. I hardly think Janet would care. We’re only friends. And I’m not likely to fall for a showgirl. Even if I was so inclined, my folks would kill me.”
“And if they didn’t, I would. Couldn’t stand by and watch you ruin your career.” He slapped Sam on the shoulder. “So, shall I invite the girls for opening night?”
“Sure, sounds like fun. I’ll stop by Sally’s tomorrow after work and invite Janet. Shall we all ride over together?”
“No, let’s go separately. I need to talk to Sally privately.”
“Fine with me.”
“Don’t you want to know why?” Jack was grinning. In fact, it seemed like he’d been doing a lot of that tonight.
Jack glanced around, his face red with excitement. “I’m thinking about proposing marriage to Sally tonight.”
Sam whistled and held his hand out to his beaming friend. “Congratulations!”
“If she says yes, you mean.”
“She will. I’m sure of it.”
“Maybe you’ll be popping the question yourself soon. Janet’s a lovely girl.”
“Who just happens to be nothing more than a friend,” Sam retorted. “Besides, marriage is the last thing on my mind.”
But once more, the young woman from the Patch filled his head. He brushed the thought away and grabbed a billiard stick. “Come on. Maybe I’ll let you win this one.”
Five
“How can I ever be thanking you for recommending me for this job, Katie? And me being nothing to you but a poor stranger.”
Katie frowned at Bridget, who was pushing a moistened strand of thread through the tiny eye of her sewing needle.
“What do you mean ‘nothing,’ Bridget Thornton? You’ve become a dear friend to me, as I hope I have to you.”
Bridget gasped. “And now I’ve gone and offended you. The one person, besides me ma, I have the most respect for.”
Katie reached over and placed her hand momentarily on Bridget’s arm. “Not at all. I just don’t like to hear you belittling yourself. It hurts me.”
“Then I won’t be doing it again. I promise.” The girl cast a shy smile at Katie then ducked her head over her work. “And Mr. Harrigan is a mighty good man to be paying for my room and board through the week. It’d be awfully hard to walk all the way here from the Patch and back again every day.”
“Yes, it is nice of him to do that for the unmarried women of the cast.”
“I thought Ma was going to stay on her knees all night, thanking the Lord for such a blessing. She said I should thank you and Mr. Harrigan for her, too. You can’t imagine the difference my wages have made in our lives.”
Katie thought she did know. The wonderful smell of stew now wafted through the Thornton home every day, and Mrs. Thornton and Bridget’s little sister were both recovering, due to nourishment and the medicine Bridget had been able to provide. Katie and Bridget had become fast friends, and Katie had taken to dropping by to help with the endless mending when she wasn’t rehearsing.
“Katie, I’m so excited you got the part. You must be about to burst with happiness.”
Katie’s heart thumped at the thought of her luck. It must be the Irish in her. Although, Grandmother had always reprimanded her whenever she’d said that. “Katherine, dear,” she’d say with a worried little shake of her head, “blessings come from God. Not luck.”
Katie shrugged. Whoever or whatever was responsible for her getting the part, she was thankful. If only some of those blessings would flow to the people of the Patch as well. “Bridget, what can we do to make things easier for your neighbors?”
“Why, I don’t know, Katie. Most of the men are doing all they can. Wages are just so low. And most of the women have a passel of little ones to care for.”
“Well, couldn’t some sort of child care be arranged so that the women can bring in extra money?”
A little frown appeared on Bridget’s face. “Some of the women do take turns, but it’s not really enough to help. And when a woman has worked her own full shift, it’s mighty hard to take a turn at running after someone else’s brood.”
Katie nodded, but wheels began to turn in her head. “What if. . .”
“What if what?”
“Nothing. Let me think on it a bit.”
“Okay, but you’d better get onstage. I think it’s almost time for you to rehearse.”
“Oh my. You’re right.” Katie jumped up, tossed her mending in a basket, and throwing a hasty good-bye over her shoulder, headed out the door.
She arrived onstage just as Maggie was saying the opening lines. Her heart still thumped hard every time the moment for her one line drew near. But the rest of the cast assured her she was a natural and doing a wonderful job. Tomorrow was opening night, and Katie looked forward to the dress rehearsal and the party that would be held tonight.
After rehearsal, Katie and Bridget went back to Ma Casey’s. The troupe was pretty rowdy with the excitement of the new show, so the two friends found a quiet place to talk out on the wide front porch.
“Okay, I have an idea,” Katie said, leaning back in one of the wicker rockers.
“About what?”
“The children at the Patch.”
“Hmm. I wouldn’t be making decisions about other people’s wee children. They won’t be liking it.”
Katie laughed. “No, no. They’ll like this. It’s to help the mothers who need to work. And it’s only a suggestion.”
“Well, in that case. . .”
“There’s a society here in town that has established a day care for workers’ children.”
“We know about that. It’s too far from the Patch to do any good. And I don’t think the women there would trust outsiders to care for their children anyway.”
“I know. But wouldn’t it be possible to create something similar at Conley’s Patch?”
“How would you be thinking we could bring that about?”
“Okay, first we’d need to find someone with a big enough house. Then several women can care for the children while the others work. The women who work could contribute a share of their earnings to pay the ones who care for the children. This way everyone is earning wages.”
An expression of hope and excitement crossed Bridget’s face. “It might work. But how do we get it started?”
“We could call a meeting for those who are interested in working. Once we introduce the plan, we can help them get organized. After that, it will be up to them to keep things going.”
Excited, the girls discussed the possibility of the day care until Katie’s father interrupted them. It was time for a light supper before dress rehearsal. They joined the rest of the troupe, then after supper, they headed for the theater.
Katie loved her costume. She was a little disappointed to find there was no wig with it, such as some of the others had. But Mr. Harrigan, laughing, assured her that her own bouncing golden curls were perfect for the part.
The celebration at Ma Casey’s broke up early. Mr. Harrigan insisted. After all, he couldn’t have a sleepy bunch of actors stumbling around the stage on opening day.
❧
“Oh, Sam, I’m so excited. I’ve never been to Harrigan’s before.”
Sam tried not to wince at the shrill tone of Janet’s voice. Had she been this annoying before? And the way she clutched at his arm, digging her fingers into his flesh, made him wonder if she truly understood the nature of their friendship after all. The
clip-clop
of the horses’ hooves seemed to be attempting to compete with the young woman’s incessant chatter. But perhaps she was nervous. Forcing a smile, he turned to her. “Then I’m delighted to be the one to give you the pleasure.”
She flashed a coquettish smile at him, and dropping her lashes, she turned away. “Oh, look! There are Jack and Sally.”
The couple stood by the theater entrance, apparently awaiting Sam and Janet’s arrival.
Sam pulled to a stop in front of Harrigan’s and, after helping Janet from the carriage, threw a coin to a boy who, with obvious experience, grabbed the reins and led the horse and carriage away.
Janet joined Jack and Sally while Sam went to purchase their tickets.
Animated voices greeted them as they walked into the auditorium. They found their seats, very near the front, and Jack and Sally scooted in first.
As Sam seated himself on the aisle seat, the lights dimmed and the auditorium quieted.
The boisterous emcee greeted the audience and told a couple of jokes. Then he announced Katherine O’Shannon.
Sam glanced with curiosity toward the wings as a small figure walked out onstage. His breath caught, and he blinked. Surely it was his imagination. After all, the light was dim.
Then she stepped into the spotlight, and there was no doubt. That lovely smile. The golden curls. The sky blue eyes. Oh yes. It was her.
Sam sat mesmerized as she sang a pretty Irish ballad, turning it into a masterpiece, then stood to his feet and applauded loudly as she left the stage.
“Sam, you idiot, sit down.”
Jack’s whisper brought Sam back to his senses, and he realized he was the only one standing. He dropped back onto his chair but continued to applaud. After all, everyone else was clapping, too.
The girl walked back onto the stage and did a short encore, then she hurried off the stage.
As the emcee returned to the stage to announce the first act, Sam leaned back, suddenly conscience of the girl seated next to him. He glanced at her and was met with a look of fury and stony silence.
The curtain rose and the play began.
In the middle of the first act, Sam was delighted to see Katherine O’Shannon step onto the stage in a housemaid’s uniform. After that, although she only appeared once more and spoke only one line, he had no idea what the rest of the play was about.
During intermission, Sam followed the other three to the lobby.
After the girls excused themselves, Jack turned to Sam with a look of unbelief. “Are you crazy? Why were you gaping at that actress? You’ll be lucky if Janet ever speaks to you again, much less agrees to see you.”
“It’s her, Jack.” Sam almost whispered the words.
“What? Who?”
“It’s the girl from the train station,” Sam said.
Suddenly, understanding appeared on Jack’s face, and he frowned. “The one who lives at the Patch?”
“The very same.”
Jack groaned. “Don’t do something stupid, Sam. You’ll regret it when you come to your senses.”
Sam was saved from answering by the return of the girls.
Janet gave him a cold smile but took his arm as they returned to their seats to await the next act. “What do you think of actresses, Sally?” Janet turned to her cousin, but her words reached Sam clearly.
“Why, what do you mean?” Sally asked.
“Well, I’ve always heard their morals are atrocious. Haven’t you heard that?” Without waiting for Sally to reply, Janet’s malicious words continued. “Take that singer, for instance. She looks so demure, and her voice is so, so sweet. But of course, that’s only an act. I wouldn’t want to even think what sort of life she lives after the curtain goes down.”
Jack and Sally stared at her in surprise, but Sam, attempting to hold back his anger, knew her words were spoken for his benefit. “Perhaps you should reserve your judgment. Especially about a girl you don’t know.” Sam heard the words almost before he realized he’d spoken.
Janet’s mouth flew open in disbelief. “Well! If that’s the sort of girl who interests you, I’m certainly glad I found out now.” Her face was red, and she spoke loudly enough that people around them were taking notice.
Sam groaned inwardly. His parents would have been mortified if they’d heard him. “Janet, I apologize. I shouldn’t have spoken to you as I did. It was ungentlemanly of me. But I do think you spoke those unkind words without thinking.”
At her angry gasp, he realized he’d done it again. Well, he’d tried. At first.
“Well, the very idea! I refuse to stay in your presence any longer. I’m leaving.” The girl jumped up and, with Sam, Sally, and Jack trailing after, rushed to the lobby.
“I’ll take you home then.” He didn’t want to miss another possible glimpse of Katherine, but he obviously couldn’t let Janet leave unescorted.
“No, you most certainly will not take me home! I wouldn’t go anywhere with you if I had to walk every step of the way home.” She frowned at him and then turned her back. “But I’m sure Jack will see that I don’t have to do that. After all, he is a gentleman.”
“Sally and I will see you home, Janet, of course.” He shook his head at Sam. “To be honest, I don’t care for the show that much, and Sally and I have plans for the rest of the evening.”
After they’d left, Sam headed back to his seat, feeling guilty.
. .at first. He should probably have tried harder to reason with Janet. He couldn’t really blame her for being angry. But then, he’d only been defending the honor of another young woman. Janet’s words had been downright mean.
After a while, he managed to convince himself he’d done all he could and admitted he was relieved she’d left. Because he had no intention of leaving the theater without an attempt to speak to Katherine O’Shannon.