Fortune's Journey Read Online Free Page A

Fortune's Journey
Book: Fortune's Journey Read Online Free
Author: Bruce Coville
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launched into his big opening speech. She had always thought it was twice as long as it should be. She looked around and spotted Jamie watching the play with rapt attention. She studied his face more closely than she had been able to this afternoon in the store. He certainly is handsome, she found herself thinking, almost against her will. I wonder why he’s so interested in theater? It seems funny for such a …
    â€œFortune…Fortune!”
    She came to with a start. She had missed her entrance! Feeling extremely foolish, she leaped to her feet and raced to her position. A snort of amusement from Jamie made her skin begin to color.
    Determined to recover from the blunder and show Jamie what she could do, she threw herself into the scene, crying out in despair over her mother’s distress and reacting with terror to the advances of the wicked landlord. She ended by flinging herself over Mrs. Watson’s knees and breaking into hysterical sobs.
    Her performance earned a burst of wild applause from Jamie. “Wonderful!” he cried. “That was wonderful!”
    Aaron broke into laughter. “You’re an easy target.”
    Fortune started to flare at the insult to her performance.
    Jamie beat her to it. “What do you mean?” he asked sharply.
    â€œThat was a lot of things, but it was hardly wonderful. You ought to see a real show someday.”
    â€œI’d love to.”
    Again Fortune caught that sense of breathless appreciation in his voice. Then she realized what Aaron was saying. “Wait a minute,” she said angrily. “We’re not that bad.”
    â€œWell, we’re not that good,” said Aaron. “If we were, we wouldn’t be playing a hick town like this.”
    â€œThis isn’t a hick town!” bristled Jamie. “Just because people here don’t have everything you city people might, it doesn’t mean we’re stupid!”
    â€œCan we begin Act Two?” asked Walter. “If we finish this rehearsal early, we can all get a good night’s sleep. You’re welcome to stay,” he added, turning to Jamie. “But please don’t interrupt anymore.”
    Jamie opened his mouth to protest, then thought better of it. “Thank you, sir,” he said mildly.
    They began the second act. Again Jamie watched with shining eyes. Fortune caught herself playing directly to him, then felt foolish about it.
    Well, why not? she asked herself. An audience is an audience, after all. It’s good practice. But she also knew she was enjoying his wide-eyed reaction.
    They got through the rest of the play without incident, Jamie applauding enthusiastically after each scene.
    â€œI think that will do it for now,” said Mr. Patchett when they finished the run-through. “We’re all set for tomorrow night. Edmund and Aaron, I’ll need you to help me prepare the stage in the afternoon.”
    â€œAh, the stage,” said Walter, plopping his derby onto his head. “Our home away from home.” He looked around the loft with an expression of distaste. “Of course, home is getting a little shabby these days. Oh, well. The immortal bard tells us that all the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”
    â€œActors,” said Aaron.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œActors, Walter. The line is from As You Like It, and it says ‘actors,’ not ‘players.’”
    â€œIt does not,” said Walter indignantly. He turned to Mr. Patchett for verification. “It’s ‘players’—right, Henry?”
    â€œI think so,” said Mr. Patchett, obviously not certain himself.
    â€œActors,” said Aaron.
    â€œIt’s ‘players,’” said Jamie. He came striding forward, his face glowing with excitement.

Chapter Three
    Aaron looked at Jamie angrily. “Why don’t you stay out of this? Besides, how would you know?”
    â€œBecause I know
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