The Melody Girls Read Online Free Page A

announced, I guessed you were Cam Fernie’s daughter, and when you took up that tenor sax of his – it was his, wasn’t it? – I knew at once that you were going to be good. And might be what I’m looking for.’
    â€˜Looking for?’ Lorna repeated, swallowing hard.
    â€˜What do you mean?’ asked Tilly, as Cissie’s eyes widened and a frown creased Ewen’s brow.
    â€˜Well, when I thought I’d look in on the contest – I happened to be in Edinburgh on business and somebody told me about it – I never expected to find a sax player. But the way things are, with some of my guys not coming back to the band after the war, I’ve got vacancies and one’s for tenor sax.’ Mr Riddell gave a brief smile. ‘And yes, I do take women in my band. I’ve got two already.’
    â€˜Are you . . .?’ Lorna began, then stopped. She couldn’t put it into words, she couldn’t say, as though it was something quite to be expected: ‘Are you offering me a job?’ He was, though, offering her a job. She knew it. Just couldn’t believe it.
    â€˜We can’t talk here,’ Mr Riddell was saying quietly. ‘Perhaps you’ll take my card, Miss Fernie? Discuss it with your mother, and then, if you’re interested in playing with the band, give me a ring.’
    â€˜Interested? I am interested, Mr Riddell.’
    â€˜It’s out of the question,’ Tilly said, her voice shaking. ‘Lorna could never go to work for a band in Glasgow.’
    â€˜That’s right, she’s got a job here,’ Ewen declared. ‘In the post office.’
    â€˜The post office?’ Mr Riddell repeated.
    â€˜I really think we should be going,’ Miss Dickinson said abruptly. ‘Pattie, Ewen—’
    â€˜I’m no’ going anywhere.’ Ewen’s face was dark red. ‘Except with Lorna and her folks.’
    â€˜We’re all leaving now,’ Cissie told him cheerily. ‘It’s like Mr Riddell says, we can’t talk here, anyway.’
    â€˜Miss Fernie, I look forward to hearing from you,’ the bandleader said smoothly. ‘And Mrs Fernie, please don’t worry. Your daughter can talk it over with you and it can all be sorted out for the best. It’s been very nice meeting you, and everyone.’
    And having politely inclined his head and put on his hat and raincoat, Luke Riddell walked swiftly from the emptying hall.
    â€˜Well!’ Cissie exclaimed, laughing a little. ‘Talk about a surprise, eh? Imagine a guy like him coming up to speak to Lorna, then! And he knew Cam, and all!’
    â€˜Let’s just get home,’ Tilly said shortly. ‘We’re going to be the last out at this rate.’
    â€˜Aye, we’ll be sweeping the floor, next,’ Ewen said glumly, his eyes fixed on Lorna, who in fact was incapable of seeing him, or anything, except what was in her own mind.
    â€˜I’m away for my tram,’ Miss Dickinson murmured, her eyes, too, fixed on Lorna. ‘Pattie, I think you’re going my way?’
    â€˜Yes, Miss Dickinson.’
    â€˜Ewen?’
    â€˜I’m going back with Lorna.’
    â€˜Right. Well, I’ll see you tomorrow, then. And Lorna, be sure to do as Mr Riddell said, my dear. Discuss everything with your mother, that’s always best. We wouldn’t want you to . . . get carried away.’
    â€˜Don’t worry, we’ll discuss it, all right,’ Tilly said coldly.
    Only Cissie kept up a stream of chatter on the tram going home, with Tilly and Ewen keeping a stern silence and Lorna still lost in her own thoughts. Back at the flat, however, Tilly managed to be polite and asked Ewen in for a cup of tea, and a slice of cake. Yes, she’d managed to get a Dundee cake from the Stores, wonders would never cease.
    â€˜Probably be dry as dust, but seeing as I’ve no eggs left, there’s no