Chapter 10
"We may make our plans,
but God has the last word."
Proverbs 16:1
Dottie Ramsey was belting out, "Three Little Maids From School," off-key for much of the song. It took every ounce of Rosemary's acting ability to pretend that it was a great performance. Rosemary was so tired of Dottie's singing that she was considering cutting some of the rehearsals for the production. Dottie had saved her from having to leave Coal Valley, but she was definitely getting on Rosemary's nerves now.
Though she was a marginal singer, Dottie had turned out to be an excellent casting director. She'd been able to encourage other Coal Valley citizens to participate in the show. Molly Sullivan was going to sing an Irish lullaby that she used to sing to her Rosaleen. Carla Noonan and Velma Wiggins had agreed to recite poetry, as they had been good at that back in school. Mr. Miller had agreed to play his fiddle. Many of the children were going to sing or recite poetry.
Rosemary was not really pleased with the lineup of the first ever Coal Valley Follies, but perhaps it was a start. Maybe, if this performance went well, they could get some more people, perhaps more talented people, and present an actual play or musical. She could only hope!
"...don't you think, Rosemary?" At the sound of her name, Rosemary looked up at Dottie. Dottie was looking at her, obviously expecting a reply. Rosemary smiled and said, "I am so sorry, Dottie. I was in such a reverie from your divine singing that I didn't even hear your question. Would you mind terribly repeating it?" A huge smile broke onto Dottie's face at the compliment from Rosemary. "I just wondered if you like how I went up at the end of the song." "Oh, yes, that was a perfect way to end your lovely rendition!" Rosemary cooed. Dottie nodded her head earnestly and said, "I thought so."
Rosemary looked through her notes. "I wonder," Dottie lowered her voice slightly, "I wonder if I might be so bold as to address a sensitive subject." Rosemary looked a bit surprised and asked, "Sensitive subject?" "Well," Dottie began to explain, searching carefully for the right words, "I know we don't really have any funding for nice costumes. Wouldn't it be lovely to have some appropriate costumes? I believe I could sing, "Three Little Maids" even lovelier!" Rosemary smiled, trying to hide her laugh, "And where do you think we might get funding for costumes?" A pleased smile filled Dottie's face. "That is why this is sensitive," she continued. "You may have heard that Miss Thatcher's aunt is in town. She's been quite ill but I've heard she is doing better. In fact, she was having tea and broth with Elizabeth when I had lunch with my husband at Abigail's yesterday."
Rosemary's smile faded a bit as her interest in this conversation was seriously waning. Dottie didn't notice and carried on with her idea. "My husband and I receive the major newspapers and I've read in the society pages that Mrs. Thatcher is a strong patron of the arts back in Toronto. So, perhaps we could persuade her to provide some financial backing for our production." Dottie stood up straight, folded her hands, and waited expectantly for Rosemary to praise the genius of her plan.
But Rosemary wasn't pleased or impressed, though she knew she needed to appear to be. "That sounds like a marvelous idea. Why don't you speak with her about it?" Dottie smiled. "I certainly will!" She glanced at her pin watch. "Now, I simply must go. We won't be able to rehearse tomorrow as it's my son's birthday and, as you know, we have special plans. I assume we will not rehearse the next day as it is Sunday. So, we shall rehearse again on Monday!" She headed off the stage and back towards town.
After Dottie left, the smile completely left Rosemary's face. She was left with thoughts of Elizabeth and her aunt. Elizabeth had completely ruined Rosemary's plans to get "her" Jack back. She wanted Elizabeth out of her mind and started to hum a tune, a song from one of the musicals in which she had starred, in hopes of doing just that. She stopped suddenly as an interesting thought entered her mind. It was very bold, indeed, but it just might work. Perhaps she could get Elizabeth Thatcher out of the picture, after all, and then she'd get Jack's attention once again. She smiled widely as she began developing her wonderful plan.