Friday came round too quickly for Emmet Hawksworth . He wasn't sure his production of 'The Sound of Music' was quite ready for the public. Liz had arranged a little gathering in the local pub afterwards to celebrate the production and Emmet's new contract to be the resident piano tutor at the local school. Which he was due to start in the new term, two months from now.
By the time Liz, Matty and Rose arrived at the church hall it was already bustling with spectators. The ladies both scanned the hall looking for Hyacinth but she wasn't anywhere to be seen. This was a relief to Elizabeth but Rose was somewhat disappointed. She had hoped they could patch things up. They found their reserved seats and waited for Violet and Daisy to arrive.
Despite a few misgivings regarding Anna Cartwright forgetting the odd cue and one of the children tripping up, the show was seen as a success.
"You must be very proud," Rose whispered to Liz during the standing ovation.
"So must you." Emmet's sister replied.
Rose smiled. She was proud of Emmet he had put a lot of hard work into the production but she felt like an imposter. Even though her and Emmet had been together for a while now, she didn't feel like she had a right to celebrate his glory, especially as musical theatre wasn't really her thing.
As the encore of theatrical bows drew to a close, Emmet who'd been at the piano was summoned onto the stage. Anna clumsy handed him a bottle of single malt and after thanking him on behalf of the cast and crew, she encouraged him to make a speech.
Begrudgingly he said a few words about how proud he was of his company and then went on to say, "Of course I couldn't have put this production on without the generous lend of the church hall. So great thanks goes to the vicar and of course his wife for supplying us with refreshments and some of the best cake I've ever tasted. Lastly but definitely not leastly, for their constant encouragement and support I have to thank my sister Liz and brother-in-law Matty.
Liz went red as Rose encouraged her to join her brother on stage.
"And my partner Rose, who's also been a rock to me and calmed me down no end of times this last week when I thought tonight wouldn't happen."
Daisy playfully jabbed Rose in the ribs and railroaded her into joining him on the stage. As her, Matty and Elizabeth were applauded, Liz noticed a stony faced Hyacinth and Richard sat on the back row.
"Hyacinth!" Both Elizabeth and Rose exclaimed in a whisper.
"Oh I am pleased she came, hopefully she will speak to you now." Liz whispered.
"I hope so. Though I wouldn't bet on it. Our Hyacinth probably just wanted to be nosy." The blonde replied.
Emmet went backstage to congratulate the company while Rose, Liz and Matty stayed behind to help the vicar and his wife put the chairs away and collect the discarded used raffle tickets.
Liz and Rose's attention was drawn to the back corner of the hall. "Hyacinth I really think you should at least speak to them. Congratulate Emmet at least." Richard Bucket could be heard telling his wife. She didn't reply.
"Do you think we should go over there?' Tried Liz. "She's not had me over for coffee for a while. Maybe I should invite her round."
"But you hate going for coffee." Rose reasoned. "Let's just go over and say hello. See where it goes from there?"
They gingerly made their way towards Hyacinth and Richard.
"Hello Hyacinth." Rose said politely.
"Rose, Elizabeth how nice to see you." Mrs 'Bouquet' stuttered, fiddling with her pearls.
"Did you enjoy the show?" Elizabeth asked.
"Very nice," Hyacinth replied falsely.
"How are you doing, our Hyacinth?" The sister of the woman in question asked.
"I'm fine. Thank you." She replied curtly.
"Good. How's Sheridan?" Her sister probed.
"He's fine."
"Good I'm glad, are you both ok now?"
"How are you Richard?" Elizabeth asked before Hyacinth had time to respond.
"Fine thanks Liz. I must say I thought they all did a wonderful job."
"Quite. Listen there's a little do on at the pub over the road. Food and a few drinks to celebrate the opening night. Would you like to come?" Elizabeth asked, stuttering. She knew Emmet wouldn't thank her for this.
"Very kind, thank you." Hyacinth replied.
"It would be nice to see you over there. Violet and Daisy are already there. We miss you." Rose tried.
Hyacinth nodded, acknowledging her sister's comment. She rose from her seat and turned sharply on her heels before leaving the hall. Richard smiled apologetically at the women before promptly following his wife.
Unbeknownst to Rose or Liz, during the exchange with Hyacinth, the mousy woman from the bookmakers had been watching their conversation. As Hyacinth left the building she politely acknowledged the mousy woman.
Once they got Emmet and the company to the pub the party was in full swing. Of course Hyacinth couldn't afford to miss out. She found herself sat with Daisy, Violet and Onslow. She was happy enough to make conversation with her family, until Rose came and sat with them.
"Mind if I join you?" Rose asked to no one in particular. "I can't believe Emmet got me on that stage! I've never been so embarrassed."
"I highly doubt that." Onslow said bluntly.
"It should have been me on that stage." Hyacinth snarled at her sister. "You've denied me that, Rose."
Rose sighed, she thought she would be able to patch things up tonight with her sister. "I'm sorry Hyacinth, I didn't do it deliberately and you could have still auditioned. Emmet would have treated you like all the others."
Hyacinth didn't reply, she rolled her eyes when Emmet joined them. He kissed Rose passionately and handed her a vodka.
"I've just been speaking to the vicar. He and his wife are hosting their annual thank you dinner for all those who help out with the church. It's next Friday. And they've said I'm more than welcome to bring a plus one. So what do you say?" While he wanted to show off his lover, he also knew Hyacinth would hate it.
"Oh Emmet, are you sure you want to take me?"
"Of course, why wouldn't I want to take you?"
Hyacinth left the public house not long after that. She'd been a pub twice too often this month.