As if there was someone else, she said. A barrier she’d always be on the wrong side of. Caused by the obvious likeness to Kitty. Well, if he was honest, she was right. Why had he found himself attracted to her to begin with? Because she reminded him of Kitty – the hair, the height, the uniform. But she wasn’t Kitty. Try as he might, he had to admit that Kitty had started to infiltrate his mind more and more, the effect she had on him as potent as ever, and yet she was forever out of reach because of his disability. Sylvia hadn’t known what he was like before; Kitty had. She would always draw the comparison and find him lacking, of that he was absolutely convinced.

He got up, pushing himself as always to compensate for the imbalance of the false leg. His pride was deeply wounded but he wasn’t devastated. He’d recover, although he would miss Sylvia’s good humour and company. In time he might even admire her for forcing the issue and bringing their relationship to an end. Just not today.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

‘I really wish I could see you sing again tonight,’ said Nancy ruefully, sipping a cup of tea as Gloria brushed a slight crease out of the gown hanging in her dressing room. ‘I can’t manage it though. I’ve asked everyone if they can take Georgie, but they’re all too busy.’ She knew she’d been pushing it recently and now Dolly had told her firmly that this was taking advantage and it had to stop.

‘Never mind, you came to the first concert and cheered me on,’ said Gloria. ‘It’s always good to have a friendly face in the front row. Gives me confidence.’ She flashed her big smile.

‘You don’t need that, Glor, you must be used to it all by now,’ exclaimed Nancy, surprised. ‘You’ve been doing it for years.’

‘Still get those last-minute nerves though,’ admitted Gloria, patting her tummy. ‘I wouldn’t perform as well without them, but I do appreciate it when you’re there, clapping.’

‘Well, me and Gary,’ said Nancy.

Gloria sat down opposite her. ‘Oh yes, Gary. How is he? Have you seen him over Christmas?’

Nancy’s eyes brightened. ‘Yes, we had a wonderful afternoon at this gorgeous little hotel right near the station. It wasn’t as swish as the Adelphi’s rooms but it wasn’t far off. It was my extra present, he said.’ Her expression grew dreamy as she remembered just how exciting the afternoon had been.

‘You’re taking a bit of a risk doing something like that,’ Gloria pointed out as she reached for a nail file.

Nancy shrugged. ‘Not really. The place was deserted, quiet as the grave it was. Anyway, it shows how much he cares for me.’