Page 72 of The Start of Something Wonderful

This is the girls’ cue to flail about in the dark, holding candles.

‘Please switch off all electronic devices and enjoy the show!’

Cue Luke on the piano …

* * *

I don’t remember much about the lastninety minutes, except for feeling relieved and sad at the same time that it’s over. I think it went okay, judging by the audience’s rapturous clapping, and of course the food is never anything less than five-star.

For the post-show party, just in case anyone’s still hungry, Francesco has prepared platters of bruschetta, bakedarancini, artichoke hearts, anchovies, red and yellow peppers,various roasted veggies, and olives.

‘You were wonderful,’ whispers a familiar voice in my ear.

‘Portia! Thank yousomuch for coming.’

‘You deserve some decent work after this.’

‘You’re very kind. I missed a line though …’

‘Don’t ever draw attention to that,’ she says firmly. ‘No one in the audience would have known. When I played Gertrude at the RSC, I beat myself up aboutmissing a whole chunk of dialogue, but no one noticed – including the press. Is Lionel still your agent?’

‘Uh-huh.’

‘Well, I saw a couple of good agents in the audience tonight, so fingers crossed. Anyway, darling, I mustn’t miss the last tube home,’ she says, kissing my cheek. ‘Thank you for the invite. It was fantastic. Goodnight.’

‘Goodnight.’

‘Auguri! Congratulations!’ saysFrancesco. ‘More wine?’

As he takes my glass, his hand brushes mine and my heart races.

‘Emily?’

‘Yes?’

I turn to face a tall woman in a cashmere camel coat and silk scarf, red hair swept up on top of her head.

‘Rosalind Holmes,’ she says, shaking my hand. ‘Holmes and Halford? Got to dash, but I’d like to have a chat with you sometime. Call me,’ she says, pressing her businesscard into my hand.

Rosalind Holmes

Holmes & Halford Theatrical Agency

Shaftesbury Avenue

London WC2 9NZ

Tel: 020 7836 7777

* * *

I waited a day before calling Rosalind. Never having been asked to call an agent before, I didn’t know the etiquette. I know you should wait three days before contacting a date, but surely the same rule doesn’t apply to agents?

* * *

‘Miss Holmes will see you now,’ says the immaculate receptionist, hanging up the phone.

Straightening my skirt, I head towards the glass office, feeling like I’m about to enter the boardroom, to be grilled by Sir Alan.