Page 46 of Sisters Under The Rising Sun

‘And?’

‘I just reminded them how quickly the Japanese can turn; and that we mustn’t take their approval for granted. I’m concerned someone will say – or sing – something that offends them.’

‘Mmm, I think you’re right. I must admit I’ve become complacent about seeing the soldiers in the audience, and yes, I’m a little surprised they’ve let us continue. I think I should speak to everyone too and remind them to be careful.’

Norah waves goodbye to Nesta; she will talk to the others, but right now, she has something else on her mind, something so momentous that she can no longer bear to hold it in.

‘What is it Norah, are you all right?’ Margaret is just leaving the house as Norah arrives.

‘Is Ena inside?’ she asks.

‘Yes. Do you need her?’

‘I need both of you.’

Margaret goes back inside the house and reappears a moment later with Ena by her side.

‘What’s going on?’ Ena asks, laying a concerned hand on her sister’s shoulder.

‘I’ve got an idea and I have to say it out loud. I want to know if you think it’s crazy,’ Norah says, the words tumbling out of her mouth.

‘You are never crazy, dear sister. Just say it,’ Ena urges.

‘There’s something missing from our concerts.’

‘What?’ ask Ena and Margaret together.

‘An orchestra; we don’t have an orchestra.’

There is moment of stunned silence from Ena and Margaret.

‘Are you suggesting we ask our captors to provide us with instruments?’ Margaret says eventually. ‘You should know that I don’t think they will.’ She laughs. The idea is preposterous.

‘It would be nice, but no, I can’t see them doing that either. So, I’ve come up with the next best thing.’

‘Well, tell us, then,’ says Ena. She’s wondering whether, after all, her sister is a little crazy.

‘I want to form an orchestra. An orchestra of voices. Voices I can turn into instruments.’

Margaret and Ena once again fall silent, exchanging glances of utter bewilderment.

‘Well, what do you think?’ Norah asks, a little impatiently.

‘My dear, I have never met a more brilliant, capable musician than you. How you took my words and created the most stirring music to give them wings was pure genius. I don’t know how you’ll do it, I confess, but if it’s something you want to try, you have my complete support,’ Margaret says.

‘She won’t just try, Margaret, she’ll do it. There is nothing my brilliant sister can’t do. If she says she’s going to create an orchestra of voices, then, by God, she will.’

‘You don’t think I’m being stupid?’ Norah asks anxiously.

‘Maybe a little crazy,’ grins Ena. ‘But I can’t wait to hearyour orchestra– how amazing does that sound?’

At that moment, June comes running out of the house.

‘Aunty Ena, are you crying? Are you all right?’

Ena kneels to wrap the little girl in a hug.

‘A little tear of joy, June. The best kind.’