Page 96 of Sisters Under The Rising Sun

‘That’s not fair, all we’re doing is singing, how can that hurt anyone? It’s quite the opposite, in fact.’

‘He didn’t get what he wanted, and I think this is his way to punish us. But I will try to talk him round. Leave it with me.’

Two days later, Mrs Hinch is in her kitchen with Norah when she hears the familiar, and irritating, call of, ‘Inchi, Inchi, where are you?’ from Ah Fat.

‘Oh, dear, what now?’ Norah wonders aloud.

Mrs Hinch’s only response is a loud sigh every other woman in the hut can hear.

‘Inchi, Inchi,’ he calls again from the living room.

‘You’d better go,’ Norah prompts her.

‘I suppose I must.’ Mrs Hinch takes several deep breaths before slowly walking into the room. ‘What is so pressing, Ah Fat?’

‘Inchi, I come to tell you captain say yes to concert, OK.’

‘As he should.’

‘But he is also very angry; he can’t understand why you women want to sing when there is a war on, and you are starving, and you are sick.’

‘That is precisely why we are singing. Please pass that on to the captain, will you?’

Downcast and brow-beaten, Ah Fat departs, dejected because he had clearly thought his good news would make him a hero inInchi’s eyes.

‘This is some good news, finally,’ says Norah. ‘A small victory, wouldn’t you say, Mrs Hinch?’

‘Looks like it.’

At the next concert, the women’s applause as Norah and her orchestra walk to the front of the gathered crowd does not stop. They are on their feet, desperate to show Norah how much they love, appreciate and value her bravery in defying their captors.

Norah turns around to face the women, tears snaking down her cheeks. She is overwhelmed. Turning back to her orchestra, she fears they may not be able to perform, as they too are crying.

Margaret whispers to Norah, ‘Why don’t I start them off, then hand over to you?’

All Norah can do is nod and whisper back, ‘Yes, please.’

‘What are you starting with?’

‘Beethoven.’

Margaret faces the orchestra, who catch on immediately.

‘Beethoven,’ she mouths.

Norah stands aside to let Margaret conduct, and for the first time she is an observer, watching her singers perform. From her position, she is also able to watch the audience. Their emotion has a powerful effect on her, and she struggles to catch her breath. As the minuet ends, Norah joins the audience applauding the orchestra.

Margaret takes a deep bow before holding her hand out to Norah to take over. As Norah steps in front of her girls the cheering is thunderous. Composed, Norah turns around, holding her finger to her lips.

As the concert resumes, Norah, her back to the audience, is oblivious to the soldiers circling the shed. The orchestra, the only ones aware of their presence, like true professionals, ignore them. A quick word amongst them when the concert ends confirms no one will mention their presence to Norah. She should be allowed to enjoy this evening sharing in the love and gratitude. When there are no repercussions from the captain in the days to come, Norah begins to relax.

However, everyone knows when the last concert is upon them. It hasn’t been announced, but how can they possibly continue when they can barely stand after a day’s chores? Both the choir and the orchestra struggle to rehearse. Norah knows that working long, hard days leaves them with little energy for singing, but she also knows how important their performances are to the women.

It is a different sort of evening for Norah. She sees that the women are trying to sing their hearts out, but nothing can hide the fact that they are exhausted and running out of hope.

Chapter 19

Camp III