Performer
That cat is the devil incarnate, Beatrice! huffed Mabel, wrinkling her nose as she glared at the ragged, one-eared ginger tom winding himself around her sisters ankles.
What on earth are you saying, Mabel? gasped Bea, hands flying to her cheeks. Hes a living, breathing soul!
Soul? Thats one way of putting it! Mabel folded her arms, leaning away from the furry fiend. Dont you think, Beatrice, that hes just a bit too full of himself?
Right on cue, the cat arched his back, hissing mightily, and adopted a sideways crab-walk straight towards Mabel, as though he were a knight defending the realm from an invading dragon.
There you have it! Mabel jabbed a finger at the cat, stepping back a pace. What did I say?!
Oh, Leonard, darling, dont! Bea called, desperate for peace. Its all right, pet!
The cat glanced at his mistress and promptly thawed. He returned to Beas side, gave her injured leg a gentle nudge, and parked himself like a sleepy sentry, making sure everyone remembered just whose home this was.
Little thug! Mabel huffed, detouring around him with exaggerated caution. And you baby him!
Someones got to, Bea said with a sigh.
Leonard had appeared three years ago, just as Beas world had turned upside down. Her husband gone, then her only sonsnatched away before shed even learnt how to say goodbye. Friends were scarce; only her sister and a couple of acquaintances kept her from total solitude.
There was Mabelthe older sister. Not that the age gap amounted to much, but their parents never missed an opportunity to remind them.
Mabel is our eldest! So responsible. You can entrust her with anything. And Beatrice Beatrice is our little angel, the light of our lives! Bit of a daydreamer, thoughbless.
The girls grew up knowing Mabel was the clever, dazzling one, and Bea? Well, she was simple but terribly beloved.
What do they keep praising you for? I genuinely dont get it, Mabel would grumble, if Bea brought home a report with decent marks. Getting on at school is just standard. What are we applauding?
But Mabel, Im not as bright as you are! You get top marks for everything. I just muddle through.
Exactly! And they still go on about how wonderful you are. Mabel would sulk, while Bea tried not to let her sneaky, secret smile show.
Mabel aced school and swanned off to university, rarely returning home.
How are things, Mabel? Bea would catch her in a rare idle moment.
Theyre moving, albeit too slowly. I wish there were more hours in the day!
Is it the studying?
Heavens, no! Mabel would snort. Its my personal life I cant fit in. Hows anyone supposed to meet a decent bloke, when all you do is dash about, worrying that youll never get a foot on the career ladder?
Oh. That never occurred to me
When have you ever given much thought to anything, dear heart? Mabel would laugh, oblivious to Beas bristling. Adult problems. Not for babes.
Bea would retreat, swallowing her hurt. Shed secretly rejoice whenever things worked out for her sister, thoughstars should shine, after all. All she could do was watch the light.
By the end of university, Mabel was still singlethe chaps kept their distance, wary of her sharp wit and sharper tongue. Even her mothers pleas to soften up were met with derision.
Mum, what dyou want from me? You want me parked in a corner, reciting tragic poetry like some Victorian ghost? Leave that to Beatrice! Hardly my style!
No ones saying you have to change overnight, love. Just be a bit gentler. Lads like that.
Oh, Mum, what would you know about what boys want these days? Times have changed, honestly.
Well, maybe youre right, Mabel Youd know best
The thunderbolt landed when Beatricewho everyone insisted was too soft and simple for a degree and should just learn a tradeparaded her fiancé through the door.
Meet Simon
Simon had her parents besotted nearly at once: bright, witty, dashing, and making waves as a journalist on TV. And, the cherry on top, hopelessly enamoured with unremarkable little Bea, who studied at an ordinary college.
Beatricess love of stylish clothes led her to choose dressmaking as her callingfor herself and so others could enjoy a bit of beauty, too.
Bea, really? A seamstress? Mabel huffed at the idea.
But Mabel, Im not clever like you! Who else can whip up a pretty skirt or blouse for people to enjoy? I want folk to look lovely.
Ugh. Youre bonkers. What a muddle youve got up top.
All I know is the dress I made you turned out rather well.
Says who?
You, me, everyone! Youll get compliments, just you see. Theyll saymy word, what a stunner!
Mmm One of us aims for the stars, the other wants to make dresses. Oh, Bea-Bea.
Bea couldnt see how shed failed her sister again. Mabel wore the dresses with glee, though, even if she pretended it was all shop-bought. Beatrice designed everything herself, staying up deep into the night embroidering petals on skirts, quietly thrilled when she saw Mabel preen at the mirror.
Her creations were so good people would ask Mabel where shed bought her latest outfit, but shed never tell.
Oh, thats a secret!
Aha, foreign imports? Got family in the consulate?
Wouldnt you like to know! Its not my secret to share, shed say, and inside, secretly brim with pride for Bea.
But Simons arrival in Beas life was a blow for Mabel.
How?! How had the plain one, without a proper degree or her looks, managed a fiancé before her?! Unheard of!
At Beas wedding, Mabel sat stone-faced. Family and friends were confused, for once, by how radiant Bea was in her self-made dressnoticed, admired, the centre of attention.
A real beauty! And that fellows a catch. What a pair! Let them be happy!
For the first time, Mabel tasted envysharp as a lemon, gnawing away at her insides.
Sister got a handsome husband? Great! You? Still single.
Mum and Dad focused on Bea, murmuring about grandchildren? You? No such luck.
Bea looked like she had stolen your light, Mabel, and you? Left with nothing.
Mabel ducked out before the cake, went home, and lay in bed howling into her pillow, cursing her luck.
But she pulled herself together when Mum returned to check on her.
You all right, love?
Of course. Dont fuss.
Mabel wed soon aftermore or less the first chap who came along. Older, balding, a bit paunchy, and clever enough to know what she wanted.
Ill give you what you want. But its a contract.
Terms?
Childrenat least one, preferably two. You can have your career as top priority; Ill ensure staff and a nanny. No affairs from me, and youll never need worry about your own health. I ask only absolute loyalty, a proper home, and peace indoors. Thats it. Understood?
No need to think. Agreed!
Oddly, the business arrangement worked a treatnot warm or loving like Bea and Simon, but it was stable, secure.
Mabel dutifully provided a son, then a daughter. The nanny saw to their upbringing, every second of their lives timetabled by Mabel. She had no time for motheringtoo busy with her thesis, work, and dazzling at parties, always keeping Beas dressmaking talents a closely guarded secret.
Bea, meanwhile, took her time. She sewed at home in the tumultuous nineties, her services the talk of the town.
Shes a miracle with a needle! Hardly takes new clients.
That good?
Unbelievable! Saw my pink dress? That was hers!
No! Thought it was straight off Bond Street.
Every designer starts somewhere. Shell make it, just watch.
Her clientele included the well-heeled, MPs wives, the half of the BBC who mattered. She never repeated a pattern, fearing the scandal if two clients showed up to an event in matching frocks.
As things settled, Bea opened a small ateliersoon buzzing, part sewing salon, part society grapevine, part sanctuary. The premises, a charming old townhouse, were found by Mabel, along with new machines and a hefty loan.
Dont fret about the moneywell square up.
Mabel needed Bea to feel grounded. Looking back, she was wracked by guiltfor all that silent envy. She was sure that envy had snuffed out Beas once-brilliant spark. Watching her own healthy children, Mabel sometimes wanted to howl again, knowing Beas only, beloved son had been born poorly.
Sunny, someone once called the boy, and Mabel adopted it, using it as a secret codeBeas son, always Sunshine to her.
You lovely boy! My sunshine! I brought presents! Mabel would greet her nephew.
Hed greet her with such trustsuch happy innocencethat Mabel wanted to rip the world apart to keep him safe.
You love my Paul more than your own, Bea teased, seeing Paul melt into his aunts hugs.
It wasnt really true, but it was nice to imagine Paul was okay
Mabel understood how hard it all was. She helped find nannies, staffed the atelier.
Work, Bea! You need it! Simons away half the time, you barely see him. Why mope at home?
I cant, Mabel! Theres Paul.
Youve got spaceset up a kids room there. Hire help, Ill sort the nanny. Manage the place! Paul will be with you and youll be content.
Oh, Mabel, what would I do without you?
What are sisters for? Oh, stuff it, dont get me crying! I spent an hour on my make-up this morning!
And so they carried on.
Mabel kept an eye on Bea and Paul, hunting specialists, doctors, always hoping. Paul was fraila weak heart, dodgy lungs.
I dont get it, Mabel, Bea sobbed when they were alone. What did I do wrong that my boy has all this?
Nothing, love. Nothing! Its fate, all right? The universe gave you a test. But well manage. Paul will never be well, lets not pretend. But we can make him safe and loved. Thats what mattersfamily, warmth, care. We can give him that, cant we?
I suppose we can
Then lets get to it. Tears are for toast, not for us. I found a top neurologist! The queues monstrous, but Ive booked Paul in.
Mabel
No more now! Pour me more tea. And give us a sarniehavent had a bite since sunrise.
Mabels husband took her involvement in stride.
If only we could do more for the lad. I know youd lasso the moon if you thought it would help. Anything you need, tell me.
Those few words meant the world to Mabel. By now she knew she truly loved her husbandnot the mad love of youth, but a firm, quiet, time-tempered thing.
Years passed: children grew, parents faded, sisters stood unitedno misunderstandings or jealousy left between them.
Who else can you turn to, if not your sister?
It wasnt only Mabel helping Bea. When trouble brewed at her husbands work, Bea quietly asked Simon to help. He dug deep, and years later Bea learned it had nearly cost him his lifebut in the end, the truth prevailed, and Mabels quiet, firm thank you said it all:
Youll never know what you and Simon did for me, Bea. And I promiseyou and yours will never want for anything, not while Im around.
She kept her word.
She stood by Bea when Simons health failed. He faded slowly, with Bea clinging to every shred of hope, weeping into Mabels shoulder:
Why? Hes so young. Why?!
And Mabel propped up her sister, day after day, insisting Bea had to carry onPaul still needed her.
And Mabel was there when Pauls brave heart gave out. The sisters clung together, dry-eyed, watching doctors mouth useless explanations. Then, they walked home, hand in hand, all the way across London.
The yellow T-shirt and red trainers
Yes
They needed no words. They were sending off their child, and wanted it done right.
After Paul, Bea shut down. She worked on autopilot, leaving the running of the business to her staff. More than once, Mabel would peek in to find Bea slumped above her sketchbook, hands limp, unable to draw the shortest line, let alone a dress.
Bea
Ill be fine Just need a moments rest, all right? Bea would lift her tired eyes, utterly blank.
This isnt right! Mabel wanted to burst into tears.
Im allowed now, Bea managed a wan smile. I can do anything. Who cares?
Everything changed the day the cat arrived.
Nobody knew where Leonard came fromfilthy, battle-scarred, ear torn. City cats were rare down that busy road.
He tried the door but was shooed away.
Off you pop! Shoo!
So he did the only thing he could. He curled up on the topmost step, letting his paws and head dangle like a dusty rag. That was how Bea found him, ambling in late.
Girls, whats this?! she asked, peering at the feline drama-queen.
A cat, Miss Beatrice! Parked himself there and wont buzz off!
Is he even alive? Bea nudged him with her shoe.
The cat cracked an eyelid, sighed in a deeply human way, and lolld his tongue as if to say:
Why, oh why, good people? Im perishing! Not even a memory of a cat will remain soon! I havent eaten for days and days! All your fault, really. Shame on you!
For the first time in ages, Bea grinned.
Hes quite the performer! Girls, look at himhed have made Laurence Olivier jealous! All right, youre coming in for lunch and cuddles.
She scooped him up, eyed his battered side, and shook her head.
Nofirst stop, the vet! That ears got to be seen, you scoundrel.
Leonard didnt argue. He calmly sat on the cars front seat all the way to the surgery, tolerated the prodding, issued one brief, indignant yowl at a jab, then accepted a tin of posh pâté as his reward and strutted out with his new mistress.
Well, Leonard, never had a cat before. How are we going to get along?
The cat struck a pose, sphinxlike, staring serenely at the trafficand Bea had to smile.
Got it! Well manage. Lets see if Mabel approves
Mabel, naturally, did not approve. Well, not openly. Shed chase the cat about, all too aware her criticisms were bringing back Beas sparkthe old light flickering in her eyes, as she fussed over someone who needed her.
Bea, that cats looking at you funny!
Let him, Mabel! No ones looked at me like that for years!
How?
With love!
Hes a rascal! Dont trust him!
Maybe he is! But he keeps my feet warm at night and watches telly with me. Really, stares at the telly as if he understands!
Serves you right. Shouldve named him Fluffy or Socks. Leonard! Thats no name for a cat.
It suits him! Bea would laugh, and Mabels heart felt lighter.
Her sister was smiling again! For that, Mabel was ready to forgive any feline.
But Leonard truly earned his place the day Mabel nearly lost Bea.
It was a Saturday, unplanned. Mabel was in the area and decided to pop by the atelier, on the off-chance Bea was still working late. Since Leonards arrival, Bea had poured herself back into work, her designs again all the rage.
The lights inside were on. Mabel let herself in.
Bea, love! Its me!
A ginger blur flashed past, nearly tripping her. Mabel shrieked as Leonard latched onto her ankle, shredding her tights.
Leonard! Have you lost your mind?!
He looked wildMabel stepped back, noting the fury in his eyes.
Good grief, are you rabid?!
She snatched a metre ruler, ready to fend him off, but Leonard let out a plaintive mew and darted between her and the door to the little nurseryPauls old room, which Bea couldnt bear to change.
Whats in there? Mabel whispered to the cat. Wheres Bea?!
She rushed in and saw her sister collapsed on the floor, Pauls photograph clutched tight.
Bea!
Ambulance, hospital, almost a day in intensive care
Mabel paced the corridors, muttering prayers she didnt know how to say.
Dont take her. Let her stay. Please.
Only later would she learn that Leonard, locked in a room by well-meaning staff, had howled for Bea almost the whole timestopping only when she finally came round three days later.
This time, straight to the atelier! Bea insisted when discharged.
Bea, really? Ill bring the ginger rascal to you.
NoI want to see him.
Bea struggled up the steps. The girls laughed as Leonard, a living flame, flew down the hall, wrapped himself around her ankles, and began to purr so hugely even Mabel had to smile.
Oh, Leonard!
Bea scooped him up, stroked his mangled ear, and whispered, He called me, Mabel. I heard him! First him, then you. Before before they took me to hospital. Even there
What do you mean, even there?
I cant explain it. There were Simons and Pauls voices, but his came through. Then yours And thats when I returned.
Thatsodd, Mabel said, lost for words.
Leonard clearly wasnt. He tapped his owners chin, shot Mabel a green-wicked glance, and curled up in Beas lap, a final, satisfied purr promising comfort to them both.
I think Ive just been given a seal of approval, said Mabel dryly. No idea for whatbut there it is.
Leonard half-opened an eye, glimmered, and purred even louder, chasing away the shadows and vowing peace. And Bea smiled for her sister once again.
Because, really, what else do we need, except family nearby and peace in our hearts?
So littleand so much.
