The Theatrical Sigh

By Lark Westerly

John Folly House in the late 1950s was a place where raw talent was sought out and nurtured by a staff of strong-willed tutors. John Folly himself, the surprisingly youthful founder, taught woodwork and practical history, but he wasn’t often there. He made Billie Klassen uneasy, for reasons she couldn’t explain. She loved her drama teacher, Altansarnai Bichmoses, even though the teacher was discouraging about Billie’s career chances. Then there was the motor vehicle maintenance tutor, Jim Kelly, who, according to Billie’s classmate Donna, growled when spoken to.

When Billie’s best friend from her schooldays arrived to take her for lunch, it set off a chain of events that still echoed in Billie’s psyche decades later.

• Language: English
• Publisher: eXtasy Books Inc
• Release date: May 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9781487439217

Book preview

When Billie Klassen went to drama school at John Folly House, her tutor warned her that the chances of success were low. Billie determined to prove her wrong, setting the pattern for the next sixty years.

John Folly House in the late 1950s was a place where raw talent was sought out and nurtured by a staff of strong-willed tutors. John Folly himself, the surprisingly youthful founder, taught woodwork and practical history, but he wasn’t often there. He made Billie Klassen uneasy, for reasons she couldn’t explain. She loved her drama teacher, Altansarnai Bichmoses, even though the teacher was discouraging about Billie’s career chances. Then there was the motor vehicle maintenance tutor, Jim Kelly, who, according to Billie’s classmate Donna, growled when spoken to.

When Billie’s best friend from her schooldays arrived to take her for lunch, it set off a chain of events that still echoed in Billie’s psyche decades later.

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

The Theatrical Sigh

Copyright © 2023 Lark Westerly

ISBN: 978-1-4874-3921-7

Cover art by Martine Jardin

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

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Smashwords Edition

The Theatrical Sigh

A Fairy in the Bed

By

Lark Westerly

Author’s Note

Dame Billie Clarty appears as a single mention in Performing Pippin Pearmain, as do Dominque Fortescue and Harrison Arthur. Linneas Rose, Sixten Rose, John Folly and Anemone Rose have all appeared in other stories, especially One Hundred Roses. John’s early days are described in Emer, when he tells Emer Inkersoll his remarkable history and informs her he’s going to marry Linneas. His photographic studio is mentioned in Queen of Tarts 3. Victor Albert is also mentioned in Performing Pippin Pearmain, as one of Jane’s favourite dancers. John Folly House was mentioned in Being Tamzin.

Chapter One: Champagne Spritz

Dame Billie Clarty tilted her face slightly to the left so she could judge the state of her makeup.

Madrigal patted about with a sponge just damped with Caraway’s Comfort Champagne Spritz to seal it.

Thanks love. Has that agent creature come yet?

Madrigal nodded at her mother in the mirror. About forty minutes ago. Dad’s telling her about the inside of vintage Dodge engines.

For forty minutes?

Aside from a quick cup of his favourite tar tea.

Then she’s probably suffered enough. Wheel her in.