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10.
In private, I had been secretly rehearsing Lucinda in the premiere solo from Sir Frederick's coming production. It was possibly the most demanding piece ever designed for ballet. She had been superb. If Sir Frederick could be persuaded to gamble on an unknown, her debut would be a surprise smash. She would set world of dance on its ear.
When he ordered me to bring Lucinda to his studio for an interview I was sure that my efforts at bringing her talent to his attention had borne fruit. Being forced to leave her with him had disturbed me at first. I knew only too well what was apt to happen. My second thought was that it might not be such a bad thing from my point of view. If the old devil indulged his penchant for buggery it might alienate her from men for good. I, on the other hand, would be there to comfort and console her. Yes, on second thought, I hoped old Freddie fucked the arse off her.
When Lucinda returned to the studio she came straight to me. It was obvious that she had been crying.
"My poor dear, you've been crying. Was he beastly to you?"
"No. I'm fine. He wants to see you now."
Good, I thought, now we could settle the issue of her debut. I knocked briefly and entered. He was at his drawing board, diagramming perspectives.
"Ah!" he greeted me, " Just the lady I wanted to see!"
"Well, Freddie? Will you use her?"
"Yes. I have decided to take a personal interest in the new girl."
"That's wonderful! But why, pray tell a personal interest? I am sure I can guide her in the part."
"I think she has talent beyond her years. I intend to spend some private time with her. If she proves out, I may give her the third solo."
What a clabberhead, I thought. He has the world's next star under his nose and he's considering her for a minor solo. I would have to tread softly here. I knew the part the old rake was really considering her for.
"You do realize that Lucinda and I have a personal relationship outside the company?"
"Yes…you are pressing her to…join the hens…shall we say? I feel she will be happier with a rooster and I have the perfect cock in mind for her."
"Leave her for me, Freddie. After all, you have your pick of the others. You know we've never stepped on each other's toes in these matters."
"You're right we never have. If you wish to remain the grand Dame of the Royal Court Ballet you'll bloody well mind my toes this time as well!"
"Very well, Sir Frederick." I soothed, "Since you are so adamant, I'm sure you know best."
"That's the ticket, old girl! Is there anything else?"
"Oh, nothing as important as the casting of the third solo."
I was ice cold with anger all the way home. It was only with great effort that I lulled Lucinda along with small talk. She was very quite and seemed a tad self-satisfied. I became certain that she had struck some deal for herself during her little visit with Freddie. I was seething inside. I might forgive some things but never the fact that she might have endangered what was left of my career. I would see that she spent the rest of her life paying for that.
Upon our arrival I sent her straight to the bath. Her reply was sulky and I could see that she no longer felt she must defer to me. My mind had been very busy the last few hours. I had decided upon Lucinda's fate. If I let things stand, I would lose her to Sir Frederick anyway and she might yet cost me my position. Since both she and the future I had envisioned were disappearing, she might as well disappear forever. I called Rachael.
'Darling, how are you?" I asked gaily.
The only answer was a long silence. The arrogant bitch was still sulking over having been put
in her place. God, it had only been a hairbrush. She was acting as if I'd flayed her with a cat.
"Oh now don't be cross. It was all in good fun and you know you had a huge orgasm. Besides, I'm going to make it up to you."
I knew very well how to get past any lingering resentment Rachael might be harbouring.
"How? Why you and I are going to send little Lucy on a one way trip. I shall let you do as you like with the little bitch at her send off party. I'll be along this evening to work out the details with you."
Lucinda had been unable to disguise her relief when I'd tucked her into bed alone. I blew her a kiss and even wished her a sweet goodnight before flicking off the lights.
Later, over champagne cocktails, Rachael and I soon had things arranged. She had a silent participation in another club in Paris. Its venue featured a much rougher form of entertainment than her little bistro in Soho. It was enormously popular with the denizens of the European underworld. I'd made up my mind to lure Lucinda across the channel. Once in Paris, I was going to drug the little bitch again. I'd hand her over to Rachael, who would force her to dance in her club. I'd gathered that when she grew bored with Lucy, she would sell her to a Russian acquaintance of hers. So she liked men, did she? She would meet plenty of smelly, drunken men in the Ukrainian bordello she was bound for. I had to admit that this particular circle of Rachael's associates, while quite vulgar, had their uses. Instead of a debut before the court, Lucinda's first grand jete would be a long leap into limbo. I would still make a star of sorts out of her. I could imagine her billing on the flyspecked posters that lined the Rue Pigalle. " Ce soir, une talent nouveau! Le Grand jeté d'une danseuse Anglais…Juicy Lucy!"
At home I made my slightly tipsy way to bed. As I was undressing, I gazed at her sleeping form with regret. I thought how bitter her future would now be and how sweet it could have been.
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