ESME stood in the wings and trembled with excitement as she heard the opening bars of the Infernal Gallop. Only another few seconds and the dancing – the swirling, the pointy-toed leg flicks and the swishing of skirts – would start to the famous can-can music. She and her friends had practised so hard for this moment!
Between high-kicks, Esme remembered their reactions the first time Gertrude had mooted the idea. “I know what we can do for the anniversary show,” she said – and after a short pause for effect – continued, “. . . The can-can!”
Beattie had spluttered up a considerable amount of coffee. Marie recovered more quickly. “The can-can with support hose and sensible bras? Are you sure?”
“Well, that’s not exactly what I had in mind but yes, I suppose so. That sort of thing. Silky bloomers – red, of course – flouncy frocks, exotic headdresses. Maybe not so many high-kicks, and even if it’s not exactly elegant, at least it’ll raise a laugh.”
“So long as no one has a coronary in the audience.”
“Or on stage,” Beattie added, grim-faced.
Esme, the youngster of the group – just edging into middle-age – offered her own suggestion: “My Dan’s got lovely, strong thighs.” Esme had recently married the youngest brother of the other women’s husbands – the ladies were both firm friends and longtime sisters-in-law – and was routinely forgiven for going offon a romantic tangent.
この記事は YOU South Africa の 3 September 2020 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は YOU South Africa の 3 September 2020 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
OUR BRAVE LITTLE FIGHTER
Like her late sister, little Elana was born with a rare lung condition and can't breathe without a ventilator, but her parents are walking this familiar path with courage and hope
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
With his new film, The Fall Guy, Ryan Gosling put stunt doubles centre stage but how hard is it for a complete amateur to master the trade? Journalist Simon Usborne decided to find out
INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE
Irish writer Cecelia Ahern chats to YOU about writing her novels in longhand, her love of Lego and looking forward to her first wine-tasting in South Africa
THE KIDS ARE NOT OKAY
Something happened around 2010 that's had a huge impact on Gen Z, says a new book. It was the start of the phone-based childhood, and it's resulted in a rewiring of kids' brains - and a surge in depression and anxiety
HE'S ON THE BALL
Despite having no lower legs, -Grayton's prowess on the rugby field has made him a social media star
THIS ISN'T JUSTICE
A woman was shot dead by her fiancé, who said he thought she was an intruder. Now her family believe he got off lightly
THE BOSS IN CHARGE OF YOUR CROSS
As chief electoral officer of the IEC, Sy Mamabolo has his hands full these days!
HEARTBREAK AND HOPE
Relatives and loved ones share their stories as rescue efforts continue for the people still trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building in George
BLOOMING!
Shes adored by fans and loathed by haters, but like the character she plays in her new movie, Anne Hathaway says shes putting her own Joy first
SUSSEXES' AFRICAN ADVENTURE
Meghan and Harry took Nigeria by storm – but relations with the royal family remain icy
