The Thespian
This cats the devil, Daisy! Weve got to get rid of him! Tabitha wrinkled her nose with disgust, peering down at the scruffy ginger cat curling around her sisters ankles.
Dont speak like that, Tabby! Daisy gasped, visibly shaken. Hes a living creature, after all!
Creature? Absolutely! Thats the best word for him! Honestly, Daisy, dont you think hes a tad too forward?
As if to prove Tabithas point, the cat abruptly arched his back, hissing, and padded sideways like an orange storm towards the intruder, ready for battle.
There! See? Tabitha squawked, jabbing a finger at the cat and stumbling backwards. What did I tell you?
Daisy called out, flustered, Hamlet, sweetheart, please! Its all fine.
Hamlet glanced at his owner, and suddenly his fury evaporated. He sauntered back to Daisys side, nudging her weak leg before sitting, his posture protective but content.
Outlaw, Tabitha huffed, tiptoeing around the cat. And you baby him!
Well, someones got to, havent they? Daisy sighed.
It was three years ago Hamlet had come into Daisys life, at the bleakest time imaginable. Her husband gone before shed even had time to understand, and then her only sonvanished as silently as a breath. All that remained was her older sister and a handful of acquaintances. Friends never flocked to Daisy.
Just Tabitha. Her sister.
Tabby was older, though not by much. Their parents always made a great show of it: Tabby, our eldest! So responsible! Could trust her with anything, and shell always come through, no question! And Daisy Daisy is our angel. Our little comfort. A miracle child, but so absent-mindedoh, its a chore!
So the girls grew up: Tabitha, clever, poised, a star in everyones eyes. Daisy, a scatterbrain, but beloved.
What do they praise you for? For what? Tabitha would grumble whenever Daisy came home with glowing marks, Doing your schoolworks just expected. Whats there to celebrate?!
But youre the one with perfect marks, Tabby. I get all sorts.
Exactly! And still they dote on you! Tabitha bristled, and Daisys careful little smile only irritated her more.
Tabitha sailed through school and into university, rarely home. Daisy seized every chance to check in: Hows life, Tabby?
Its moving, albeit at a snails pace. I could do with forty-eight hours in a day, honestly!
For studying? Daisy enquired, always a touch too concerned.
Not for studying! For a social life, of course! Wheres a girl to meet a decent bloke while running myself ragged all day, building a blasted career?
Oh, Tabby. Didnt even cross my mind
Tabitha cackled, And when have you ever had a proper thought, little one? Grown-up business, love. Not for babes like you!
Daisy bowed out of such talks, squirreling away her hurt. Yet she rooted for her sister with the quiet surety that stars must shine. How could she not? All that was left for Daisy was to admire her sisters light.
By the time university ended, Tabitha was still alone. Men kept their distance, intimidated by her sharp tongue and sharper wit. Their mother pleaded for her to soften, but Tabitha scoffed, What, you want me to sit in a corner sewing, acting coy? Thats Daisys purview. Not mine!
Oh, darling, just try to be a tad gentler. Boys like that, you know.
Mum, how would you know what blokes these days like? Times are different now!
Perhaps youre right I suppose youd know best, Tabitha
The truly earth-shaking surprise came when Daisythe one they all insisted didnt need higher education, who was to learn a proper trade and not waste timebrought home a fiancé.
My fiancé. This is Simon
Simon captivated Daisys parents at first glancea tall, clever, hopelessly in-love journalist beginning his TV career. Even without fanfare, his reputation quietly preceded him.
But the main thing was: he adored Daisy. Not remarkable, not the familys star, just simple Daisy from a polytechnic.
Shed always loved fashion and stitching. So thats the life she choseto create beautiful things for others and for herself.
Daisy, a seamstress?! Tabitha was appalled.
Im not clever like you, Tabby. But sewing a lovely skirt or blouse is nothing to sniff at. I want people around me feeling good, wearing nice things, full of joy.
Really! Youre all over the place, Daisy.
Maybe so. But the dress I made you turned out well, didnt it?
For whom, though?
For you! For me! For everyone. When people see you, theyll sigh, So lovely! Isnt that good?
Tabitha sniffed.Some people aim for the stars. My sister Oh, Daisy.
Once again, Daisy was baffled. Her dresses, along with the rest of her handmade wardrobe, were well-used by Tabitha, who secretly adored them. Daisy didnt just copy; she invented, staying up late to embroider a hem or draft a new design, delighting in Tabitha twirling before the mirror.
People often asked Tabitha about her stunning wardrobe, but she always replied, Thats a secret.
So theyre from abroad then? Diplomats in the family?
Ill never tell! Tabitha would tease, secretly proud of her sisters talent.
But Simons arrival in Daisys life hit Tabitha like a cannonball. How could the one with neither smarts nor looks get a fiancé first? Impossible!
At the wedding, Tabithas face was set in stone. Family and friends couldnt fathom her mood. For once, Daisyglowing in a gown of her own makingwas the centre of attention.
A beauty! And her fellas no slouch either. What a pairlet them be happy!
For the first time, Tabitha felt envy. It slipped inside her heart and settled stubbornly, like a splinter.
Daisys fiancé handsome? All rightbut you dont have anyone!
Parents beaming at Daisy, murmuring about future grandchildren? Youll never! Children arent in your cards.
Daisy shines with your light, her own new star? Serves you right. For some, everythingfor you, nothing.
Tabitha slunk out before the banquets end, went home, and howled into her pillow, cursing her misfortune.
But when her mother entered the old nursery, Tabitha had pulled herself together.
Sweetheart, are you all right?
Perfectly fine! Dont fuss!
Tabitha married six months laterthe first eligible man she found. He was older, balding, a bit portly, and exceedingly clever. He understood what Tabitha required.
I can give you what you want. Lets make this plain: you bear me a child or two, and pursue your career. Nanny, housekeeperthe lot. I ensure you security, no mistresses, no health scares. Only thing I ask in returnabsolute fidelity, a proper home. No arguments, no drama. Understood?
Tabitha didnt hesitateDeal!
Oddly enough, the arrangement thrived. There was no warm, radiant love as in Daisy and Simons home, which shimmered with such affection that guests couldnt help but smile. Tabithas marriage was calm, certain, orderly.
A son, then a daughter, followedexactly as promised. The nanny handled day-to-day life; schedules were mapped to the minute, every opportunity earmarked for progress. Tabitha barely had time for her childrenthe dissertation, her job, the very social events where she dazzled, still hiding the source of her miraculous wardrobe.
Daisy pressed on at her own pace. In the foggy nineties, she worked from home, word of her skill passed in quiet confidence among clients.
The best seamstress in London! Has her own circlebarely takes new clients.
Is she really that good?
Unbelievable! Did you see my pink dress? All hers!
No! It looked designer!
Even top designers start small! Give Daisy courage and shell go far, just you wait!
Daisy sewed for oligarchs wives, MPs spouses, even draped half the BBC and much of the West End in unique creations, never repeating herself. She grasped well the disaster of two women turning up in the same dress at gala.
Once things stabilized, Daisyhelped by a loan from Tabithaopened a little atelier that swiftly became a kind of fashion hub. It was buzzing: a place to forge connections, to gossip, or to slip in and out unnoticed. The roomson the ground floor of a rather stately Victorian townhouse, which Tabitha had foundwere lovingly adapted to suit all.
Tabitha supplied the equipment, telling Daisy not to fret over money. Well square up.
Tabitha wanted her sister solidly grounded. She ached with guilt; she thought her envy had dimmed Daisys light. Watching her strong, healthy children at play, Tabitha felt almost wolfish despair when she thought of Daisys only childfrail, yellow-haired Arthur, Little Sun, as Tabitha liked to call him after hearing it somewhere.
Youre my darling, you! I brought you some presents! shed say, gathering Arthur to her.
He greeted her with such open, gentle joy that shed flip the world upside-down if she could, just to bring him happiness.
You love my little Arthur more than your own children, Tabby! Daisy would watch, amused, as her shy son hugged his aunt. He was waiting for you
It was partly true, but Daisy desperately wanted to believe her child was well.
Tabitha, sensing how tough things had become, helped hunt down a nanny, pushed Daisy to open her shop.
Daisy, work! You need it. Simons always away. Why mope at home?
I cant, Tabby. Theres Arthur
Youve plenty of space; set up a playroom there. Hire staff. Ill take care of the nanny. Oversee everything! Arthurs nearby, youre satisfied!
Tabitha, Id be totally lost without you!
What else are sisters for? Oh stop! Dont make me cry! I spent an hour on my makeupgot a meeting!
So life flowed.
Tabitha monitored Daisy and Arthurs health, scouring for the best specialists. Arthur remained delicatehis heart uncertain, body never quite in harmony.
I dont understand, Tabitha Daisy would sob when they had a rare moment alone. What did I do wrong for my boy to suffer so?
Nothing, love! Absolutely nothing. Its just fate, if you like. A rotten piece. But dont you cry! Well tackle it. Arthur may never be healthylets not sugar-coat it. But we can give him peace and happiness, Daisy. Family, warmth, care, lovethats within our power.
Maybe youre right
Then enough tears! I found another neurologistapparently brilliant! The queues bonkers, but all in good time. Ive already put Arthur on the list. Well see if the so-called expert can help.
Tabitha
Shh! Make tea. And get me a sandwich, will you? Havent had a crumb all day.
Tabithas husband respected her devotion to Arthur. A pity theres not more to be done for the boy. But if you need anything, say so. Ill help.
Those few, gruff words meant everything. Shed come to love her husband, not with youthful intensity, but with that steady, seasoned affection reserved for those who wait and trust.
Children grew. Parents aged. Daisy and Tabitha had outlived envy and misunderstanding.
Who else shares your secrets, if not a sister?
Daisy helped Tabitha too: when Tabithas husbands career was endangered, Daisy quietly asked Simon to investigate. The inquiry was long and dangerousDaisy would only learn years later that it nearly cost Simon his lifebut at last, the matter was settled. Tabitha said simply, Youve no idea what you two did for me. I promise youll never want for anything as long as I live.
She kept her word.
Tabitha was by her side as Simon succumbedslowly fading before Daisys anguished, silent gaze.
Why? Why him, Tabby? He was so young!
Tabitha stood firm, day after day, urging Daisy on, for Arthurs sake.
She was there, too, when Arthurs heart finally failed. And as the doctors explained, dry-eyed, the sisters clung to each other. Only later, leaving the clinic, did they wander hand-in-hand through London, silent, the city spinning around them.
The yellow T-shirt, and red trainers
Yes
No need to explainhe would have wanted it just that way.
After Arthurs passing, Daisy faded fast. She worked mechanically, delegating everything. More than once, when Tabitha peered into the shop, she found Daisy hunched over her sketchpad, hands limp, powerless to draw even a line.
Daisy
Ill just rest a moment, Tabby, alright? Flat, fireless eyes.
You cant carry on like this! Tabitha wanted to scream.
Why not? Daisy forced a smile. Nothings off-limits anymore
Everything turned the day the cat arrived.
Where hed come from, nobody knewragged, dirty, with a torn ear. It wasnt a street for stray cats; too much traffic, too many people.
He tried the door. Shooed away.
Go on, off with you!
So he did the only thing left: crawled onto the top step, dangled his paws and head, and played dead. Thats how Daisy found him, late to work that day.
Ladies, what on earth is this? She peered at the cat, lying perfectly still.
A cat, Daisy, love! Marched in, plonked himself down, and wont budge!
Is it even alive? Daisy nudged him with her shoe.
The cat cracked an eye, sighed like a worn old man, and lolled his tongue as if to say: People! What a world! Im dying here! Starved a week, no name, fading fast! Heartless, the lot of you.
For the first time in ages, Daisy smiled.
What a thespian! Ladies, look at him act! Laurence Olivier would weep with envy! Alright. In you comefood and a cuddle await.
She scooped him up, tutted at his state. First, the vet. That ear’s trouble
Hamlet (so she called him) went along, stoic in the car, only yowling once at the sting of his jab. Graciously, he accepted Daisys pâté and followed her home as if to say, At last!
Well, Hamlet, Ive never had a cat before. How do we negotiate this?
He posed like a Sphinx, impervious to the traffic rushing past. Daisy grinned: Well manage, wont we? Lets see if Tabitha passes judgment
Tabitha, of course, did not approve, at least outwardly. She chased Hamlet around, feigning outragebut noticing the glimmer in Daisys eye returning. Daisy needed someone to fuss over so much she forgot herself, relishing anothers comfort.
He gives you funny looks, Daisy!
Let him! No ones looked at me like that in years.
How?
With love.
Hes a conman! Hes fooling you!
Maybe. He warms my poor feet though, at night, and watches telly with mereally! Watches, like he understands!
Well, serves you right, giving him a mad nameHamlet! Why not Socks or Tigger? Whats Hamlet for a cat?!
It suits his nature! Daisy would laugh, and Tabithas heart warmed.
Her sister was smiling again. For that, Tabitha forgave the cat anything.
But only truly embraced him the day she nearly lost Daisy.
It was a Saturdayno plans to meet. Passing near the atelier, Tabitha thought shed pop in; perhaps Daisy was still there. Since Hamlets arrival, Daisy had thrown herself into work again, creations snapped up as quickly as ever, even with the subtle shift in palette and style.
The lights were on. Tabitha let herself in.
Daisy, Im here!
A ginger blur shot at her feet. Tabitha howled as Hamlet scratched her ankle, ripping her stockings.
Hamlet! Have you lost your mind?!
He looked wildeyes blazing. Uneasy, Tabitha stepped back. Are you rabid?!
She seized a yardstick in self-defence. Suddenly Hamlet let out a plaintive yowl and darted between her and the door to Arthurs old playroomleft untouched since he passed.
What is it? she whispered, fighting the urge to run. Wheres Daisy?!
She rushed to the door and found her sister collapsed on the floor, Arthurs photograph clutched to her chest.
Daisy!
Ambulance. Hospital. Nearly twenty-four hours in intensive care
Tabitha paced the corridor, prayingunpractised, pleading.
Take anything, but leave her. Let her live!
She learned later that Hamlet had stormed about, his ululating cries filling the studiono one had heard him like that except when he was calling for Daisy. Only when Daisy stirred did Hamlet curl up in a corner and finally lap up water, refusing any food.
Daisy returned three weeks later.
Tabby, first stopthe studio!
Why? I can bring that ruffian round myself!
NoI must see him.
Slowly, Daisy climbed the steps. Her employees burst out laughing as Hamlet streaked along the corridor, laced himself around Daisys ankles, clinging and purring so thunderously it shook them.
Oh, Hamlet!
Daisy scooped him up, stroked his healed ear and whispered,
He called me, Tabby. I heard himthe day before you and the hospital. I heard him, and then you came.
You mean there?
I cant explain. First Simon, then Arthur, calling, but then Hamlets voice broke through and after that, only him then you.
How odd Tabitha trailed off, not knowing what to say.
But Hamlet knew. He touched Daisys chin, blinked once at Tabitha, then curled tight on Daisys lap.
Seems Ive been accepted, Tabitha wryly smiled. Not sure for what, but Ive got the nod
Hamlet cracked open one eye, a glint of green, then purred louderchasing off the gloom. And Daisy smiled, filling Tabithas heart with peace.
Because, after all, what do people need? Loved ones close and quiet in the soul.
So little so very much.
