Maskerade

Agnes had been shocked, but it hadn't been shock at Dr Undershaft's death. She'd been astonished at her own reaction. It had been startling and unpleasant to see the man, but even worse to see herself actually being interested in what was happening–in the way people reacted, in the way they moved, in the things they said. It had been as if she'd stood outside herself, watching the whole thing.

Christine, on the other hand, had just folded up. So had Dame Timpani. Far more people had fussed over Christine than around the prima donna, despite the fact that Dame Timpani had come around and fainted again quite pointedly several times and had eventually been forced to go for hysterics. No one had assumed for a minute that Agnes couldn't cope.

Christine had been carried into Salzella's backstage office and put on a couch. Agnes had fetched a bowl of water and a cloth and was wiping her forehead, for there are some people who are destined to be carried to comfortable couches and some people whose only fate is fetching a bowl of cold water.

'Curtain goes up again in two minutes,' said Salzella. 'I'd better go and round up the orchestra. They'll all be in the Stab In The Back over the road. The swine can get through half a pint before the applause has died away.'

'Are they capable of playing?'

'They never have been, so I don't see why they should start now,' said Salzella. 'They're musicians, Bucket. The only way a dead body would upset them is if it fell in their beer, and even then they'd play if you offered them Dead Body Money.'

Bucket walked over to the recumbent Christine. 'How is she?'

'She keeps mumbling a bit–' Agnes began.

'Cup of tea? Tea? Cup of tea, anyone? Nothing nicer than a cup of tea, well, I tell a lie, but I see the couch is occupied, just my little joke, no offence meant, anyone for a nice cup of tea?'

Agnes looked around in horror.

'Well, I could certainly do with one,' said Bucket, with false joviality.

'How about you, miss?' Nanny winked at Agnes.

'Er...no, thank you... do you work here?' said Agnes.

'I'm just helping out for Mrs Plinge, who has been taken poorly,' said Nanny, giving her another wink. 'I'm Mrs Ogg. Don't mind me.'

This seemed to satisfy Bucket, if only because random tea­distributors represented the most minor of threats at this point.

'It's more like Grand Guignol than opera out there tonight,' said Nanny. She nudged Bucket. ' 'S foreign for "blood all over the stage",' she said helpfully.

'Really.'

'Yep. It means... Big Gignol.'

Music started in the distance.

'That's the overture to Act Two,' said Bucket. 'Well, if Christine is still unwell, then...' He looked desperately at Agnes. Well, at a time like this people would understand.

Agnes's chest swelled further with pride. 'Yes, Mr Bucket?'

'Perhaps we could find you a white–'

Christine, her eyes still shut, raised her wrist to her forehead and groaned.

'Oh, dear, what happened?'

Bucket knelt down instantly. 'Are you all right? You had a nasty shock! Do you think you could go on for the sake of your art and people not asking for their money back?'

She gave him a brave smile. Unnecessarily brave, it seemed to Agnes.

'I can't disappoint the dear public!' she said..

'Jolly good!' said Bucket. 'I should hurry on out there, then. Perdita will help you–won't you, Perdita?'

'Yes. Of course.'

'And you'll be in the chorus for the duet,' said Bucket. 'Nearby in the chorus.'

Agnes sighed. 'Yes, I know. Come on, Christine.'

'Dear Perdita...' said Christine.

Nanny watched them go. Then she said, 'I'll have that cup if you've finished with it.'

'Oh. Yes. Yes, it was very nice,' said Bucket.

'Er... I had a bit of an accident up at the Boxes,' said Nanny.

Bucket clutched at his chest. 'How many died?'

'Oh, no one died, no one died. They got a bit damp because I spilled some champagne.'

Bucket sagged with relief. 'Oh, I wouldn't worry about that,' he said.

'When I say spilled... I mean, it went on happening...'

He waved her away. 'It cleans up well off the carpet,' he said.

'Does it stain ceilings?'

'Mrs... ?'

'Ogg.,

'Please just go away.'

Nanny nodded, gathered up the teacups and wandered out of the office. If no one questioned an old lady with a tray of tea, they certainly weren't bothered about one behind a pile of washing‑up. Washing‑up is a badge of membership anywhere.

As far as Nanny Ogg was concerned, washing‑up was also something that happened to other people, but she felt that it might be a good idea to stay in character. She found an alcove with a pump and a sink in it, rolled up her sleeves, and set to work.

Someone tapped her on the shoulder.

'You shouldn't do that, you know,' said a voice. 'That's very unlucky.'

She glanced around at a stage‑hand.

'What, washing‑up causes seven years' bad luck?' she said.

'You were whistling.'

'Well? I always whistle when I'm thinkin'.'

'You shouldn't whistle on stage, I meant.'

It's unlucky?'