[MaC] And So it Begins ... Nicola

[Mel Mason]

>> But still, she planned to keep her eyes open and to
>> remember any suspicious behavior. She didn't know who
>> he was, but he certainly knew who she was, of that
>> much, she was certain. She walked into the hall just
>> in time to hear the creeeeak-rattle-rattle of the lift
>> heading past her floor.
>>
>> "Damn," she whispered to herself. She glanced at the
>> stairs with a scowl and began to walk up them. Even
>> one flight in her highly fashionable and impractical
>> shoes caused her feet to plead for mercy. She emerged
>> onto the fifth floor just in time to see Marjorie
>> Higgins heading down the hall. She must have arrived
>> on the floor just before Nicola herself. Nicola took a
>> moment to adjust her hair and walked over, arms wide.
>>
>> "Marjorie, darling!" she said with a friendly smile.
>> "How lovely to see you. You look absolutely smashing
>> tonight. How are you, darling?"
>
> Marjorie turned, surprised.  "Oh!  Nicola!  How lovely
> to see you!"  Marjorie returned the embrace with a
> friendly smile.  "I'm... tired," she said with a grin.
> "I had to do a double route today, and I can't wait to
> get off my feet," she confided in a loud whisper.
>
> "But you look smashing!" Marjorie said enthusiastically.
> "Like a real celebrity!  I bet the men won't be able to
> take their eyes off you," she said cheerfully.
>

The sound of their voices seemed to spark off a response.  The door opposite 
opened and Anton Barowenski, the Polish cocnert pianist emerged, impeccably 
dressed in the white tie and tails of his profession - perhaps a little 
excessive for a cocktail party.

He bowed, with a click of his heels.  "Ladies," he said formally.  "Good 
evening ... and Merry Christmas."

Just then the door opened, and Marty Fitzroy emerged.  His moon face lit up 
in a smile as he saw Nicola.  "My dear Miss Diamond!  And Miss ... Miss 
Higgins. Glad you could make it."

He bowed low over Nicola's hand.  "You and me should 'ave a little talk," he 
said.  "Later on."

He slipped her heand through his arm and turned to lead her to the stairs to 
the upper dloor, leaving Majorie and Anton to follow. Anton listed his 
eyebrows briefly and gave a resigned shrug - clearly he was used to this 
sort of behaviour from his agent.  Instead he bowed to Marjorie.

"Shall we go up, M'mselle?"