The Singing Lesson

Marguerite looked up at the clock when it chimed 3 in the afternoon. Good, she thought, after she finished her chores of setting out costumes and arranging props for that night performance, she could take a nap before she had to get herself ready for the performance. At 16 she was making her debut as an ensemble member at the Comedie Francaise, a small rewards after four years of toiling in the theatre working with costumes, props, cleaning floors and scrubbing seats. Madame Collot, for years a consistent performer at the Comedie Francaise, had taken a liking to the young Marguerite and when Marguerite had shown an interest in performing, Madame Collot offered to teach to youngster how to sing.

Now she waited, her lesson over, while Madame ran a quick errand. She was told to sit still and wait until she returned, take messages from guests and let the next student in.

Marguerite had nearly fallen asleep when she heard a soft tapping at the door.

Suzanne shuffled her feet for a second before the prim shrill voice of her mother popped into her head. Standing correctly, as a young lady should, she knocked softly on the door. Madame Collot expected her to be punctual, so she arrived at the exact time appointed. Seeing the door open before her, Suzanne looked at the young girl standing in the doorway.

"Madame Collot is expecting me." Suzanne let out in her timid voice. Hearing the carriage pull away she knew that she couldn't turn back.

Marguerite eyed the other girl standing on the front stoop before answering, "She's not here. She told me to let you in and wait with you until she came back from her errand." Marguerite opened the door all the way to let the younger girl in. Judging by her dress, and the fact that she was taking singing lessons, Marguerite guessed her family was wealthy, maybe even nobles. Because of this Marguerite already didn't like her, mostly because she figured the other girl wouldn't like, a poor orphaned girl and aspiring actress.

Feeling the other girls eyes on her made her slightly nervous, pausing inside entry while the door was being closed, Suzanne waited for the other to join her to make their way into the parlor together.

"Suzanne de Tournay" Suzanne said, though the girl had her back to her "that's my name, of course. It was very nice of you to stay with me, that is until Madame Collot returns." Suzanne was flustered, and almost didn't feel like she was speaking correctly

"I am Marguerite St. Just." Marguerite said plainly as she closed the door and put the lock back in place. "You can go and sit in the parlor until she comes back. She said it wouldn't take long and she's sorry you will get a late start."

"It will be fine." Suzanne sadly started walking towards the parlor, turning to face the other girl, she smiled.

"Did you have a lesson before mine?" Suzanne asked with interest, she knew others took lessons, but she rarely got to meet them.

"Do you like the lessons, I enjoy them. This house, it always seems so inviting." Suzanne started back towards the parlor, hoping Marguerite would follow. They could talk to pass the time.

Marguerite followed the other girl into the parlor. To her, the parlor was a wonderful spot, more then just "fine," it was probably bigger then the tiny spot Marguerite shared with her little brother, though the other girl's last comment on the house made Marguerite feel better. "I just finished my lesson with Madame Collot. I enjoy them, and Madame is an excellent teacher."

"Have you ever seen her perform? She told me she often is at the Comedie Francaise. I have not seen one yet, but my Mother tells me I will get to next soon." Suzanne thought for a moment. "I think she to be sure I understand what I am watching."

"Madame Collot is one of the finest performers in Paris. I have seen her perform many times. She even better at acting then she is at singing." Marguerite said, retaking her spot on the couch. "How long have you been taking lessons from her?"

"Three months, I am told it will make me a well rounded, and defined young lady." Suzanne wrinkled up her nose, "they always tell me what will make me a proper lady." Suzanne looked around the room "You are lucky to have seen her perform"

"In some ways." Marguerite said, almost sadly, "I usually watch her while I am working."

'Working?' Suzanne asked herself, had she heard her correctly, well it would be rude to ask her again, so the young girl thought it would be best to avoid that.

"How long have you been taking lessons?" the little 14 year old asked, switching subjects.

"I've been taking lessons for almost a year, but not regularly. I only get lessons when she can fit me into her schedule. Madame Collot is very busy and there are a lot of people that wish they could have lessons from her." Marguerite stated, trying to hide a small yawn. She was ready for her nap.

Nodding, Suzanne went over to one of the soft chairs, and seated herself. Silently looking up at the ticking clock, 3:15. Watching the other girl for a moment, Suzanne relaxed against the chair.

Marguerite stretched and yawned more openly. In a way she guessed Madame Collot wanted her to entertain the younger girl, though Marguerite didn't know what else to do. Deciding to let the girl be, she reached into her bag and pulled out her book.

Lightly tapping her foot on the floor, Suzanne looked up at the ceiling. Shifting in her chair, she stopped the tapping with her foot. Sighing softly, she played with the fringe on one of the pillows

Marguerite noticed the girl was bored and handed her the book, "I've already read it once, maybe you'd like to read it until Madame Collot comes back."

A smile came across Suzanne's face, reaching out she took the book into her hands. "Thank you. I... thank you." turning the book over in her hands, she looked up at the other girl, still smiling, she opened the book, and tried to locate the first page.

Marguerite went over to Madame Collot's own bookshelf and pulled out a book of plays to read over while passing the time. "There's a lot of stuff in the beginning that's not really important to the story about why the author wrote the book and stuff, you have to skip some to find the first chapter."

Flipping over the pages, Suzanne looked over the pages filled with words. Not finding the beginning of the story, she closed the book leaving her finger in to mark the page. Watching the girl start a different book, Suzanne was still a bit puzzled by something she had said earlier.

"You had mentioned before, that you worked. If you don't mind me asking, where do you work?"

"I work at the Comedie Francaise." Marguerite said proudly. "I have worked there for several years doing things backstage, but now I am a member of the ensemble in the current show."

Suzanne sat in awe. "That is such a big theatre. Is this the first show you have been in?"

"It's even bigger when you're the one that has to clean it." Marguerite remarked. "This is the first time I've gotten to be in a show. I don't get to say anything, but I'm on stage most of the time, sitting or walking around in the background. It's fun though, I have 8 costumes, more then anyone else in the show."

"It must be so exciting, being in front of all those people." Suzanne tried to imagine what it would be like. "When is the first performance? Or has the show already opened?" Suzanne had so many questions, this girl was only a few years older than herself, and she was on the stage of one of the biggest theatres in Paris.

"The show already opened, a few weeks ago. We're already halfway through the run and I'm already set of it to be over. Although I guess that's because I have to work before and after the show to." Marguerite said, "I need a nap before tonight or I'm likely to fall asleep on stage."

"I hope you have time to fit it in." the girl still held the book in her hands, turning it over and over. "What is it you do before the show?"

"I work with the costumes now. I have to take all the costumes down from where they hang up to dry, bring them to the right dressing room and put them in the order the actor or actress needs them." young Marguerite said with a yawn. "It's a lot better then sweeping the floors and scrubbing seat cushions like I used to do."

"So you know every costume they wear, and what order they go in? It must be a lot to remember, everything you do on stage, and what every one wears." Suzanne looked over the other girl "I'm sorry I should let you rest."

"It's not so bad, I get so used to seeing everyone in them, it's easy to remember. Besides, they all have markings in them in case I forget." Marguerite stretched and yawned "It doesn't matter much about resting, Madame Collot would be upset if she came back and found I wasn't at least an attentive hostess."

"I suppose she would" Suzanne giggled "did she say how long she was going to be gone? I don't really mind at all, you have been wonderful company, it just makes me wonder." she said looking over at the clock again. "what is it you do, when you are not working?"

"Work keeps me busy. I'm one of the first ones there and last ones to leave. I have to take care of my brother too. He's 13 and in school during the day though, when I'm off, and it's a lot of work taking care of the flat we live in, cleaning and shopping and cooking. I always have something to do."

"I have a brother also, but Mother sent him away to school for the year. The house is so quiet without him running about." Suzanne thought for a moment "Do you enjoy your work? You seem to have been there so long you must know almost everyone."

"I enjoy being on stage. That part is fun, working with the costumes is fun too. I like it well enough now, but I didn't at first, not when I was doing really dirty work, but no one else would take a 12 year old in for a job."

"You have worked there since you were 12? That seems like a long time, and to be taking care of your brother at the same time." Suzanne realized it might not be a good subject, and tried to think of something else to say "Have you considered going to other theatres?"

"I have, a bit.' Marguerite said, "but right no I like the Comedy. After a while, learning how to sing and act, I might go to other, smaller theatres, because I might be able to get bigger roles there and work my way back to the Comedie. All my friends and the people that have looked after me are there now though, it's kind of like home."

"Working in a place where you are so comfortable, it makes things worth while then, no?" Suzanne smiled-though she had never known what it was like to work and could only guess-she moved a bit on her chair.

Marguerite began to squirm. What did this little aristocrat know about long days and late nights working to support her family. "Not really. I'd rather go to school like my brother does. Most girls my age don't work, very few girls twelve years old don't have to work." Marguerite looked away, beginning to feel sorry for herself.

She knew it had been the wrong wording, but you couldn't take things back. Trying to explain would make things worse. Suzanne sighed softly, then looked over to the window. Yes, she often made a fool of herself, and she had wanted so for this girl to like her. What could be said. A strange silence fell in the room, and Suzanne looked back to where the other girl sat.

"I didn't mean to offend you." Suzanne said softly, looking back out the window.

"It's not your fault." Marguerite said, "I like the theatre, I really do, but sometimes I wish I could have a normal life, and do things other girls my age do."

"And sit at your table night after night studying. Only to go into school the next day and start over." Suzanne sighed, "is it possible to have both?" she asked looking aver at the girl across from her. "The freedom to do what makes you happy, and to be like everyone else, having what you think is a normal life?"

"I don't have the freedom to do what I want." Marguerite nearly snapped. "I get up in the morning and make breakfast for my little brother, and then do any cleaning or shopping that needs to be done at home, and usually take a nap because I usually don't get a full nights rest the night before. Once my brother gets home I make sure he starts his homework, and make him dinner before going to work at the theatre to set up for that night's show. After the show I stay late until after the show and get home in the early morning hours, sleep for a few short hours and get up to do it all over again. I'd love to have homework to do, and books to study, and to be able to have Saturdays and Sundays to myself, to get full night of sleep, to not have to worry if my brother will have enough to eat or will the rent be paid."

Suzanne glared out the window, not matter how hard she tried, nothing worked. Rather than giving in, and leaving her alone, she could only stare out the window with tears forming in her eyes. "You would rather have a life controlled by adults, telling you they know what is best for you. That they know what you want out of life. Having not a moment to yourself and having every minute planned out by a tutor or parent. Sit properly, cross your legs the correct way. Use proper grammar. Never a moment passing without worrying about making a mistake. Yes, it is the dream life." Suzanne stood and walked to the window, so she couldn't see the other girl from the corner of her eye. She didn't want her pity, only for her not to be seen as... as.. well she didn't know what she was seen as.

"At least you have parents." Marguerite said sourly as the girl moved away. what did she know anyway. She was the lucky one. She had people who cared for her, who looked after her.

"Yes, I do." Suzanne muttered softly, still staring out at the street below. Why did she have to stay any longer, the other girl didn't want her here, she had looked down upon her ever since she walked in. And what had she proved, that she was just as foolish as the girl had thought she was. Taking her life as easily as it was handed to her, yes, the other girl had proved her point and most likely didn't even know it. This time she did not try to come back with a answer. Only left it as it was. Turning back to the center of the room, Suzanne took bold steps back to the spot she had been sitting in. Like it or not they were here together, and if Madame Collot was not here, she was not going to stand until she arrived. Perhaps when Suzanne could think more clearly, she would try again. Something different, there had to be something they could speak of without crossing words.

Marguerite watched the girl out of the corner of her eye, all the while fuming inside because Madame Collot had left them for so long. "Why do you take singing lessons anyway?"

Suzanne looked up. "It was the only thing I suggested that my mother felt was becoming of a young girl to learn. I enjoy the lessons, and look forward to them every week." her voice trembled slightly at first, then evened out towards the end.

Marguerite didn't flinch when the girl spoke, even though the other one waivered. "What did you suggest that was unbecoming?"

Suzanne thought for a moment, trying to remember all the things she had come up with then. "Horse riding, I so wanted to learn to ride, even if it was side saddle. Painting."

"Painting? That seems innocent enough. Why wouldn't your mother want you to learn how to paint?" Marguerite asked.

The question amused Suzanne. "I asked her the same thing when she refused. What would you need such a talent for, a young man does not go in search of a wife that can paint. Besides you would get paint on your dress, and in your hair. It made me feel like I was five again. Never the less she let me take one lesson, and her fears came true. A young boy in the class started flinging paint and two tiny drops got on my dress, that ended that as quickly as it began." she sighed, clasping her hands together in her lap.

Marguerite couldn't help but to laugh. "You should have told her that he would probably grow up to want a wife that can paint." Once she had regained control of herself, she asked the girl another question, "Why is your mother so concerned about you getting married anyway?"

"I don't ask." Suzanne said lightly, "Though I guess I had never really thought that much about why." she looked down at her hands for a moment "I have always just accepted what she said."

"I don't ever remember my mother wanting to see me married off. I'm glad too. I don't think I'd ever want to be married anyway."

"Wouldn't want to be married?" Suzanne asked, but then shrugged "I suppose that there are many who feel that way." she released her grip on her hands and placed them beside her on the chair. Hitting the surface of the book, she picked it up and handed it back to the other girl "Here, I don't believe I will have much of a chance to read."

Marguerite took the book back from Suzanne. "thanks." Marguerite said softly. "I'm sorry I was snappy before."

"I shouldn't assume. I'm sorry also." Suzanne looked up from the chair "And though we shared some harsh words, I am glad you were here."

Marguerite gave a slight yawn, "No offense, but I wish Madame Collot was here. I still want my nap."

"Yes, I understand. It's almost time for my ride to pick me up, and I have not had my lesson." Suzanne shuffled a bit, and leaned back in the chair.

Marguerite sighed, "I wondered what happened to her, probably ran into a friend. Madame Collot likes to talk if you've never noticed." Marguerite giggled.

"I am sure she will come rushing in, telling of this and that person she had seen. Then have to reschedule my lessons." Suzanne giggled and shook her head. "I don't mind, I am just glad she is such a wonderful lady."

"She is very nice." Marguerite said as she settled down. "Do you want to come to the theatre and see the show?" Marguerite asked.

"Tonight?" Suzanne's eyes lit up, wondering momentarily if she really wanted her to come "I would love to see the show." it was more then she could have asked for.

"I don't know if I can make arrangements for tonight, but maybe the weekend. We do an afternoon show on Sunday, I can have a ticket set aside for you." marguerite offered.

"That would be wonderful. I will look forward to it." Suzanne beamed a smile.

"Alright," Marguerite said, although then she lowered her eyes, "Although I probably can't get as nice of seats as your family is used to sitting in. I can get complimentary tickets for the floor though."

"At least I will get to go, it doesn't matter where I sit. It will be the same show." Suzanne tilted her head a bit and watched the girl across from her.

Marguerite nodded. "Good, you can leave a message with Madame Collot if you can come."

"I will. If she ever returns." Suzanne giggled, but feeling restless she stood and started circling around to the back of the chairs. "Do you dance?"

"I do, that's mostly what I do now, I'm one of the dancers and singers. It's hard though, at first I wasn't used to all the steps and moving and hurt my ankles. Now it's not so bad, but one of the boys I have to dance with keeps stepping on my feet." Marguerite said through a giggle.

"Your poor feet, does he know he isn't supposed to do that?" Suzanne asked tilting her head slightly, "I don't think I would be able to ignore him and keep dancing if he stepped on me."

"Now I hove paper in the toes of shoes to make them sitffer. He doesn't mean to, but he's not a very good dancer, but he's getting better. He doesn't step on me nearly as much as he used to." Marguerite lowered her voice a bit, "He's not the kind of boy I want to ignore anyway."

Suzanne giggled, and went back to sit in the chair. "Now I am axious to see the show on Sunday. There isn't any problem with you requesting tickets is there, I wouldn't want you to get in trouble."

"It's alright. there's always a few seats set aside for the management if they have guests. If the management doesn't have any need for them, then the cast and crew can get them for friends, but since I only have a small bit, I have to wait and make sure no one else wants them first. Maybe Madame Collot will know if some tickets are still available for this weekend, if she ever gets back."

The young girl simply nodded. Hearing the clock strike the hour, she guessed that her ride home would be arriving at any moment. She didn't look forward to going home, since she had not had her lesson. "I suppose I will have to catch Madame Collot at another time." she said in a soft sigh.

"No nap for me," Marguerite said as looked at the clock. "If I don't leave soon I'm going to be late." she got off the couch and stepped over to the front door to look out the window. Marguerite looked down the street to see Madame Collot, standing outside chatting away with two other women. She couldn't help but to laugh, "Madame's outside, she probably has been there the whole time."

Suzanne came over to the window and stood beside her. "Do you think she even got to where she was going?" she laughed. "I will go ahead and finish waiting outside, you shouldn't be late. I'm sure Madame Collot wouldn't mind if I went to wait with her."

"It's ok, I'll wait outside with you until your mother comes. Does she always hire a carriage to travel in? It's such a nice day, why waste the money the hire one when you can walk?"

"She always does. Why walk when there is a carriage avaliable, I wouldn't mind walking, but she insists on sending someone after me. I think she worries about me walking by myself." Suzanne took the girls hand, "Shall we go outside now?"

"Sure" Marguerite said as she pulled the door open. She stepped out and sat on the stoop in front of the door. "Does she often miss your lessons?"

"No, this is the first time." Suzanne went out the door and pulled it to, not closing it all the way, in case they got locked out. Walking down the one step, she sat next to Marguerite "I find it quite odd, she has been late before, maybe by a few minutes. I understand though, I am lucky she had any time for me at all, such a busy lady." Suzanne smiled.

"She is busy, but I suppose since your mother is willing to pay she can make time for you. I only got my lesson today because someone else had to cancel theirs." Marguerite said, watching a few carriages and coaches go past on the street.

Instead of trying to defend herself to this girl again, she let it pass with a sigh. "Will you tell me about the dancer?" Suzanne asked, still trying to find some common ground.

Marguerite's eyes lit up. "His name is Victor. He's only a year older then me, but he's been practicing acting and dancing all of his life. Both his parents are in the company, so I guess it's sort of a family trade. He used to tease me and call me little Margie, but now I kind of like it. He's very sweet and brings me flowers all the time. Last week he took me out for a walk in the park, I think his mother got mad at him for that. All I know is she said something about it being improper for a girl my age to go somewhere with a boy without a chaperone, but I don't have anyone to be a chaperone, expect my little brother, but I don't think he'd like that."

"He sounds sweet. It must be nice to have someone bring you flowers, though I must say I don't understand his mother being angry if it was just a walk." Suzanne smiled, then glanced over at the other girl. "What does he look like?"

"He's a bit taller then me, and very strong." Marguerite lowered her voice and leaned closer to Suzanne, "Through some of his costumes you can see his muscles." She giggled a bit and sat back up. "He has dark hair and eyes so dark they actually look black, and his skin is a soft white."

How different their lives were, Suzanne thought as she giggled listening to her describe him. "I can see why you wouldn't want to ignore him then."

Marguerite laughed some more, "If you come to the show this weekend, you'll be able to see him. There is a scene towards the beginning where there's lots of dancing. If you look, we're off in the corner on the right. You'll probably be able to pick him out, but you might not know it's me. I wear a dark wigs and shoes that make me a bit taller."

Laughing she gave a sweet smile. "I am sure I would be able to figure it out, now that you have given me an idea of what to look for. Is there alot of dancing in the show? I remember you saying you went on a lot, are you always dancing?" Suzanne clasped her hands happily in her lap then glanced up to the street before them. "ohhh. Goodness, I hope my ride had not be waiting for long." Looking form the carriage that had parked in front of Madame Collot's, to Marguerite, she smiled again. "It has been wonderful talking to you. I do hope I can go this weekend. I will tell her tomorrow, I will make a special trip if I have to." In her happiness, the girl reached over and gave the other a small hug. "Goodbye." with a little wave she got up and walked over to the carriage.

Marguerite was surprised when the girl hugged her, but once she stepped down to the carriage, she waved goodbye. "Alright, I hope I see you this weekend." Marguerite called as the girl stepped into the carriage to be on her way.

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