Free Born to Dance by June Tate

it?’
    ‘My secret, I’m afraid, madam.’
    She looked at Giles for assistance but he shook his head. ‘I have no idea.’
    George left them to attend another customer.
    Giles Gilmore intrigued Bonny, and she wondered just what he had to do with the theatre. Was he a producer, a critic, an actor? He was certainly good-looking but there was an air about him that was different. This man would never have to pretend, she didn’t think. He was too self assured.
    At that moment, Rob Andrews walked over. ‘Excuse me,’ he said to Giles, ‘but Bonny, you are needed,’ and he led her away.
    She looked back over her shoulder. Giles raised his glass at her and smiled.
    Peter Collins was on the stage talking about his forthcoming show. ‘And now, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce a couple whose names will be on everyone’s lips after opening night. Rob Andrews and Bonny Burton.’
    To Bonny’s acute embarrassment she was led up on to the stage by Rob.
    ‘These two dancers will be the talk of the town. Remember, you heard it here first!’ Peter led the applause and the orchestra started to play. ‘Please, you two, get on the floor and show them what you’re made of!’
    As Rob led her on to the dance floor he whispered, ‘Just follow me, come on, you’ve been doing it for months.’ And that’s what she did. As always, in Rob’s arms she was safe. He guided her firmly and managed to put in a few Astaire moves, which Bonny followed faultlessly. At the end of the dance, the applause was enthusiastic.
    The band started the next number, and as the other guests joined them on the dance floor, Rob gathered her in his arms, holding her close and carried on dancing.
    ‘Sorry about that, I didn’t know we were to perform, but this is a promotional night for the show, we should have expected it from Peter.’
    ‘It’s alright, bit of a shock, but tonight has been strange altogether. This is a different world to what I’ve been used to.’
    ‘You’d better get used to it, Bonny, because everything has changed for you now. You have to make the best of it and not get carried away with the artificiality of it. So much is just glitter, without depth. Keep both feet on the ground and you’ll do just fine.’
    As they traversed the floor, Bonny relaxed. As he rested his head against hers, she really enjoyed herself until the music stopped
    As they left the floor, Giles Gilmore stood in front of them, and holding out her glass he said, ‘Miss Burton, you didn’t finish your drink.’

Eight
    Rob Andrews asked, with a wary look, ‘And you are?’
    ‘Giles Gilmore.’ He shook Rob’s hand. ‘I hate to see a good drink go to waste, especially one of George’s special cocktails.’
    Bonny took it from him. ‘It’s a fruit cocktail,’ she explained. ‘Mr Gilmore came to my rescue when I was standing alone. He introduced me to George the barman when I said I didn’t want any alcohol.’ Turning to Giles she said, ‘This is my dancing partner, Rob Andrews.’
    ‘Yes I know, I saw your exhibition just now. You both dance so well together. I can’t wait to see the show.’
    Rob was now curious about the stranger. ‘Are you anything to do with the theatre?’
    ‘Oh yes, quite a lot,’ was the enigmatic reply. ‘Now you must excuse me. I look forward to our next meeting, Miss Burton.’
    ‘Extraordinary bloke!’ Rob remarked as he watched him walk over to another small gathering. ‘I wonder who he is?’
    ‘I have no idea,’ said Bonny, but she felt that wasn’t the last time she would see the handsome gent. There had been a determined look in his eyes whenever he had gazed at her.
     
    There was a pleasant surprise for Bonny when she walked into rehearsal the following morning. Her friend Shirley Gates was standing chatting to the other members of the chorus.
    ‘Shirley!’ The two girls rushed to meet each other, hugging and laughing with glee. ‘What are you doing here?’ asked Bonny.
    ‘Well, my