Over The Moon

Concluding chapters of our 1960s serial

“This is the 1960S, Mother. It’s TALENT, not TITLES, that matter now”

Valerie snatched the evening paper from Harry’s stunned fingers. In the intense light of the huge chandelier above them, she stared in horror at the front page headline: Val Venus affair with TV puppet boss–it’s how she got the job, says bitter co-star. “Is this true, Harry?” George L’Amore, the square-jawed, silver-haired actor who played Captain Stormy in MoonBase, eyed the dinner suited TV producer with renewed respect.

“Of course it’s not true!” Harry snapped, red-faced.

“So who’s the bitter co-star?” Tony, the blond drama school graduate who played Bobby Joe, tugged the paper from Valerie’s limp grip.

L’Amore looked over Tony’s shoulder as the young actor opened the paper to find more scandal.

“Anonymous – of course,” L’Amore announced grimly.

“Well, it wasn’t me!” squeaked Sabrina, the thirty-year-old who voiced Dr Jones in the sci-fi puppet series.

“And it certainly wasn’t me,” said L’Amore with emphasis.

“Hey, don’t look at me!” Tony protested, white-faced.

Lady Petunia Crondell stabbed her finger into her son’s chest.

“This is where your philandering ways have led us,” she raged.

“But it’s lies!” Harry’s anger rose. “Isn’t it, Val –”

It was suddenly all too much for Valerie. The grandeur of Dogwood House; her unexpected rise to fame in Britain’s most watched television programme; Harry’s bombshell offer to make her a partner in the firm… and now this! The nineteen-year-old let out a cry of pain, turned and ran in panic up the grand staircase she’d descended so regally just moments before.

Eyes streaming, she kept running until she reached her little attic room in the former servants’ quarters.

Kicking the door shut behind her, she threw herself face down onto her bed in the moonlight. The beautiful black silk and lace dress Harry had bought her would be crumpled and ruined, but what did it matter? She wouldn’t be going to the Savoy now.

Convulsing with sobs, Valerie buried her face in her mascara-soaked pillow, knowing her mum had been right all along. She should never have come to London. She was out of her depth. People like her didn’t belong in the world of aristocrats and television.

As her sobbing subsided to a cold trembling that ran through her body, she wished Harry would come to console her. She ached to hear his knock on her door; his comforting weight on the side of her bed; the warmth of his arms; the gentleness of his lips on hers.

Time passed, but he didn’t come to find her.

That was what made the lies in the paper so cruel. Harry didn’t love her. He’d never so much as looked at her in that way. The crush she’d had on him since she arrived at Dogwood was entirely in her mind.

And now everyone thought they were having an affair! It was unbearable.

Not even Sabrina came to comfort her. She’d thought Sab was her friend, but that was a delusion, too, Valerie realised. They all resented her. Why else would anyone have made up that vile newspaper story?

The scandal was in the morning papers, too. Harry announced that anyone caught reading the story at work would be fired on the spot. But as Valerie sat alone in his office, too embarrassed to have breakfast in the canteen with the others, she couldn’t help reading the newspaper Harry had thrown on his desk in disgust.

Love blossomed in midnight script meetings, she read, and cursed her own stupidity. They’d been working on the show, nothing more, but she should have realised how their late nights together would look to others.

From down the corridor, she heard the TV producer arguing furiously with his mother. Valerie didn’t want to eavesdrop, but emotions and voices were running high at Dogwood.

“This would never have happened if you’d taken on Caro’s daughter as I said.” Lady Petunia’s cut glass accent echoed off the wood panelling and the oil paintings of Harry’s forebears.

“I’m not here to provide jobs for the offspring of your rich friends,” Harry retorted. “MoonBase is a top-rated television series, not the local amateur dramatic society.”

“In your father’s day, breeding meant something.”

“Well it didn’t do Father much good, did it?” Harry snapped. “Your Lordship this, your Lordship that. He thought they were sucking up and all the time they were taking him for every penny. If it wasn’t for MoonBase, we wouldn’t have Dogwood. This is the 1960s, Mother. It’s talent, not titles, that matter now.”

Valerie had never heard Harry so angry. Her stomach knotted and her heart drummed as she felt his tension. And although she hated to hear him arguing with his mother, she found herself drawn to the showdown in the same way that she felt morbidly compelled to read the lies in the paper.

Down the corridor, Petunia’s voice took on a softer, pleading tone – and what Valerie heard chilled her.

“But Annie’s such a lovely gal. She’d make you a good wife.” Harry’s voice rose louder than before. “So that’s what this is about?”

“At least she’s not a housekeeper’s daughter.” Petunia’s venom went through Valerie’s heart like a dagger.

She covered her ears, not wanting to hear more, but couldn’t shut out Harry’s yelled response.

“I’ve told you a thousand times, Mother, that newspaper story is a lie. Valerie’s an asset to the show, nothing more. I’m not planning to marry her!”

As Harry’s footsteps approached his office, Valerie tried to contain her tears and hide her fluster. She’d sat in Harry’s chair to read the paper and jumped up as he burst into the room.

Harry was good at hiding his feelings, and Valerie saw him try to rearrange his reddened features into a reassuring, business-as-usual smile. But Valerie could see how rattled he was, probably wondering how the scandal would affect the show’s precarious place in the ratings. She felt awful for bringing the debacle upon them.

The phone rang, and Valerie snatched it up, glad of the distraction.

“Valerie!” her mother shrieked. “What is this scandalous story in my morning paper?”

“Mum, I can’t talk now!” she squeaked.

“It’s true, then! I knew this would happen. What would your father say?” “Of course it’s not true.” “I expect you’re pregnant.” “How dare you!” Valerie screamed. “Allow me, Valerie –” Harry’s voice was strong and calm as he reached out to the hand that held the phone. The brush of his fingers on her skin made her release the handset weakly. She slipped out of his way as he took her place behind the desk.

“Good morning, Mrs Maddox. This is Lord Crondell, founder of Dogwood Studios, speaking.”

Lord? Valerie looked up in amazement. She’d never heard him use his title before – it just wasn’t his style. She could only imagine the effect it had on her mother.

“This morning’s paper is a pack of lies for which I intend to sue,” Harry said firmly. “I want to assure you that your daughter is the most talented, hardworking and morally upright person it has ever been my privilege to work with. You should be very proud of her.”

Valerie stared, open-mouthed. She’d never had a man defend her.

Harry’s posture and voice relaxed as he turned on his familiar boyish charm. “Why don’t you come up to Dogwood and see all the good work Valerie is doing? It will be my pleasure to show you around. Of course. Goodbye for now, Mrs Maddox.” Valerie slumped into the guest chair. “I’m so sorry, Harry –” “Hardly your fault, Valerie. But if I find out who’s responsible for this… garbage!” Harry folded the newspaper and threw it into the corner behind him.

“And don’t think this changes anything.” He smiled across the desk at her. “I meant everything I told your mother and I can’t wait to start writing the new series with you. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to Dogwood!”

“Thanks… er… excuse me a moment.” Valerie raised a hand to hide her tears as she rushed from the office.

The words she’d overheard earlier echoed in her head: … an asset to the show, and nothing more. I’ m not planning to marry her!

Valerie recalled all those late nights working on the script. The paper was right, love had blossomed – but only for her. For Harry it had been only work all along. How could she carry on, feeling what she did and knowing how he felt?

She leaned on the closed door, tears streaming from her eyes. Then she saw Lady Petunia watching disapprovingly from the far end of the corridor.

The aristocrat was right. Her own mother was right. A housekeeper’s daughter didn’t belong here.

Petunia stood aside, purse-lipped, as Valerie hurried down the stairs, avoiding her gaze. She knew her evasiveness only made her look guilty.

Tony was crossing the entrance hall. “Are you OK, Val? You’re crying.” “I’m fine.” “Wanna get out for a bit?”

The young actor had a Lambretta scooter, parked beside Harry’s Rolls Royce. Valerie clamped her arms around his torso and let the wind dry her tears as gravel flew from the tyres.

Half an hour later, she was in a café, drinking frothy coffee and laughing to release her tension. The place was full of Mods, Manfred Mann was singing Pretty Flamingo on the radio, and it felt like forever since she’d just hung out.

“Sometimes I have to get away from Dogwood,” Tony confided. “Not to mention keep out of Sabrina’s way. You don’t think I like her flirting with me all the time, do you?”

“Why not tell her?” Valerie asked, glad to focus on someone else’s woes.

Tony looked guilty. “I suppose I was flattered at first. Led her on a bit. Now it’s hard to hurt her feelings.”

“I know what you mean.” Valerie sighed. “She keeps giving me clothes, even though I’m earning more than her now. But you’ll have to be straight with her. Sab’s a lovely woman.” Tony nodded thoughtfully. “Hey, do you think she’d get the message if you and I were going out?”

He reached for her hand and Valerie drew back in shock. A few months ago, she would have almost fainted to be asked out by such a good-looking actor. But that was before she met Harry – a man whose looks were just one of a thousand ways he captivated her.

She remembered the late nights in his office, wandering entranced through the dazzling universe of his imagination. She wondered sadly if she would ever meet a man who could compare.

“Sorry.” Tony coughed awkwardly. “I thought it wasn’t true about you and Mr Crondell…”

“It isn’t!” Valerie flushed hotly. “But thanks for the coffee. I should really be getting back now.”

Three miserable weeks later, Valerie was sorting out her clothes on her bed – the ones she’d be taking home, and the gifts from Sabrina that she’d leave in the wardrobe. The styles and fabrics were gorgeous, but they reminded her too painfully of a world she didn’t fit.

Worst of all was the silk and lace evening dress Harry had bought her, for that evening at the Savoy they never shared. She held it up a final time, remembering how special she’d felt.

She remembered walking down the stairs to where he stood, so handsome, in his tuxedo. She’d believed with all her heart that he’d begun to see her as more than an employee.

He was a generous man in every way and she loved him dearly. She couldn’t believe she’d read his kindness as so much more.

“What are you doing?” Sabrina was standing in the open doorway. “I thought you’d gone shopping.” “I’m leaving,” Valerie confessed. “But we haven’t finished the season.” “We’ve done the voices,” Valerie said flatly. “Harry can finish the rest.”

“If this is about that stupid newspaper story –” Sabrina put her hand on Valerie’s arm. “Things like that happen in this business. It’s already forgotten. Harry loves you. We all love you –”

Valerie shook her head, eyes screwed tight to hold in her tears.

“No, he doesn’t… but I love him!”

“Oh, Val…” Sabrina hugged her and Valerie wailed as she let out everything she’d been holding in since the scandal had broken.

“I’m sorry, Sab.” Valerie finally eased herself out of the actress’ arms. “You’ve been such a good friend, but I can’t stay here pretending everything’s normal… maybe one day seeing Harry go out with someone else.”

“No – of course. I see.” Sabrina spoke distantly.

“Can you help me get this suitcase off the top of the wardrobe?” Valerie asked. “Sure…” The two women stood on tip-toe, then Sabrina suddenly fell to one side. “Aaagh! I’ve twisted my ankle.” Valerie crouched beside her. “Can you straighten it?”

Half an hour LATER she was in a CAFÉ drinking FROTHY COFFEE and LAUGHING

“I think it’s broken!” Tears of pain sprang from Sabrina’s eyes.

From the puppet studio downstairs came a sudden explosion. Then two more in quick succession.

“Harry did say he wanted the season to end with a bang,” Valerie said nervously. “I’ll go and get some help –”

As Valerie stood, the house was shaken by a blast so big that she was thrown onto her bed with a yelp. “What’s going on?” Sabrina panicked. The answer was the clang of a fire alarm and shouts from downstairs.

Heart racing, Valerie ran to the door. Smoke was filling the corridor. She didn’t think she’d be able to get through – certainly not with Sabrina.

She slammed the door and ran to the window. Through rising smoke she saw Harry and L’Amore assembling puppeteers and cameramen near the gate. She’d told him she was going shopping – he wouldn’t even know she was still inside.

Valerie pushed up the window and it was like sticking her face in an oven. “Help!” She yelled. “Sabrina’s injured!” Black smoke blocked the view. Choking, Valerie slammed the window.

Heat was RISING. The STUDIO was CRAMMED with FLAMMABLE material

“You should have saved yourself,” said Sabrina.

“I’m not going without you.” Valerie sat on the floor and put her arm around her friend. “The fire brigade will get here.”

Inwardly, she doubted it. The puppet studio was crammed with flammable material. From the rising heat, she reckoned the whole house must be ablaze by now.

“I’m so sorry, Val.” Sabrina’s eyes were red as they met hers. “Not your fault.” “I mean for telling the paper that stupid story. I was just so jealous when Harry made you the star. It’s true what George says about me. I’m just an ageing actress who never made it. Can you forgive me?”

“It doesn’t matter now,” said Valerie. From the corridor she could hear crackling. She hoped the door would keep out the flames – for a while.

“I just wanted to be liked,” Sabrina sobbed. “By you, by Tony – even by George.”

“George? I thought you hated him.” Valerie’s eyes were stinging and sweat was pouring off her.

“I thought he loved me… once,” Sabrina choked. “I was just one of his silly conquests.”

Valerie was finding it hard to breathe. She squeezed Sabrina tightly.

“Thanks for giving me your clothes, Sab. It meant so much to me.”

The door exploded inwards and Valerie flinched for what she thought would be the last time.

“It’s OK, Valerie, we’ve got you!” Harry burst in, followed by L’Amore, and Tony carrying a fire extinguisher.

“Sabrina’s broken her ankle,” said Valerie as Harry pulled her to him.

“I’ll carry her,” said L’Amore.

Valerie flopped on her back on the grass, gasping for air. The inferno roared in her ears but the wind was carrying the smoke in the other direction. The sky above her was as blue as heaven. But even the sky wasn’t such a blissful sight as Harry’s face, leaning anxiously over her. He was blackened with soot, just as it had been the first time they’d met.

“I can’t believe I nearly lost you,” he gasped, “before I even told you how much I love you.” “Love –?” “I’m sorry, Valerie. I’ve tried to be professional, but professional be damned! I’ve loved you since I met you and every minute in your company has made me love you more. Forgive me.” He brushed a lock of hair from her brow. “You’ve been so distant lately, so I doubt you feel the same.”

“Of course I feel the same! I love you with all my soul.” She reached up and he put his lips to hers as they lay, clinging gratefully to each other on the lawn.

Aweek later, Valerie snuggled into the crook of Harry’s arm as they sat in his Rolls Royce, looking at the smoking remains of Dogwood House. The east wing had collapsed, the rest was gutted.

“I hoped one day to say this is what I can offer you,” Harry smiled wryly, “but it’s not looking so inviting.”

“You must be devastated.” His family had owned the pile for generations.

Harry shrugged. “I think Mother’s happier in the smaller place we’ve rented. At least she doesn’t have to share it with a television studio. She’s in heaven with your mum as housekeeper.”

“They’re like two sides of an old penny, aren’t they?” Valerie smiled, glad to have her mum living with her and so happily employed. “Recreating an old England they thought they’d lost.”

“And you and I are the future.” Harry squeezed her. “I meant to say, I heard from the controller earlier and he’s given us the green light for the liveaction series. I’ve already booked Tony, Sabrina and George.”

“Do you think George and Sabrina will get back together?” Valerie mused.

“I doubt it.” Harry chuckled. “They’re still at each other’s throats, but I suppose it’s a bond of sorts. Speaking of which…”

With his free hand, he took a velvet ring box from his pocket and flipped it open with his thumb.

“It’s been a busy week, Valerie, but I think it’s time I made you a Lady.”

She turned her head to kiss him, and as their lips met, she felt like Val Venus, flying over the moon.