‘A mistake is always forgivable, rarely excusable and always unacceptable.’
Robert Fripp
Julie was in her office at the Queen’s Hospital checking the photographic results from some recent operations she had completed.
‘Excuse me Dr Doherty, these flowers have been delivered for you. Where would you like me to place them?’ The orderly was holding a large bouquet.
Julie got up from her desk and opened the card attached to the magnificent display of red roses.
‘In the ward where you feel they would be best appreciated thank you.’
The orderly looked puzzled but nevertheless took the flowers away.
The next day a similar delivery was attempted. This time the three dozen roses were white. She read the card and again sent them away.
Every day for a fortnight roses of different colours were delivered and distributed amongst the wards. The patients thought they were wonderful but Julie was not impressed.
Harry thought he’d better try a different tactic.
It was Sunday the 6th June 1926 and Julie had just arrived home from golf. She packed her clubs away and was ready for her whisky. The front door bell rang.
‘Who could this be?’ she thought. ‘On a Sunday afternoon. Hope it’s not a call out to the hospital.’
She answered the door only to find Harry.
Annoyed, she demanded, ‘What do you want?’
‘I know I acted terribly Julie. But believe me, the last thing I wanted to do was offend you.’
‘Is that it?’
‘No it isn’t. Please … I was … I still am … very attracted to you. My reason for asking about the position at Queens was to be near you. Disbelieve that if you like but I am telling you the truth.’
Julie said nothing as she thought about all the roses he had sent. Perhaps she had been a bit harsh. ‘Come in.’
Harry entered the small cottage and was shown into the living area.
‘Julie, I have been distraught since the other Sunday. I really have.’
‘Guess I’ll take your word for it, Harry.’
‘Thank you.’
‘I was just about to pour myself a Scotch. Would you like to join me?’
‘Yes, I would. Thank you.’
After some awkward small talk Harry brought up the real reason for his visit. This time it had nothing to do with his future career.
‘Julie, do you enjoy opera?’
‘Yes, I do. Well, not all opera. But most. Why do you ask?’
‘I was wondering if you would accompany me to Dame Nellie Melba’s farewell concert. It’s this coming Tuesday. I’ve got tickets in the box next to the Royal Box.’
‘Goodness me! I don’t know if I should.
‘Of course you should. The King and Queen will be our neighbours. Besides, Nellie is going back to Australia soon. We’ll probably never have the opportunity to see her again.’
‘You’re right. Yes. I would love to go.’
‘Wonderful, it’s at the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden. I will pick you up at seven.’
With that Harry got up and left, feeling pretty pleased with himself. Mission accomplished.
Tuesday 8th June 1926
It was a beautiful summer’s evening; Harry enjoyed the trip down to Kent in the Phantom. He arrived at Julie’s cottage at 6.55 pm – he wasn’t going to be late.
He rang the bell. Julie opened the front door and standing before her was Harry, resplendent in a Savile Row dinner suit. Julie was dressed in a flowing red evening gown, with a string of rubies around her neck. She looked beautiful.
They both complimented each other then began the drive to Covent Garden. The conversation was more relaxed. Julie knew she had made the right decision.
Harry parked in front of the Opera House and helped Julie alight from the motor vehicle. An attendant drove the Phantom and parked at the back of the complex.
As they entered the Opera House they were astounded to see how many people were there. Dame Nellie was certainly popular and would be sorely missed.
Harry and Julie were shown to their box. Harry had not exaggerated – they were right next to the Royal Box. Without being too obvious, they could get a glimpse of the chairs where the King and Queen would be seated when they arrived.
There was excitement and tension in the air. This truly was a special occasion – not only the final concert for the greatest of divas but the King and Queen attending to say goodbye to the much-loved Dame Nellie Melba.
At 8 pm the royal party arrived and were escorted to their box. Five minutes later the curtain rose to thunderous applause.
Dame Nellie had chosen her favourite opera La Bohème for her final performance in Britain. Mimi was regarded as her finest role.
Puccini’s love story, set in the Latin quarter of Paris around 1830, was always going to be Melba’s farewell concert. Mimi, a consumptive dressmaker, falls in love with Rodolfo, a poor student and eventually dies in his arms.
At the conclusion of what could be argued as her finest performance the audience rose to their feet applauding without respite for a full twenty minutes. The stage was covered in flowers, which were later collected and sent to a London war veteran’s’ home on Melba’s instruction.
King George and Queen Elizabeth invited Nellie to the Royal Box where they enthusiastically congratulated her, not only for the night’s performance but also for a wonderful career.
Dame Nellie left the Royal Box and entered Harry’s and Julie’s box, much to Julie’s surprise and astonishment.
‘Hello Harry, how are you?’
‘I’m well Ma’am. All the better for having the opportunity of hearing you sing again. I am only sorry it may be the last time.’
‘Are you going to introduce me to your partner?’
‘Oh, sorry! But of course. Dame Nellie Melba, may I introduce you to my good friend Dr Julie Doherty.’
‘Another doctor in the house! I feel positively healthy, thank you.’
‘Yes, Ma’am. You certainly look healthy to me.’
‘How are your parents Harry? Last time I saw them was when I spent a weekend up at the castle.’
‘They’re very well Dame Nellie. I will pass on your regards.’
‘Please do. Well I must go back stage and say hello. Or perhaps that should be ‘good-bye’ to some well-wishers. Good-bye Harry. And good-bye Julie. It was a pleasure to meet you.’
‘Good bye Ma’am. May you have a wonderful life back home in Australia.’
‘Thank you. I’m sure I will’.
Julie was still astonished. ‘So?’
‘So what?’
‘How do you know Dame Nellie Melba?’
‘My parents are patrons of the opera. They’ve had a lot to do with her over the years. In fact, my mother was the first person to recognise her immense talent when she first arrived in England.’
‘Who exactly are your parents Harry?’ Julie realised she hadn’t a clue.
‘They are the Earl and Duchess of Westmoreland. I’m sorry, I thought you may have known.’
‘No. To tell you the truth, I hadn’t thought about it.’
Harry and Julie returned to Claridges for a late night supper and then drove back to Julie’s cottage.
‘Thank you Harry. That was the best night of my life. I don’t know how to thank you.’
Harry could think of a way but thought better of it. He kissed Julie lightly on the lips and bade her farewell.
Driving back to Hertfordshire Harry’s thoughts drifted back and forth from the evening they had just enjoyed to how much he liked Julie. He hoped this night would develop into a meaningful relationship in the future.
It would.