Georgia Hill - The Charleston

Merry was well aware she was at a distinct disadvantage in the competition, as the others all had months of training and some years of experience. But, what she lacked in ability, she made up for in enthusiasm and she intended to throw herself wholeheartedly into the competition. Merry was famous for her enthusiasm. It had got her into – and out of - all sorts of situations.

Early on, it had been decided they should all do a group dance and, after the first rehearsal of the merengue based number, it had become apparent that Merry’s lack of experience was going to be a problem.

“Think I need some extra coaching,” she said mournfully to Harri, as they took a break from the punishing routine they were practising. She leaned against the wall of the television studio, very aware of a camera filming her every move.

“Shouldn’t be a problem, bach,” he replied, as he towelled the perspiration away and gulped water. “I’m sure Daniel will help you out. He worked wonders for me and Julia. Kindest, most helpful bloke around.”

And so, it was agreed that Daniel should offer her some extra lessons, where they could concentrate on getting Merry up to speed.

She was lucky that she and Daniel seemed to have taken to one another immediately. Venetia had been right, as always, and Merry somehow knew Daniel was going to make the ideal partner. More than that, she sensed she’d have some fun with him. And fun was important to Merry; she found it hard to function without it.

After one of the early group rehearsals, in the television studio, she and Daniel had gone to a nearby bar for a get-to-know-you drink. Merry was looking forward to a few hours off-camera. She found their presence disconcerting.

The bar was packed but Daniel, obviously a regular, was given a warm welcome by the maître d’, who found them a secluded booth in a dimly lit corner.

“Oh, this is bliss,” Merry cried as she slid onto the leather banquette. Lying her head back and closing her eyes, she was vaguely aware of a bottle and some glasses clinking onto their table.

“How are the blisters coming along?” Daniel asked, with a grin in his voice.

“Sadist,” Merry said with feeling and, at the glugging sound of wine being poured into a glass, opened her eyes. “Is it normal to be unable to walk after only three rehearsals?”

“Pretty much.” Daniel raised his glass. “Cheers.”

She reached forward with difficulty as her muscles stiffened, and touched her glass to his. “Cheers.”

“Now this is bliss,” Daniel said appreciatively, as he drank.

“Couldn’t agree more. Although I suppose I really ought to have some water too.”

“Feeling dehydrated?”

“Just a bit. Hadn’t realised how unfit I am. I worked up quite a sweat today.”

“You certainly did,” Daniel agreed and summoned the waiter again.

“So how long have you been dancing, Daniel?” Merry, having satisfied her thirst with sparkling water, was well down her second glass of red and feeling more revived.

“Since I was a little boy. Mum was a dancer, so I got hauled off to ballet and tap as soon as I was out of nappies.” He grinned. “It was a great way to meet girls!”

“I bet! Do you think you’ll stay with it, Who Dares Dances , I mean?”

“Well, for the foreseeable future. I’d like to win it before I move on.”

“No pressure then!” Merry raised her eyebrows at him.

“None whatsoever,” Daniel replied, with a wink. “What about you? What got you into the show?”

“My aunt. That is, to give her her proper title: Dame Venetia Denning,” Merry said darkly. “No one has ever said ‘no’ to her and lived.”

Daniel laughed. “Ah, the great Dame Venetia. I met her once. She terrified me.”

Merry nodded. “That’s her. She does that to most people.”

“So, it was her idea, was it, that you do Who Dares Dances? ”

“Yup.” Merry took a sip of wine thoughtfully. “Although actually, do you know, I think it’s one of her better ones.” She pretend-pouted at Daniel. “You probably don’t agree.”

“I think you’ll be great, once you get some basics nailed.”

Merry giggled. “What, like knowing which is my left foot and which is my right?”

Daniel smiled. “That sort of thing, yes. Have you had any dance experience?”

Merry shook her head. “Not a lot, just a few lessons at school. And, as it was an all-girls school it was an excellent way to meet girls.”

Daniel laughed. “Didn’t you have any training at drama school? You’re an actor, like your aunt, aren’t you?”

“Ah, not sure that’s quite how I’d be described.” She screwed up her face. “I’ve only done bits and bobs of acting at university. Didn’t go to drama school. My most recent stab at showbiz was stand-up. I wasn’t very good at that either.”

Daniel winced. “That’s a tough road to go.”

Merry saluted him. “It was no joke, I can tell you.”

They groaned in unison.

“This dance show thingy is my last ditch attempt to make a name for myself. If I don’t succeed at this, it’s curtains for me – and not of the theatrical kind.”

Daniel leaned back and watched as Merry poured out the last of the wine. She didn’t seem at all fazed by her lack of success. In fact, she seemed quite cheerful. She was uncomplicated and optimistic. He liked that. A lot. In fact, he found he liked her a lot. “Another bottle?”

Merry beamed at him. “Now that sounds like a plan, Batman.”

Daniel pursed his lips. “I’ve worn some interesting things for this show and, on occasion, haven’t worn very much at all, but I’ve never dressed up as Batman. Does that mean I have to wear my underpants over my jeans?”

Merry raised herself, slightly drunkenly, to look over the table between them and made a show of scrutinising his crotch. “Now that,” she said and held his gaze with wide eyes, “would be worth tuning in for!”

Step Four.

Merry was fortunate that one of the show’s assigned rehearsal rooms was in a dance studio within walking distance of Venetia’s flat. The other advantage was the cameras rarely bothered to venture out of the television studios. It meant she and Daniel could practise undisturbed. Hurrying into it, one evening, for an extra coaching session, she was taken completely by surprise by Bob Dandry jumping out at her. He was at his smarmiest best.

“Meredith, how lovely to see you and looking extra gorgeous, may I add?” He took both her hands in his clammy ones. “I thought I’d pop in to see how you’re finding your practice space. Must keep the members of our family happy, you know!”

“Bob, hello. Must dash, don’t want to be late for my rehearsal, do I?” Merry replied, through clenched teeth, and tugged her hands away. “After all, I’ve got some catching up to do.”

“Oh, not so hasty, my dear. I’m sure Daniel will wait a little longer for his beautiful partner. I just wanted to make sure you’ve settled into our little community and are being looked after.”

“I’m fine, Bob,” Merry said firmly. “Now if I could just get on.”

Bob was not to be deflected. “You know, if there’s anything, anything at all I can help you with, I’d be only too delighted. And I do mean anything, Meredith.”

To Merry’s utter disgust, he sidled closer.

“Here’s my card,” he said, with loose lips and a hint of drool. “I’ve written my personal mobile number on it too. Especially for you, I don’t give it out to simply anyone. Just call me, Meredith. I’m at your service. Can’t let the niece of my old friend Venetia go lonely.”

With that, he pressed his body against hers and slid a hand round Merry’s back, where it dropped to cup her bottom. He squeezed hard.