It happened in an instant. The fire-breather lost his footing. He slipped, and one of the torches shot out of his hands, catching the hem of the curtain, which promptly began to smoke. Quinn shrieked; Caroline screamed; the torches fell with a clatter. Fortunately, Danny was prepared and appeared instantly on the stage, carting a bucket of water, which he reversed onto the smoldering curtain.
“Oh, dear,” Mr. Dumfrey sighed. “Will someone go fetch Miss Fitch? I’m afraid we’ll need another curtain for tonight’s performance. Thank you, Freddy. That was very—erm—illuminating. Next!”
Thomas coughed. Then he began to laugh. Pippa started laughing, and soon Max and Sam were laughing, too.
“I don’t see what’s so funny,” Mr. Dumfrey said. “It’s appalling. Truly appalling. Very hard to find good talent nowadays.” But he cracked a smile.
Pippa settled back in her chair, her stomach aching, her cheeks sore from smiling. Maybe things would never exactly be normal. But to Pippa, just then, they were perfect.