The Glowing Hours

by Marina Oliver

Published 29 February 1996
Nell is desperate to escape from her drunken, violent father and the Birmingham slum where they live. This is made possible with the help of Gwyneth, who has fled from her father, a bigoted Welsh preacher. Both want to dance, and at the studio they meet Kitty, wealthy, but neglected by her mother and not knowing who her father is. Together the three friends soon join a chorus line and begin to dance at 1920s Music Halls. They have to overcome threats from their families, and the attractions of the men who admire them. There is Paul, a wealthy doctor, the dilettante Hon Timothy, and Kitty's cousin Andrew, saxophonist. Helping them are Marigold and Richard Endersby, who feature in The Cobweb Cage. A dream is about to come true when they are selected to dance at the Folies-Bergere in Paris, but can they overcome the many obstacles and disasters that assail them?