Chapter 10
Emma was in the kitchen loading the dishwasher when Felix entered.
‘Can we talk?’ he asked.
‘Yes, should I put the kettle on?’
He nodded. ‘Good idea,’ he said and sat down at the kitchen table. He’d wanted to see Emma alone so had decided to come down into the kitchen where he knew she would be working. Polly was in the drawing room reading her script in preparation for the filming starting in two days’ time.
Once both were at the table with a coffee, Felix began to explain what to expect when the production team arrived.
‘All the crew are being put up in a country hotel nearby in Yealand. Polly will be joining them,’ he told her. This immediately put Emma at ease. ‘If you could provide refreshments mid-day for the cast and team, that would be great.’
‘No problem,’ Emma replied, thankful that she wasn’t required to look after a house full of staying guests. To make lunch for them all wasn’t a big ask.
‘During filming I’d also ask you to stay clear of certain rooms, but you’ll be notified well in advance,’ Felix continued.
‘Yes, of course.’ Emma had already anticipated something like this, knowing interruptions wouldn’t be welcome with cameras rolling and, for continuity, they probably wouldn’t want her moving items around for dusting.
‘There could be one or two evening meetings, depending on how the production’s going,’ he warned.
‘Okay,’ replied Emma, taking it all in.
‘So,’ Felix grinned, sitting back, ‘are you ready for the mayhem to begin?’ He eyed her carefully. She had poise, he’d give her that. Considering her age, she had a level head on her shoulders. He thought back ten years to when he was twenty-five. At her age, he’d been in a travelling theatre, touring up and down the country, living it up with a crowd of actors most days, performing at night and then getting drunk after the show. A far cry from running a huge house on a deserted peninsula with a film crew about to land. Even Jennifer would have shown a degree of disgruntlement at the notion of having to contend with such a hectic schedule ahead of her. But Emma remained composed, still smiling, those incredible amber eyes of hers twinkling with delight. Her chestnut curls were tied up in a colourful silk scarf. He suddenly got the urge to pull it and loosen her hair free… She frowned at his continued stare.
He coughed and sat up straight. ‘Right, is there anything you want to ask?’
‘How long will it take to complete the drama?’
He laughed. ‘Good question. It all depends, but hopefully by the beginning of summer. There’ll be a break for Christmas and a few scenes need to be shot in warm weather. Ironically, it’s the opening scenes that will be filmed last,’ he explained.
This surprised Emma. ‘You mean it’s not going to be filmed in order?’
‘No,’ Felix smiled, this was a common preconception, that all scenes were shot in sequence. ‘The drama starts with Lady Scarlett taking a summer vacation at her holiday home, ‘Charades’.’
Emma burst into giggles.
‘This house, it’s going to be called Charades?’
‘Yes,’ Felix smiled. ‘In fact, we’ve a house sign made. I’ll show it you.’
‘Oh please!’ Emma squealed.
‘Come on then, it’s in the library.’
Once there, Felix opened the drawer to his desk and pulled out a large sign in matte black, with white lettering in a Mackintosh font. It would run the full length over the front doors.
‘Oh, it’s fab!’ admired Emma. ‘Charades feels very apt somehow.’ She imagined antiquated parlour games, gaiety and high spirits. ‘Did you think of that name?’
‘Mhmm, I did actually,’ he laughed.
Emma gazed at him musingly. His cheeks formed adorable dimples when he laughed and his pale blue eyes shone. He looked far more relaxed than he did a few days ago. At times he appeared a touch pale and drawn, but his complexion was a healthy tanned today. He mentioned his mother was French, perhaps that’s why he had that colouring? Now it was his turn to look puzzled at her assessing him. But Emma didn’t hide her inquisitiveness.
‘Is Paschal a family name?’ she asked unexpectedly.
‘Yes, it’s my mother’s maiden name,’ he answered.
‘Ah, I see,’ nodded Emma.
Their eyes met. It was as though a cloud between them was dissipating, and they were seeing each other clearly for the first time. Emma blinked first, tipping her head towards the house sign.
‘Are you going to keep the name?’ she joked, in an attempt to lighten the atmosphere and break through the tension that was suddenly fizzing in the air.
‘I just might,’ he teased back.
Poppy had finished with learning her lines and had set about searching for company, nipping down to the kitchen for a coffee with Emma. They had hit it off the other night over supper – it made a refreshing change to be treated as a regular person and the three of them had chatted and laughed easily. Polly had been surprised to learn that Emma had only recently been made housekeeper.
‘Really? I thought you’d been here for ages,’ she’d commented.
‘No, I’m still finding my way around.’ Emma gave a wry grin.
‘Well, you certainly look at home to me,’ replied Polly, meaning it as a compliment. Emma did look at home, in a well-balanced way. She made the place welcoming with her helpful ways and warmth. Not at all like Felix’s PA who she’d met a couple of times in London. She’d reminded Polly of her old headmistress.
Felix had thrown his head back in laughter when she’d told him.
‘Jennifer keeps me in check,’ he’d admitted. He had also admitted to himself he was glad Jennifer was back in London and that he was coming home to a very different lady in Lancashire.
Polly was enjoying her stay in Felix’s house but she was ready to join the rest of the cast now. She had found her time here invaluable, rehearsing her lines in the rooms to be filmed and getting a feel for her surroundings. Her favourite was the drawing room, with the huge bow window giving panoramic views of the bay. She well understood Felix’s purchase of the place.
As Emma wasn’t in the kitchen, Polly went in pursuit up the stairs again and, hearing voices from the library, poked her head inside.
‘There you are,’ she said when she spotted Felix and Emma together by his desk.
‘Hi, Polly, I was just showing Emma the sign of your holiday home,’ grinned Felix.
‘Ah, yes, Charades,’ laughed Polly, who, like Emma, found the name rather twee.
Once again Emma was struck by how Polly made the perfect Lady Scarlett. She had short, black bobbed hair and emerald green eyes, making her look the ideal part already, very retro chic. She could just imagine her in costume, wafting about as lady of this Art Deco house. Then, remembering her place, Emma offered them both tea.
‘That’d be lovely, thanks, Emma,’ replied Felix, putting away the house sign.
Polly looked from one to the other, sensing she’d interrupted something. Not for the first time had she intuited that the relationship between Felix and his housekeeper possibly ran deeper than just employment. Not in an obvious way, it was far more subtle than that; but there was definitely something between the two.
As Emma made her way back down to the kitchen she was having similar thoughts. Feeling a touch flustered, she set up the tea tray with slightly shaky hands. That moment in the library when she and Felix had stared into each other’s eyes… Time had stood still for her. She hadn’t been looking at the famous actor Felix Paschal, nor her employer either, but a man she was growing more and more drawn to. Not just because of his distinct good looks and strong physique, but the way he treated her, almost like she was a friend rather than the hired help. Never once had she been made to feel like a skivvy, there to only cook, clean and wait on him or his guests. He was kind and considerate. Emma also saw a playful side to him. She remembered hearing him chuckle behind the library door while she was being interviewed and had announced that she’d ‘provide the entertainment!’. She also recalled how he’d smiled to himself when he caught her playing his piano. Another employer may have reprimanded her for taking liberties.
Then, daydreaming into space, Emma called to mind the first time she’d met him. The ‘Mystery Man’ in the dark shades, requesting her play and sing at the house open day. Felix clearly had a genial side to him. Then a feeling of foreboding started to seep into her. Was this a good thing, to be attracted to your employer? But she couldn’t help the feelings which had decided to sprout and grow, could she? Common sense told her to just get a grip and keep everything in perspective. Treat her attraction for exactly what it was – a natural reaction to a tall, dark, handsome man, who was a rich and famous actor… who also happened to be her boss. Easy. Wasn’t it?
The day had arrived. The TV cast and crew were about to descend on
Samphire Bay, albeit only Felix and Emma were the only inhabitants who
knew. It was now common knowledge that Felix Paschal had bought the big
house on the peninsula (thanks to Trish’s valiant efforts), but no news
had been forthcoming about when the filming was to start; mainly because
Felix had kept Emma in the dark and only prepared her a couple of days
beforehand.
Together, they stood in the hall awaiting the mayhem. Emma had prepared a hostess trolley with cups of tea, coffee and biscuits to welcome everyone and Felix intended to say a few words. As it was the opening day of the drama, all involved would be there, the whole production team and full cast.
One of the first jobs would be for the production manager to hand out the shooting schedule. This would become the Bible that ruled everyone’s life for the next eight to ten months. It was important to try to film scenes at the right time of year whenever possible, but the availability of individual actors could affect the schedule, making it a complicated business of logistics. Only Polly Andrews would be working throughout the whole filming, the others would come and go according to the scenes they were in. Luckily, for location, it was convenient not having to work round a listed house owned by bodies like the National Trust, so the team didn’t have to fit in with their requirements.
Felix was feeling confident. At the last meeting he’d had in London, the production design executive had congratulated Felix on his home and its location. She’d not only been impressed with the house, but the fact it was on a peninsula.
‘We’ll be able to make decent sound recordings easily, no noisy traffic about. Plus, there’s plenty of room in the house for the film crew and it’ll be easy to light for the cameras.’ Felix had also been encouraged by the comments she’d made about the décor of his home. ‘Design-wise, it’s very accurate to the Art Deco style. Clearly it’s been built and decorated by an enthusiast to the Arts and Crafts movement.’
Felix had nodded in agreement. He’d since learnt that it had been Bunty’s mother who had loved that era.
The production manager had shared the same views as Felix regarding filming. As much as possible was to be done on location. It was agreed to use the landscape of the bay as a player in the drama. They anticipated striking sunsets and thunderous storms having the desired dramatic effect.
So, all in all, Felix was well prepared and raring to go, as was Emma. She’d been up early, tending to the refreshments and making sure the place was ready to receive its many visitors.
They both heard the crunch of gravel telling them the vehicles had arrived. Facing each other, they grinned in mutual support.
‘Here we go,’ said Felix, heart pounding.
‘It’s going to be fine,’ Emma reassured him and strode confidently to the front entrance. With a fixed smile, she opened the doors.
Her jaw dropped at the commotion before her. She hadn’t expected so much activity. All the vans and cars were lined up in a convoy outside the house. Filming equipment was being unloaded, cameras, stands, lights and microphones; rails containing colourful costumes were carefully being carried; people with clipboards were busy giving directions. Emma gasped at the scene, for a moment completely bewildered. Then, taking a deep breath, she collected herself and regained composure. Remembering she was the housekeeper and the first point of call, she was determined to set a professional tone.
‘Welcome!’ she called cheerily. One or two looked up, the rest seemed too preoccupied. Not allowing herself to be intimidated, she shouted louder. ‘This way, there are refreshments in the hall!’ Then she stood back to allow the entourage inside.
The hall was soon filled to the rafters with all the filming kit and an excited flurry of runners, actors and production team.
‘Good morning, everybody,’ Felix announced from the first step of the sweeping staircase. A hushed silence fell. ‘It’s my pleasure to welcome you to my new home and set, for what is going to be an amazing drama.’ At this, a round of applause echoed round the marbled hall. Felix beamed. ‘I know this is going to be hard work, but, I hope, also an enjoyable experience. We’ve an excellent team behind this production and first-rate actors.’ He spotted Polly from the crowd and signalled her over. Blushing, she came to join him at the stairs. ‘May I introduce our Lady Scarlett!’ he heralded. More claps reverberated round the hall with cheers and a whoop of delight from one of the young runners.
Tea and coffee followed, then it was straight down to business. As the production manager told them all whilst handing out the shooting schedule, time was of the essence. The cameras and lighting equipment were set up in the drawing room, ready to use in the first scenes. Emma directed the costumes to be stored in one of the bedrooms upstairs. Another bedroom had been designated the makeup studio. She couldn’t help but feel energised and thrilled at all the hullabaloo. Although the house was full now, Emma knew this was the busiest it would ever be. After today, only the required actors and filming crew would be present most of the time. As it was autumn, the lack of light meant most of the imminent filming would be indoors. Outdoor filming would require more assistance, but for now there would be minimal numbers.
Once everything had been unloaded and either set up or stored, the runners had vanished and by late afternoon only the actors were left. Emma had made them all lunch and set up a buffet in the dining room. She recognised one or two faces, but hadn’t seen most of them before. Polly made a fuss, introducing her to them.
‘This is Emma, the real lady of the house,’ she teased with a nudge.
‘Err… I’m the housekeeper,’ Emma quickly refuted with an easy laugh, ‘not exactly the lady of the house.’
Polly’s eyebrow rose provocatively and she gave a crafty grin.
‘Of course not, Emma,’ she winked, leaving Emma with her mouth wide open.