Chapter 22
Emma was at fever pitch. She was overseeing the catering staff in the kitchen, making sure all the canapes were prepared and the bubbly perfectly chilled. Thankfully, everything was in order. The clock chiming told her the launch party would be starting in approximately half an hour.
‘If you could start to bring the glasses and champagne onto the lawn, that would be great,’ she instructed the staff, wanting their guests to be greeted in style.
Felix, meanwhile, was in the hall, testing out the large screen that had been installed.
Situated centrally by the entrance to the staircase, it meant that everybody would have a good view.
They’d had to hire chairs to seat all attending.
Sound reverberated from the speakers he’d set around the marbled hall, bringing the place to life.
Excellent, thought Felix, this was exactly what he’d been at pains to create.
He so wanted the first episode of his first-ever drama to sound pitch perfect.
He also wanted Emma’s voice to shine too, knowing what a huge deal it was to her – and him.
‘Everything on track?’ he asked as Emma came up the kitchen stairs to join him.
‘Yep, all good. What about here? Is it working all right?’ She nodded towards the screen.
‘Certainly is,’ he replied, then checked his watch. ‘Come on, they’ll be arriving soon.’ He took her hand and together they made their way to the grounds outside to meet their guests.
As predicted, the coaches carrying the film cast, crew and production team arrived first. It pleased Felix that they were the earliest. It was, after all, a party to celebrate their hard work.
Out they poured, full of spirit and cheer, excited to see the start of Lady Scarlett Investigates.
As director, Felix had naturally seen the complete series, but the actors and crew hadn’t seen a full episode yet, only dailies from scenes made on the day.
Felix knew they wouldn’t be disappointed.
It was a fine production and one they should all be very proud of.
‘Hello and welcome!’ gushed Emma, running to meet them. The catering staff were well trained and made sure everyone had drinks.
Polly Andrews wove through the crowd to seek out Emma.
Felix had brought Polly from London to Samphire Bay to stay a few days in his home before filming, to introduce Polly to her surroundings and give her a sense of familiarity.
Being a similar age to Emma, and also sharing the same mischievous sense of humour, the two had much in common.
Many a time they’d be seen huddled together, whispering, gossiping and chuckling.
‘Emma!’ Polly cried, arms outstretched.
‘Polly!’ Emma hugged her friend in glee.
‘I can’t wait to see it,’ trilled Polly, then hastily added, ‘and hear your voice.’
‘I know! It all feels a little surreal, doesn’t it?’ Emma instantly cringed. Of course it wouldn’t feel surreal to Polly, she was a well-known actress.
Polly grinned and hooked arms with her. ‘You’re going to wow them all,’ she said with a wink.
Next to arrive was Jennifer, Felix’s PA, along with her husband. Felix was glad she hadn’t made the trip from London alone, knowing how she had resented having to travel to Samphire Bay initially.
‘Jennifer, good to see you, and you too, Alan,’ he said, kissing her cheek and shaking hands with her husband.
‘Fantastic place you’ve got here, Felix,’ remarked Alan, gazing out at the bay.
‘It is. We’re very lucky,’ he replied.
Jennifer’s mouth twitched at the reference to we’re lucky, not I’m lucky. So, he and Emma were obviously going strong then.
Felix scanned the crowd. He knew his mother’s flight was on time and he’d sent a taxi to meet her at the airport. He noticed Perry and Bunty arrive and went to greet them.
‘Hi, Perry, Bunty.’
Perry nodded in acknowledgment, while Bunty’s eyes darted around the lawn, which was buzzing with activity.
‘My, my, I’ve never seen such a star-studded crowd. Is that Brian Chapman?’ she gasped, recognising the famous actor.
‘Yes. I’ll introduce you, if you want?’ laughed Felix, earning a sly grin from Perry.
‘Oh, would you?’ gushed Bunty.
‘Felix, mon chéri!’ called a lovingly familiar voice. He whipped around to face his mother.
‘Oh, Mum.’ He hugged her hard. ‘Meet Emma’s dad, Perry, and his wife, Bunty.’
‘Enchanté,’ said Madeleine with a charming smile.
‘Pleased to meet you,’ they both replied in unison. They were soon joined by Emma.
‘Come through,’ she said. ‘I’ll show you to your rooms.’
It still felt odd to Bunty to be ‘shown’ into the house, like she didn’t know every nook and cranny of her childhood home. Felix took his mother’s suitcase and walked behind them. A touch of foreboding prickled him, hoping his mum, Perry and Bunty were all going to get along.
The last of the guests included Jasmine and Robin.
Robin still had grave reservations about Jasmine being out at all, let alone at a busy party.
But, as usual, Jasmine had insisted she was fine and wouldn’t be put off.
Reluctantly, Robin had driven them slowly down the tidal road and helped an ever-expanding, panting Jasmine up the steps to the house.
As for Jack and Tara, well, that had been quite another ordeal.
As expected, and on form, Richard had tried his best to ruin things.
Tara anticipated some kind of disruption, especially as he’d seen the party invite.
On cue, just as she was about to drop Calum off as arranged, Richard had rung to say he couldn’t have him.
Something ‘urgent’ had cropped up and it just wasn’t convenient for Calum to stay that weekend.
Tara didn’t even bother to ask what the so-called catastrophe was, knowing the answer would all be lies.
Instead, she rolled her eyes and made a curt response, followed by a slam of the phone.
Dully accepting she wouldn’t be able to make the party, she rang Jack to explain. However, Jack was having none of it.
‘Bring Calum then. I’m sure it’ll be fine,’ he’d replied, whilst trying to contain his anger. What an absolute prick this Richard sounded like.
‘You sure?’ asked Tara, secretly delighted at Jack’s suggestion.
‘Of course,’ he assured, not really caring if it was or not. Frankly, he couldn’t give a damn. There was no way Tara was missing out on this party. And no way was he showing up on his own either.
Calum had whooped with joy when Tara had told him to get his glad rags on.
So, here they were, all three of them, a tad late, but eager to join the party. Emma had made them welcome and dutifully made a fuss of Calum.
‘Come and meet Felix,’ she said with a grin, making Calum’s eyes widen in awe.
‘Really?’ he asked. Tara and Jack exchanged a knowing smile.
‘And Tara too, she’s a huge fan,’ teased Jack, making Tara blush.
‘Shush, Jack.’ She elbowed him, then quickly intervened as Calum picked up a glass of champagne from a passing tray. ‘No, Calum.’ She took the glass firmly from him with a shake of her head.
‘Come on, Calum, let’s find you something to drink,’ said Emma and led him away.
Tara sighed happily and took in her surroundings.
‘I can’t believe I’m here,’ she whispered, taking a sip of champagne.
Jack smiled fondly, loving her reaction.
He was glad they’d brought Calum along to the party, it had proved to be a good icebreaker when being introduced to him.
As first impressions go, Jack had surpassed himself.
Calum had regarded him as ‘cool’, much to his satisfaction.
It had also opened his eyes though, as to what he was going to have to deal with.
A spiteful ex-husband. Clearly Richard played dirty and put his own selfish jealousy before any chance of Tara’s happiness. Hadn’t she been through enough?
Determined not to let Tara’s ex ruin their afternoon, Jack made sure her glass was always full and introduced her to Jasmine.
‘So pleased to meet you,’ she smiled and shook Tara’s hand.
‘All settled in then?’ asked Robin with a grin.
‘Yes, thanks. Calum loves the apartment,’ replied Tara, all the while clocking how tired his girlfriend looked. Should she really be here on her feet? They were interrupted by Felix’s voice.
‘If you’d like to make your way into the hall, Lady Scarlett Investigates is about to start!’ he announced, causing a flurry of activity.
Everyone scuttled inside in search of a good seat. Emma had wisely reserved the first two rows for family and friends.
‘I’ll sit at the end of the row,’ said Jasmine.
‘Good idea, there’ll be more room,’ answered Robin.
Tara overheard and thought it sensible, suspecting Jasmine may need a hasty exit. Once all settled, a silent anticipation fell amongst the audience. Then the big screen lit up into life and the title ‘Lady Scarlett Investigates’ blazed across it, accompanied by the catchy, upbeat theme tune.
Emma closed her eyes and held her breath – there it was, her voice!
‘Lady Scarlett, super sleuth,
With her emerald eyes and raven hair,
She’ll figure it out,
Without a doubt,
Such a quick mind and elegant flair!
Lady Scarlett is on the trail,
Hunting for clues and fingerprints,
She’s on the case,
Looking for a trace,
The culprit will get caught in a jinks!’
Perry was filled with emotion at hearing his daughter’s voice and gulped back the lump in his throat. Jasmine was also gulping, but not with emotion.
‘Robin,’ she hissed in his ear, ‘my waters have broken.’
Before Robin could respond, Tara, who had been keeping one eye on the screen and one on Jasmine, had witnessed the whole thing, and, being a doctor, began to take control.
‘This way,’ she quietly urged.
Together with Robin, they carefully led Jasmine to the drawing room.
‘I need to get to the hospital,’ she yelped breathlessly.
Robin stared out of the window in panic.
‘The tide’s in!’ he croaked with alarm.