Arranging Ayra

Jane Austen Association Book 1

By

Kailin Gow

Published by Sparklesoup.com

Published 2024

Copyright © 2024 by Kailin Gow

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher except in case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Any electronic copies of Red Genesis that appears on the internet or through sharing in whole, without written permission from the publisher or author, is an illegal copy. Please respect the hard work of the authors and publishers by not supporting illegal pirating activities.

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“Our marriage was arranged, and then we fell in love.”

~ Smita

Arranging Ayra is dedicated to Smita, who inspired me with her own love story that began as an arrangement. Also, I am grateful for the Gupta family for their warmth and friendship.

SUMMARY

Can a Matchmaking Arrangement Get Ayra her Mr. Darcy?

Ayra Patel is not only smart, beautiful, and funny, she is also one of the first Patels to not be a doctor. Instead, she chose to go into the music industry...as a music arranger. Her old-fashioned mother doesn't even know what that means. What she does know is that Ayra has no boyfriend, isn't dating, and doesn't seem interested in getting married anytime soon. Her mother and her aunties somehow think it's necessary to find a matchmaker to arrange a suitor for Ayra. But as a first generation American, Ayra has no interest in their meddling arrangements, especially since she has her heart set on marrying her favorite book boyfriend Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. She did, after all, manage to land her dream job working on the music arrangement for a Jane Austen film, made possible through her fan club, The Jane Austen Association.

When Ayra finds out one of the potential suitors on their list is none other than Barnaby Darcy, the hot actor in the Jane Austen film, she has a change of heart. He even shared the same name, Darcy! But is Barnaby Darcy anything like Mr. Darcy in the Jane Austen film, or is he just like all of the other guys she has ever met?

* Fake Fiancé

* Arranged Marriage

* Story within a Story

**Arranging Ayra is a contemporary romantic comedy for age 14 and up!

PROLOGUE

Ayra

––––––––

The Lion’s Head Pub in the heart of London, England was quiet.  Only a few patrons sat sipping their ale as they went over the hardships of their workday.

I sipped what remained of my second lager and wondered how much longer I would have to wait. I’d already been sitting here for nearly an hour, looking out the window and checking the door every two minutes. I was growing impatient.

“Can I bring you another pint?,” the server asked as he wiped the corner of my table with his white cloth.

“I’m good.  Thank you,” I said.

“Waiting for someone?”

I pressed a tight smile but said nothing.

As he walked away, I pulled out the tattered photo that my mother had given me for the purpose of this night.

“He’s a good boy from a good family,” she had said, pressing the photo into my palm. “Do try to make a good impression.”

Oh, Mother. What have you gotten me into this time?

I hated... no I absolutely loathed blind dates.  And yet, there I was sitting and waiting to meet some pimply-faced string bean of a guy named Devi.

Really, Mother? I thought as I looked closely at the photo. The scrawny boy looked back at me through incredibly thick glasses. His smile was marred by the glint of braces and his unruly hair sat atop his head like a thick, black mop.

I sighed and tried to look at the bright side. Despite the braces, his smile was warm, if not a little awkward. And through his thick glasses I clearly detected an intelligent being somewhere in there.

Reva, my mother, had long tired of my single status and had taken it upon herself to remedy the situation... so there I sat, waiting.

“Great. Really, really great,” I muttered under my breath.

I looked once again at the photo and determined that it had been taken a number of years earlier. I could only hope that he had blossomed since then.

Please, oh Lord... let me meet a man that will take my breath away.

Movement at the door caught my attention, and I once again checked to see who was entering; just an old man who headed to the far table to join his buddies.

“Do something nice with your hair,” my mother had said.

Sighing, I absentmindedly fiddled with the long, black braid that trailed over my right shoulder. I looked down at my attire, black leggings with a snug red button down shirt.  Casual/chic... or so I hoped.

“Put on a pretty dress,” she added. I felt certain she had held back the urge to go through my closet and pick out something appropriate.

“Why not? Why not go through my closet?” I quietly grunted. After all, she was trying to pick out my future husband. Why not just take full control of my life, Mother?

Though proud to be of Indian heritage, my parents had left India before my birth and brought me to life in the land of the free. My mother had been surrounded by women of accomplishment, successful careers, and who walked independent paths. I, too, sought to find fulfillment in my work... not a husband.

“That’s all good and well,” Mother said. “But you’re no spring chicken. You need to find a good man before it’s too late. All of this frivolous dating is fine when you’re eighteen, but now, you’re a mature woman. Act like it!”

“Mother, please.”

“My darling daughter. Listen to your old and wise mother. Naya was a Bollywood star... a beautiful woman... striking, intelligent, strong and married to a good man, a Scottish man. She was my childhood friend in India. Their son, Devi, is a little older than you. Still single. While married to a man in Scotland, she misses the old ways and says she wants her son to find a woman like the ones from our village. Someone from his homeland.”

“But India isn’t my homeland, Mother. America is.”

“Go on the date,” she’d pressed. “Meet the boy. Get to know him. Impress him. And then make me a dozen grandkids.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. I knew her heart was in the right place but... I shrugged and had to simply hope for the best. It didn’t matter I was her only child, and that as an only child, I didn’t want to leave my widowed mother alone.

Smiling, I tried to convince myself that I was doing the right thing, but somehow, I just couldn’t get there. I checked my watch for the fiftieth time. My God, was my blind date going to stand me up?

Did this Devi person know that I had a life too? I had been on my way to Derbyshire when my mother let me know about this incredible opportunity to meet the man of my... no scratch that,... her dreams.  As I tapped my un-manicured nails on the tabletop, I thought of the dream job that awaited me.

“Mother,” I’d told her. “You have no idea how important this is to me. Pride and Prejudice - I am going to arrange the music for the cinematographic production of Pride and Prejudice!  Me, your little girl who has loved that book since first reading it in high school. Me, who worked so hard to get graduate degrees in music and film.”

“A movie,” she flippantly tossed back. “A book. That can never be more important than a good husband.”

There was not now, or had there ever been a way of convincing her otherwise. But I knew in my heart that this was where I belonged.

I tapped the face of my watch and abruptly stood. “Time’s up, buddy. I can’t wait all day.”

“No luck, sweetie?,” the server said as he came around to pick up my empty glass.

“Kind of looks that way, doesn’t it?” I shot back. “But looks can be deceiving. I actually think that this no show is a blessing in disguise.”

He offered me a confused grin.

“I need a car to Derbyshire,” I said.

“Let me get that for you. I know just who to call.”

Five minutes later, a large heap of a car pulled up in front door of the pub. As I walked out, a good-humored, heavy-set man with a thick mustache stepped out of the car. “One way ticket to Derbyshire,” he called out with a self-amused chuckle.

“That would be me,” I replied. I looked at the car that appeared to be well over fifteen years old. “How much time does it take to get there?”

“Derbyshire?  That would be about an hour.”

“Oh?” I said, surprised.

“If I had a racing motorbike,” he added with a jovial laugh. “Two hours, if I had a sports car.”

Okay. Okay. But with this heap... what? A day?

“But, as it stands, it will be a four-hour drive.”

I hid my disappointment.

“Let me get that for you,” he said as he took my luggage and placed it in the car’s large and deep trunk.

I got into the front seat and prepared for a long, long drive.

“Did I detect an America accent?” the jovial man said as he sat behind the wheel.

“Yes,” I said. “California, to be precise.”

“Well,” he said, taking to the road. “My name is Burgess and I do hope you will enjoy your journey through the English countryside.”

I smiled. “I’m Ayra, and I do appreciate you driving me out so far.”

We settled into a peacefully quiet drive.

“What brings a young bird like yourself from California out to Derbyshire, of all places?” he said once we’d left London.

“A friend of mine, Keely Lee, is a fellow student from UCI and is one of the executive producers and director on a film that I’ll be working on. I’m going to meet her at Moon Manor. Do you know the place?”

He nodded. “So you’re in England to work?”

“That’s right.”

My stomach grumbled and I set my hand over my empty belly.

“Are you feeling all right, dear? Is my driving too topsy turvy?”

“Oh, no. I’m just a little bit famished. I didn’t have time to grab lunch and the time change has me a little mixed up.”

“I have just the thing.” He reached back behind my seat and brought forth a bundle wrapped in wax paper.  “My wife makes the best sandwiches this side of the Thames.”

Hesitating, I smiled.

“Go ahead. Take it,” he said as he held it out to me. “I have three of them.”

My stomach let out a loud grumble that I couldn’t deny. Greedily, I took the sandwich and took a bite. Divine. Thick chewy bread loaded with thin slices of meat, cheese and shredded lettuce.

After the massive sandwich, my eyelids grew heavy and I dozed off, awakening only when the car came to a stop.

“Moon Manor,” Burgess gently announced.

I opened my eyes. “Already?” I slept through the entire trip.

I paid Burgess and got out. “Thank you so very much.”

After unloading my luggage and setting them on the ground, he tipped an invisible hat. “My pleasure.”

As he drove off, I turned to face the impressive manor. Looming three stories high, the old building was imposing. In the distance, near the main front door, a tall, elegant woman stood hugging a handsome man in his early thirties.

“Naya?” I muttered to myself, unsure as I walked up to the pair. “Naya Darcy?” I’d seen her in many films, but with her hair pulled back into a tight bun, I wasn’t sure if it was really her. 

The stunningly beautiful Bollywood star saw me and smiled.

“My, my,” she softly said as she released the hunky young man who stood inches over her tall frame. “You must be Ayra. It is positively uncanny. You look just like your mother. You could be her twin!”

I shot her a quizzical glance then looked to the sexy guy beside her. Was the older star having an affair with the young man she’d been holding in such a tender embrace?

“Devi,” she said to him. “You already met with Ayra earlier this afternoon, didn’t you? So, I guess you two already know one another?”

Devi?  The Devi that I waited for at the Lion’s Head Pub?

Confused, I panned from her big brown eyes to the steely eyes of the tall man.

Devi looked at me with a sheepish grin.  Guilt and charm danced in his eyes as he sought a way of explaining why he had stood me up.

Naya looked at my confused expression and back to Devi. “Devi? You did meet with Ayra earlier, didn’t you? You told me that you’d had a lovely meeting and that you were looking forward to working with her.”

“I... I... I...” He cleared his throat. “Mum, I did meet briefly with a young girl in London. I’ll admit that I was in a bit of a rush, and perhaps I didn’t verify the pretty girl’s identity, but...”

“Devi!” Naya scolded.

“But I really thought it was Ayra and, well... you know that this is my first big romantic leading role and you know how nervous this all makes me and... I simply rushed through the meeting.” He looked at me, his eyes begging me to bail him out.

Mother, why did you not tell me? I thought. Devi was the real-life Barnaby Darcy, the star of the movie that I was to work on. He would be playing my all-time fantasy crush, Mr. Darcy. I was stunned. I was stunned and speechless. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Part of me was still smarting from his total disregard for me – standing me up was unpardonable – but another part of me was fascinated by him. I would be working with this gorgeous hunk of a man - a real-life Mr. Darcy.

Star-struck, I realized that he was even dressed for the part of Mr. Darcy. His white linen shirt was tucked into his tight riding trousers. All that was missing was the cutaway tailcoat.

“Now that I think of it,” I said, “I did briefly speak with a young man at the pub. I guess that I, too, didn’t realize who I was talking to.” My story made no sense, but it was all that I had.

And Naya saw right through me, but said nothing. “Alright, alright, you kids. The important thing is that you’re both here now.” She gave me a big hug. “I just so happy to finally meet you... such a pretty girl! I’m sure you two will get along just fine.”

“I know you must be exhausted, Mum,” Devi said. “You can head home now. I’ll take care of everything on this end.”

Naya looked at her son and tenderly ran her hand over his clean-shaven cheek. With a light tap, she smiled. “Be a good boy and I’ll see you in a few days.”

He bent over slightly to kiss her cheek.

“Have fun, kids.” And she walked off.

Tension immediately took up the place vacated by Naya. Devi and I stood facing one another, assessing each other.  His scrutinizing gaze was suddenly harsh and judgmental leaving me feeling self-conscious. My heart pounded as his upper lip rose, almost to a snarl.

“So, you’re Ayra,” he said.

“And you’re Barnaby Darcy,” I replied.

“About our arrangements,” he said. “I’m really not that old-fashioned. But Mum insisted, and well, Mum runs the show in the family, and I’ll go along with it for a while.”

“Is she going to be here at Moon Manor during the filming?” I asked.

“No, we own a cottage in Derbyshire, a summer retreat, that she’s staying at, so she came by for a visit.”

“Oh,” I said. “So, you’re staying here with me.”

“I believe I’m staying in the grand suites, while you’ll be with the crew,” Barnaby said with a sniff.

“Devi,” I said.

“Barnaby,” he corrected me. “I go by Barnaby now. Got to keep up with my new sharp image, you know.”

“Oh, Barnaby,” I said. “What are we going to do about our arrangement?”

“We act like we are dating when my mother’s around,” Barnaby said. "But don’t expect me to be lovey-dovey with you otherwise. You’re not my type.”

Ouch. Barnaby Darcy was a snob. Just like Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice.

Was he the most perfect Mr. Darcy? Only time would tell.

ONE

Devi was actually Barnaby Darcy. I still couldn’t believe it. The transformation was incredible, from the gawky kid in the photo to the gorgeous movie star. He had bulked up over time, probably a good thirty pounds heavier than his string bean days, and his skin had completely cleared up, leaving his face smooth and clean. Once his braces were removed, he was left with beautiful white teeth and with that, a gorgeous and charming smile. His black mop of curls was shorn quite short at the back with a bit more volume at the front, framing his face in a way that accentuated his strong features, like chiseled cheeks, a masculine jawline, and green eyes.

I hated to admit it, but I was star-struck!

“Ayra!” a feminine voice called as I wandered aimlessly through the manor. “Ayra!”

The clip clop of heels came toward me and as I turned to face the oncoming voice, I smiled.

“Keely!” I let out with excitement and relief.

“You finally made it! Heavens, I thought you’d lost your way.”

Exhausted and eager to find my living quarters, I gave her a weak hug.

“I’m so happy to see you,” she said, hugging me back with much more vigor than I had to offer. “Is everything all right?”

“Fine. Great,” I said.  “Just a little jetlagged.”

“Oh. Of course.” She looked down at my luggage. “And you’re not even settled in yet.”

“I was detained in London a little longer than planned,” I said with a wry grin. Not wanting to relive my no-show date with Devi, I quickly changed the subject. “Do you happen to know where I’ll be staying while I’m here?”

“Absolutely,” she said. She picked up my smaller suitcase. “Follow me.”

Grabbing the handle of my larger suitcase, I guided it alongside me as we walked through the wide corridors with impossibly high ceilings. I lugged the big, heavy thing up the stairs, suddenly regretting all the shoes I’d packed.

“You’re going to love it here,” Keely said as we reached the upper level and took to the corridor. “It reeks of Jane Austen.”

Although the old-world structure was modernized with unexpected lighting fixtures straight out of the twenty-first century, modern and abstract art that seemed awkwardly out of place, and steel and iron sculptures that were virtually space aged, the bones of the place were good and sound. 

“Here you go,” Keely said as she pushed open a black wooden door.

I’d fully expected something dark and dank, something heavy with blood red velvet drapes, woolen rugs of faded roses and rustic dark furniture. But the door opened to a ray of sunshine that was instantly explosive.

Painted a pale yellow, the walls rose up to twelve feet with the ceiling painted a slightly darker shade of yellow. Trimmed with white crown molding, the room was elegant and welcoming.

Three area rugs were scattered over the whitewashed wood floors: one beside the bed, another at the foot of the bed and the third under the small desk by the windows.

“You like it?” Keely said with apprehension when I said nothing.

“Like it?  Keely, this is gorgeous. It is so not what I expected.”

“I knew you’d like it. I told the caretaker of the place that you were coming in from sunny California and I wanted you to feel right at home.”

I smiled as I playfully leaned into her. “I guess it’s a good thing that I happen to know the co-founder of the Jane Austen Association.” 

And as the director, screenwriter and co-executive producer of the Pride and Prejudice film, I knew that Keely carried a whole lot of weight. She wasn’t the type to give up easily, and she had a way of getting what she wanted. If she told the caretaker of the manor to arrange for a bright and sunny room for me... then it was a sure thing the task would be done.

“Look,” she said as she put a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Why don’t you unpack, maybe freshen up if you wish, or take a quick nap if you need to. I’ll come back in... let’s say an hour to give you the grand tour of the place. How does that sound?”

Despite my fatigue, I was eager to explore the place. “Make it twenty minutes.”

“Deal.” She turned on her heel. “Catch you later.”

As Keely closed the door behind her, I went to one of the four tall windows and pulled back the delicate white curtains to look outside. Just like so many English manors, the perfectly manicured lawn seemed to go on forever. To the far left was a large pond – more like a small lake – probably filled with fish and ducks. Beyond the pond stood tall trees that reached high to touch the sky. But above it all, was the spectacular view that seemed to go on forever. Rolling hills and a patchwork of agricultural lands were dotted with tiny villages so quaint and inviting.

I returned to the bed and sat on the edge to run my hand over the white bedcover that was embroidered with tiny yellow flowers and delicate bright green leaves. I breathed in the air of the space, filling myself with the aura and spirit of the old manor. As the music arranger for the upcoming film, I wanted to immerse myself in that old world mindset.

I looked around the room. All the furniture was of a pale wood, perhaps bleached, with delicate porcelain drawer pulls. The area rug at my feet, though clearly not an original, replicated the delicate flower patterns of the past.

Yes, I thought. My stay in Derbyshire was going to be quite pleasant.

I kicked off my sandals, got to my feet and quickly unpacked, freshened up and was ready and waiting when Keely returned to give me the promised grand tour.

“Let’s start with the beautiful rose garden. You’re going to love this.”

Once outside, we meandered along the path that led us to a flood of roses, gorgeous dahlias and dozens of other flowers that I had never seen before.

“Leave it to you to find such a heavenly place to house everyone,” I said, as I playfully leaned into her. “And I think it will make the perfect backdrop for so many scenes.”

“That’s what I’m counting on,” Keely said. “Our budget is not quite what I would have hoped, but finding this jewel of a manor was a real stroke of good luck. The gardens, the views, the various structures. With the right camera angles, most of the movie can be filmed right here.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever met a creative person who was quite as pragmatic as you are. You think of everything.”

“And you’ve always been great for my ego.” Giggling as she led me to a stone bench set amid tall yellow flowers, she put her arm around my shoulders. “This is just like the old days at UCI.  Walking with you, talking with you, giggling over nothing. I’m so glad you accepted this assignment.”

“Accepted? Keely, you know how I absolutely love Pride and Prejudice. I would have been devastated if you had offered it to anyone else... positively devastated!”

She chuckled as we sat down. “I truly couldn’t imagine anyone else for the job. You know, I learned a lot about you back at Graduate Film School. I saw the way you worked, how diligent and conscientious you were, not to mention your artistic flair. Remember when you worked on that project with... oh, what was her name? Charlotte, I believe. It was a short film set in a small town haunted by the memories of the unfortunate happenings of a cult set up on the outskirts of town.”

“Yeah,” I said, remembering that small but profoundly important project. “Sorcerer’s Offspring, Charlotte called it. A very strange tale.”

“That’s right,” Keely said. “The Sorcerer’s Offspring. I remember hearing other students snicker as they predicted the same old, same old type horror movie music score. But no. What you did with that was amazing. There was something haunting about it, all while being lively and upbeat. I still don’t know how you pulled it off.”

Humbled by her immense praise, I looked down at my clasped hands. “Thanks. I really appreciate that. I remember the apprehension I had facing that project. Like you said, everyone expected a typical haunted mansion melodramatic score. I think I actually surprised myself with that one. I worked really closely with the composer... I think her name was Abigail. She understood what I wanted and made it happen.”

“And I expect you to do the same here. We’ll be working with Bertrand Cousineau, a French composer. He’s young and inventive, and I’m sure you two will hit it off.”

Nodding, I looked at her. “I’m eager to get started. My head is rushing with ideas.”

She let out a light laugh. “Oh. I knew it would. I knew that you wouldn’t waste much time.” Suddenly, she shot to her feet, her gaze fixed on a distant point. “Oh! Come on. There’s someone I want you to meet.”

I hurried to follow behind her as she took a stone path that veered out of the rose garden and led to a large water fountain.

“Jai Doshi is Moon Manor’s caretaker,” she shot over her shoulder as we reached the fountain.

“Jai,” she called out to the young man kneeling at the foot of an ailing bush. “Jai. Over here. I want to introduce you to my very good friend.”

The young man stood all while slapping his dirt covered hands against his soiled jeans. Looking up from under his shock of thick brown hair, he looked at Keely then turned to me. A wide and welcoming grin split his face and I was instantly smitten.

TWO

“Ayra and I used to go to school together,” Keely informed Jai. “We immediately hit it off and we’ve been friends since then.”

He once again wiped his hand on a cleaner part of his jeans and held it out for a shake. “Any friend of Keely’s is most certainly worth knowing, I must say.”

I grasped his hand, instantly in love with his delightful British accent.

“Forgive my soiled hands, but that dying bush needed some loving care.”

With my hand in the warmth and strength of his, I didn’t give a flying flute about the dirt.

“She’ll be staying here at the Manor,” Keely interjected.

“Oh,” he said, his hand still holding mine. “You’ll be working on the movie you people are making?”

I nodded. “I’ll be arranging the musical score.”

“Music. How interesting.”

Keely’s phone rang breaking the magic of the moment.

“Yes,” she barked into her phone. “Oh, darn it. Are you serious? Okay. I’ll be right there.”

“What is it?” I said as she ended the call.

She looked apologetically at me. “Just one of the hundred emergencies I have to deal with every day. I’m so sorry, but I really do have to go take care of this.” She looked to Jai. “Would you have time to show Ayra around? I really want her to get a feel of the entire place before we start shooting.”

“Absolutely,” he said with a pleased smile. “It would be my pleasure.”

She looked to me. “I have no doubt that you have a wonderful vision of what this movie should look like. If you see anything that should be changed, or that you believe would be suitable for a particular scene, let me know. I trust your judgement.”

“Will do.”

“Great. Perfect.” With a quick wave, she ran off.

“Let me get my hands properly cleaned before we head off.” Jai turned to dip his hands in the huge water fountain, rubbed them together, then shook off the excess water. Wiping them on his shirt, he turned to me. “The grounds here are quite expansive. We could go down to the lake if you’d like.”

I gestured to the path. “I’ll follow your lead. I’m sure no matter where you take me it will be fascinating.”

We strolled slowly down the winding path, returning to the outer portion of the rose garden.

“We have an impressive collection of world-famous roses here at Moon Manor,” he said as he pointed some of them out. “Of course, you can’t have a rose garden in England without the Royal Jubilee.”

The huge, bright pink roses were spectacular.

“And here we have the Golden Celebration. I think this is a close to a gold colored rose as you’ll ever find.”

“So beautiful.”

“My favorite, however, is this one - Rhapsody in Blue.”

“That is quite stunning.”

“Yes, they certainly are.”

“The fragrance that fills the air is simply divine... heavenly. I should like to set up a cot and sleep right here among them.”

He laughed. “You might find yourself with a few uninvited guests come morning.”

I laughed along with him. He was charming and witty and so easy to be with. It already felt like we’d known one another for ages.

“Is this your first time in England?” he asked. He turned away from the rose garden and headed to the woodlands.

I nodded. “I’ve travelled quite a bit in the States... you know, the Grand Canyon, Vegas, New York... that sort of thing. But outside of that... not really.”

“Well then, you’re in for a treat,” he said. “The previous owner built a thirty-foot tower that gives you a view over these here treetops. You can clearly see the entirety of Derby from there.”

“I’m eager to see it. So far, it seems like everything about England is like a fairy tale. I mean, I’ve been enamored with the thought of England since I was a little girl, so I guess I’m sold on the idea of loving this place no matter what. But so far, England is living up to all the hype I’d imagined for myself.”

“What happened as a little girl to have you fall in love with a place you don’t know?”

“Jane Austen,” I said with a smile. “Pride and Prejudice, to be more precise.”

“Ah, yes. The eighteenth-century writer with a flair for creating the twentieth century heroines.”

I looked at him with surprise. “You know Jane Austen?”

“No Brit worth his salt doesn’t know her. I guess much like you Americans know...” He shrugged as he sought an American author.  “I don’t know... Dr. Seuss?”

I burst out laughing. “I like your comparison. Your Jane Austen to my Dr. Seuss. Makes sense.”

“Okay, on a more serious note, there’s William Shakespeare.”

“But he’s a Brit,” I argued.

“Oh, right you are. Born in Stratford, I believe.” He thought a moment. “What about Charles Dickens?”

“Um, I do believe he’s a Brit as well.”

“There’s that woman who wrote Wuthering Heights. What was her name?”

“Bronte?  Jai, she’s British, too.”

“Oh.  Okay, okay. I know. The woman who wrote that horror story.”

“That would be Shelley, and she, too, was a Brit. Can you honestly not name one American author?”

“Alright. Alright. Now that I’ve shown off what great talents we have here in Great Britain... what about Ernest Hemingway?”

“Now that’s more like it. A Farewell to Arms... a must read.”

“Never heard of it.”

I gasped and looked at him. “What about The Sun Also Rises.”

He shrugged. “I guess with all the great writers that we have here in Great Britain, there was never a need to read any American offering.” He looked at me with a good-humored grin.

I couldn’t help but laugh as I slapped his arm. After the playful slap, my hand rested on the warm and irresistible skin for a prolonged moment.

He was muscular, much more than what his loose-fitting red plaid shirt let on. In addition to his gorgeous smile, he had warm, puppy dog eyes that were a rich brown, almost black. His jaw was strong and masculine, and his dark hair beckoned fingers to run through it.

We reached the lake and Jai stopped at the shore.

“I’ve been told that there have been times when we’ve had ducks and geese here, but a while back someone brought a few swans.”

“Oh, how lovely. Swans are beautiful. So elegant and regal.”

“Yes, perhaps. But those elegant and regal creatures are ferocious. Pretty soon the ducks and geese stopped coming around.”

“Oh. That’s too bad.”

“Come on,” he said as he grabbed my hand and led me to the far side of the lake. “Under that forest of...”

I heard nothing of his description of the various trees that made up the surrounding woodland. All I could think of was the grasp of his strong hand over mine. He wasn’t the type of guy I usually went for, the work-with-your-hands type, but there was something about him that so readily drew me in.

We reached the tower, and he released my hand.

“Think you can make it to the top?”

“Make it?” I shot back. “I’ll beat you to the top.” And before he could take a step, I took off and ran up the fifty or so steps to the top. Breathless, I waited for him.

Beet red, he finally made it and faced me with a sheepish grin. “You beat me this time, but I assure you, this is the one and only time I will allow that to happen.”

I grunted. “You didn’t allow it to happen. I beat you fair and square.”

Breathing heavily, he leaned back against the guardrail. “You’re pretty fast for a... you know... a...”

“A girl?” I said as my brow indignantly shot up.

“No. No. You’re fast for a... you know... a musical person.”

I threw my head back to let out a loud and not at all elegant guffaw.

Sobering up, he turned around to lean his forearms against the railing and look out into the distance. “Now that we’ve gotten our breathing back to normal, take a look at that view.”

I hadn’t even taken a glimpse. I immediately turned and let out a surprised gasp. Just as he’d promised, we could see well above the treetops and down into the valley for miles and miles. While I had a great view from my bedroom window, the view here was in the opposite direction and seemed to go on forever.

“Do you know where Jane Austen was born?” Jai quietly said.

“Yeah. Isn’t it Steventon, Hampshire?”

“Right you are. And would you happen to know what direction that would be?”

“I looked around. I have no idea.” I pointed in a random direction. “Over there?”

“Actually,” he said as he came up behind me and turned my head slightly to the left. Leaning in over my shoulder, he reached over me to point to a particular spot. “See that church steeple way over there... that is Steventon, Hampshire, the birthplace of England’s most beloved author.”

The heat of his chest pressing against my shoulder blade was insanely distracting. I had to swallow deeply before finding my voice to speak again. “You mean just down there in the next village?”

He nodded.

“But aren’t we towards the north of England and I thought Steventon was farther... much farther south.”

His sudden laughter was explosive. He backed away and came to stand beside me. “You got me there. You really know your stuff.”

“Were you trying to trick me?”

“Perhaps just a wee bit.”

Giggling, I leaned playfully into him. “So, you’re a prankster, are you?”

“I have my moments.”

I’m sure you do, I wanted to say. I was enjoying myself immensely and didn’t want the day to end. “Thank you so very much for taking the time to show me around. I’m sure you must have a hundred and one other things you need to tend to.”

“That I do,” he admitted. “That I do. But this is far more enjoyable than the hundreds of other tasks that await me. I have three windows to repair on the upper level. Several faucets in the various bathrooms are leaking. Then there is the orchard to tend to, the flower garden, as well as the vegetable garden. And there are the bees to contend with.”

“Bees?” Suddenly alarmed. “Do you have an infestation of bees in your rose garden?”

“No.  No. I have an apiary.”

“I’m sorry... a what? Is that some sort of allergy or something?

“Oh, no. It’s simply well... beehives. Dozens of beehives. It is enough to supply us with the most delicious honey you’ve ever tasted... and that... for the entire year.”

Allergic to bee stings, I looked around, suddenly fearful of a bee attack.

“No need to fret about it. The hives are clear on the other side of the property. Just close enough to the flower garden to come collect their precious nectar, but far enough to not be a nuisance.”

I let out a sigh of relief. “I do apologize for fretting somewhat.”

He looked at me funny.

“What? What it is? Did I say something wrong?”

He smiled. “Do I detect the sudden appearance of a British accent... in particular on the word ‘somewhat’. I thought you were an American.”

The heat of the blush that took over my cheeks was overwhelming. I knew it was a horrible, horrible habit, but I just couldn’t rid myself of it. “Sorry,” I said with a deliberate American accent. “I think they call it linguistic convergence... or something like that. I tend to adopt the accent of the person I’m speaking with, and... well... your accent is so lovely and so prominent. I certainly didn’t mean any offense by it.”

Laughing, he put his arm around my shoulder. “I’m not in the least bit offended. I’m rather flattered that you would take on this lousy and thick Manchester accent.”

“Lousy? It’s not lousy at all. It’s positively charming.”

“You Americans. You love every British accent, no matter what corner of the United Kingdom the accent is from.” With his hand still on my shoulder, he turned me toward the stairs. “I think it’s time we continued on with our visit.”

We slowly made our way down then circled back around the lake, then took the stone path back to the gardens.

“Have you been working here long?” I said when the fragrance of roses reached my nostrils.

“I’ve been the caretaker of this place for a few months now,” he said. “I can tell you that it’s quite a handful.”

“Have you had many productions use this location for their movies?”

“You guys are the first.”

“Oh. How nice.”

We crossed through the garden and entered the manor through a different door than Keely and I had exited from. 

“I think the feel of the place is the perfect setting for you,” he went on. “Of course, some of the artwork will have to be changed. A lot of it already has, but there is still so much to do.”

Walking down the hall, I looked at the strange array of modern artwork on the walls, once again struck by the anachronism of it all. “How did such an old place come to have such modern art?”

“The previous owner,” he said. “He thought the classics were a little too... stodgy. He wanted to brighten up the place, hence some of the very colorful abstracts that I actually think are quite nice, just not in keeping with the old-world charm of the place.”

“I agree,” I said. “Some of these are spectacular. What are you going to do with the abstracts?”

He shrugged. “Probably auction them off.” We arrived at the kitchen. “While the whole of the kitchen is original, as you can see, modern appliances have been brought in over the years.”

“I’m sure Keely has thought of a way of working around that.”

We moved on to the formal dining room.

“Oh, my. Look at that table. It must seat thirty people,” I said.

“Actually, it seats forty-six.”

“I see that the artwork here has already been changed to better suit the film which is set in the early 1800s.”

“Yes,” he said with a touch of embarrassment. “I’d originally purchased replicas of Monet, Renoir and Degas, only to find out that they were all born a little too late to have painted something appropriate for the late 1800s. I had to go back and find paintings from artists I’d never heard of before.”

I walked around looking at the paintings. Most were portraits. I stopped before one painted by Joshua Reynolds. The portrait’s background was dark and gloomy as was the subject’s attire. I walked on to the next portrait by the same artist; a white-haired woman once again before a dark background and dark attire.

“I think I’m going to have to agree with the previous owner of the manor. This is all pretty gloomy.” I walked on and came to a lovely piece. “Now this is more like it.”

A lovely lady in pale, pale blue stood beside her suitor in front of a country field. “Thomas Gainsborough. Isn’t he the one who painted Blue Boy?”

“You’re asking the wrong guy. But, you seem to know a lot about this kind of thing,” Jai said. “Maybe you could come shop with me for more artwork.”

I smiled. “I could. But then again, you shouldn’t worry yourself too much about that. The production with take care of it. Chances are, no matter what you purchase, it’s not going to suit them and they’re going to change it anyway.”

He chuckled. “Thanks for letting me know. I’ve been going crazy trying to make sure everything looks right. You know, this place has really been struggling lately. It’s a good thing the production of this film ended up here.”

“Is the manor facing financial troubles?”

“Let’s just say that we’re not swimming in money.”

“Well, I’d be willing to bet that it will all turn around once this movie comes out. When people see this place on the screen, and when they find out where it is, they will be flocking to the setting of their beloved Pride and Prejudice.”

“I certainly hope you’re right.”

We walked the length of the endless dining room, analyzing and criticizing each piece of art along the way. When we emerged from the other entrance at the far end, we moved into the huge ballroom. The vast space was well lit by the huge chandeliers overhead. Light from the setting sun also flooded in through the tall windows, adding a dramatic feel to the room. The wood flooring was of a pale shade with darker inlay set in an open and uncomplicated pattern.

“This is going to be perfect,” I said as I envisioned the various ballroom scenes at Bingley’s home. “This is where Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy will dance for the very first time. Imagine that. Can’t you just see them gliding across this floor. Magnificent. It will truly be unforgettable.”

“If you say so,” he said with a chuckle.

As a sudden yawn took over me, I set my hand on Jai’s arm. “I’ve had a lovely visit, Jai, but I must say, I’m exhausted.”

“Of course. How foolish of me to keep you so long.”

“Nonsense. I’ve enjoyed every minute. But I think it’s time I returned to my room.” I looked around. “Then again, I have no idea how to get to my room from here. This place is so incredibly huge.”

He chuckled as he started down the hall. “Yes. The wealthy of the day certainly did have an obscene need to be ostentatious.” He led the way to a narrow stairwell tucked away in an unobtrusive corner. The narrow door led one to believe they were entering a broom closet. “We’ll take the servant’s stairs up. I believe the production staff is housed in the upper right wing, is it not.”

I shrugged. “To tell you the truth, I followed Keely to my room without paying any attention at all. All I can tell you is that I have a lovely, bright yellow room.”

He smiled and raised a finger. “I know just the one. Follow me.”

We climbed the narrow and winding stairs to the upper level where Jai opened a door onto the hallway.

“I do believe the yellow room is just down here.”

We reached the door, and he opened it for me, gesturing for me to enter. He barely stepped in behind me. “I do hope it’s not too bright.  There was a lot of hesitation about putting so much yellow.”

“It’s adorable and I love it.”

“England being the place of sun scarcity, I didn’t know if we’d succeed in livening it up enough.”

“You’ve succeeded with this one, I assure you. Are all the rooms as pretty?”

“Some are smaller, less ornate. Others are larger, twice as large in fact, with decors more fitting to the original time period.” His smile faded and he suddenly seemed preoccupied. “Regardless of the size and color of the rooms, I do hope business picks up soon. I’m forever grateful for the money being brought in by your production company, but...”

I set my hand on his shoulder. “I promise you,” I said, feeling the need to repeat my earlier promise. “Once word gets out that a Jane Austen novel was brought to life in this very manor, you’ll be turning people away due to such a full house.”

Unconvinced, he smiled. “Indeed. Well then, my dear lady, I’ll leave you to rest and do hope to see you again.”

“I’m sure our paths will cross before filming ends. Thank you again for such a lovely visit.”

He backed out of the room and closed the door behind him.

THREE

I woke up groggy and confused. It took a few moments for my eyes to focus on the unfamiliar curtains, the strange furniture and even the bedcover spread over me. After a few minutes, I realized I wasn’t in my bed, then with a start, it hit me. I was in England, Derbyshire... Jane Austen... Pride and Prejudice. Oh my! Was I late for the first film call?

I scrambled out of bed, jumped into a pair of khaki’s, flip flops and white shirt, then hurried out of the room. The moment I stepped out into the hall I could hear the distant cacophony of voices. As I neared the stairs, the voices grew louder and increasingly lively.

Damn. My first day on set and I was going to miss it.

I followed the sounds that led me to a good-sized sitting room. Camera and sound technicians were already set up and ready to go. The walls were a pale cream color with ornamental stenciling where the walls met the ceiling. The tall, slender windows were draped in white as was the small table in the corner. Numerous chairs boasted cushioned seats embroidered with large roses - yellow, red, rose and lavender.

“Ayra,” Keely called. “Over here. I’d like you to meet some of the actors.”

I joined her and the group of women she stood with. The women were already dressed for a scene. Simple, empire-waist gowns adorned with large sashes tied at the back. Their hair curled and pulled up, gave them an immediate air of a time long past.”

“We have all five Bennet sisters here ready for the first scene we’re going to shoot,” Keely said, clearly proud of her cast. “Florence Sullivan will be playing the eldest daughter... our lovely Jane.”

“Hello,” she said.

“Then we have Rhonda Clairborne to play Elizabeth.”

“Nice to meet you,” she said, her heaving bosom barely contained by her gown.

“Then Carrie O’Reilly to play Mary.”

“Always a pleasure being cast as the homely one,” she said with smile that showed no resentment despite her words.

“And finally, Hannah and Clara Beale; twins who will play the adorable if not immature Catherine and Lydia.”

“Happy to meet you all,” I said. I casually looked around and noticed that the one person I would have liked to see that morning was missing. Barnaby Darcy was nowhere to be seen.

“Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are played by two brilliant Shakespearean actors: Margeret Worthing and Emile Hill.  They’re in the room preparing.”

I nodded my understanding.

As the girls set up on the various chairs and sofas, Keely turned slightly to me. “They are all quite splendid but wait until you see Rhonda in action. She was born to play Lizzy. She’s been acting since she was six, and even trained at Shakespeare’s Theatre as a teen.”

She abruptly turned her attention to the scene. “Okay, everybody. We’re ready to shoot.”

“Quiet on the set,” a man with a megaphone shouted out.

I quietly stepped back and out of the way to let Keely do her magic.

“Cut!” she called out after only a few lines. “Hannah and Clara, you’re doing great. Just be careful you don’t get too whiny. I don’t want any nasally whining... at least not in this scene. You’re immature and bickering, but don’t whine.”

They nodded and the scene was shot again.

I backed farther away until I was at the breakfast spread where I sneaked a bagel and spread a healthy dollop of cream cheese over it. I silently munched on my breakfast as Keely guided the Bennets through one scene after another.

“We’ll break for ten minutes as the girls go get changed for the next scene,” Keely said.

When the girls returned with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, filming continued.

“Okay,” Keely said two hours later. “I think we’ve gotten all we can out of this room. We’ll break for lunch then set up in the breakfast room.”

Everyone dispersed while Keely made a beeline for me.

“How do you like it so far?” she said.

“You’re a real pro, and I think all the girls are doing a great job... and Mr. Bennet, too. Like you said... that Rhonda is Lizzy. I love her.”

“What about the score?”

“Bertrand sent me a few things last night, but I also have a few other composers working on this; mostly transitions. So far, nothing that strikes me as the overall score,” I said.

“I told you that I wanted to stay away from any horned instruments.”

“Yes. Don’t worry. No matter the melody, there will be no horns. What I have in mind so far is very soft... violin, dramatic cello, and some somber piano.”

“What about the ballroom scenes? I told you I wanted original music, right? I don’t want to use classics from the time period.”

“Yes, and I know just the composer for those particular pieces.”

We headed to a room that had probably once been a large pantry. We grabbed a few sandwiches from the lunch spread and took a seat at a small table by the door to the next setting: the breakfast room.

“I see that the screenwriter made some significant changes to the original book,” I ventured. I knew it was a touchy subject.

Keely shrugged. “They always do. It’s part of the game. I know people are disappointed when a movie isn’t exactly like the book, but... hey, that’s the way it is.”

“Yes, I know. But I couldn’t help but notice changes to some pretty pivotal scenes.”

“Like what?” she said absentmindedly, as she scanned her surroundings.

I could tell that she was barely listening to me. Her mind was already elsewhere, probably on the next scenes.

“Mr. Darcy’s refusal to dance.”

A tall redhead walked up to the lunch spread then spotted Keely. With a stern and unhappy look on her face, she turned away from the food offering and made her way to our table.

“I need to talk to you, Keely.”

Keely glanced at her watch. “You have five minutes. We start shooting in the breakfast room soon.”

The redhead glanced at me as if I were an intruder.

“Blythe, this is Ayra, a good friend who will be arranging the music for Pride and Prejudice. Ayra, this is Blythe Danner who is, among other things, in charge of the budget for our movie.”

“Exactly, and I do need to speak with you... in private.”

Well, that was clear enough. I stood up and tried to hide how flustered I was. “I was finished eating anyway.” I looked to Keely. “I’ll catch you later.”

Before I could make it past the lunch spread, Blythe and Keely’s exchange grew loud enough for all to hear.

“Blythe, be reasonable,” Keely called out as the redhead walked past me. “You need to explain yourself.”

“You’re nothing without me, Keely,” Blythe shouted. “Nothing! This film is going to shut down without me.”

“The way you’re running things, it was destined to shut down no matter what,” Keely shouted in anger. “We’ll find a way to finish this, and it will be better without you.”

The redhead disappeared and everyone jumped at the sound of the slamming door in the distant.

“Well, that didn’t go too well,” Keely said.

“What’s going on?” I said, almost afraid to ask.

“We have a number of investors... you know, people who put up the money for this film,” she said as she marched out into the hall, her heels clipping loudly on the hardwood floor. “Blythe has been in charge of managing all that. She’s convinced a number of small investors so far and she’s in charge of all the expenses. Last week she told me that she had lined up three investors, big investors with deep pockets. It would be enough to really make the movie that we want to make.”

She walked so fast; I had trouble keeping up with her. And as she took to the stairs, I wanted to ask where she was going, but didn’t get the chance.

“Since the very moment I started working on this, I’ve dreamed of doing a few scenes at one particular manor that is just so splendid. She swore it was out of the question and there simply wasn’t the budget to do it. But with these new investors... I thought I would be able to film the sequence.”

Breathless, I stopped a moment and quickly resumed chasing after her.

“But, wouldn’t you know it...” she went on as she continued her long strides down the hall. “She claims that she lost it. She lost it! How the hell do you lose a few million dollars? Was she carrying it around in her purse!? Did she leave it in the pockets of her other slack? Dang! How do you lose investments like this?”

She reached the narrow doorway Jai and I had emerged from the day before and pulled the door back so violently, it slammed into the wall behind it. Maintaining the speedy pace, she went down the spiral staircase. Three times I almost tripped as I rushed to keep up.

“Lose it? No. Blythe stole it. I’m sure she did. So handy being the one in charge of finances.”

“Keely,” I finally said, still a little breathless. “Where are you going?”

We emerged from the narrow door downstairs and headed back toward the breakfast room.

“Nowhere. I just need to burn off some of this nervous energy before we start up again. Can you imagine me directing those girls while I’m in such a state?” She huffed as she marched on. “On top of it all, we no longer have a producer. Blythe was also our producer. What am I supposed to do now? I’m already putting out more fires than I can handle. I need someone to handle all the administrative and producer stuff, on top of the investors!”

FOUR

Alone with my thoughts, I strolled through the rose garden, barely seeing the gorgeous blooms that surrounded me. I was numb. The filming of my dream project had just been put on hold and the possibility of packing up and going home was very real.

I didn’t want to go home, not like this. Mr. Darcy hadn’t even made an appearance yet. I longed to see Barnaby in the role, to see the real Mr. Darcy bring the fictional Mr. Darcy to life. How alike they must truly be.

The crunch of hard soled boots on stone caught my attention and I looked up to see Jai coming my way. His face reflected exactly what I felt, disappointment.

“I see I’m not the only one sulking over the latest news,” he said.

“So, you’ve heard?”

“It’s kind of hard not to,” he said. “Everyone is talking about it. This will surely ruin me. It’ll be the end of Moon Manor. I know it sounds selfish to say so, after all, everyone here is about to lose their job. But it is how I feel. Moon Manor will close and be forever lost.”

“I’m sure we’ll find a way to save the production... and Moon Manor.” I’d never been so unsure of anything in my life. “It’s just a matter of finding investors... fast.”

“Well, I hope the solution or investors come soon, because Keely seems to have run out of options.” He sat down beside me, his head held low as he stared at his mud-covered boots. “I’ve put so much energy into building this place back up. Every waking moment has been dedicated to bringing the Manor back to its former glory. I can’t even begin to tell you just how thrilled I was when Keely contacted me. The production crew were to be housed in every spare room, while your film will be using the remainder of the property for the filming of this movie. It was more than I could have ever hoped for. The revenue from this contract with the production of this movie was enough to keep the manor afloat for several months. But now... now the production’s pulling out.”

I was about to suggest he review the contract and its cancellation policy. Could he still obtain a portion of the money promised him? Then again, what money?

In the distance, three crew members stood loudly discussing the unfortunate situation. They were equally concerned with the closing of the production.

“I guess we’re not the only ones worried about our futures,” I whispered.

He glanced back at the men and nodded. “They say that misery loves company.” He harrumphed. “I’m not so sure about that.”

“Yeah. There’s so much at stake,” I said, more to myself than to Jai.

“What was that you said?”

I slowly got to my feet and turned to look down at him. “I... I think I might...” I hesitated.  Was I ready to do this? “I think I might have a solution.”

“What’s that?”

I looked around the rose garden and up at the expansive manor. “Let me get all of this straight in my head and I’ll talk to you later.”

With a furrowed brow, he nodded.

Walking away, my mind raced as I considered the consequences of my actions. There was so much to lose. And, yes, there was so much to gain. I had no choice. I had to make a move. I had to be a part of the solution.

The manor was quiet and still as I entered, but I quickly found Keely sitting alone in the breakfast room.

“Keely,” I softly said.

“Oh, Ayra,” she muttered with a dismissive wave of her hand. “I’m not much in the mood for conversation, or consoling, or whatever you might have in mind. I’m sorry, but I’d just as soon be alone with my thoughts for the moment.”

“I have one point one million dollars that I’ve saved up to buy my first house back in California,” I said with a dry laugh. “You should see the old rundown shacks a million buys these days.”

“How nice for you, Ayra.” She stared at the table in front of her. “At least when you return to sunny California, you’ll have a roof over your head.”

“You’re not listening to me, Keely. A million dollars isn’t even enough.”

“Right,” she muttered. 

“I would much rather put that money to a project I can really put my heart and soul into.”

She looked at me confused. “What are you saying?”

“Pride and Prejudice. My lifelong love affair with Jane Austen and her impossibly irresistible heroines. I want to invest in this project.”

“But Ayra...”  She swallowed hard and loud. A hint of excitement gleamed in her eyes while her brow remained unconvinced. “I appreciate the offer, and that money, though less than what Blythe had promised, would surely go a long way. But I can’t let you do that. At least if you buy a house, you’ll have a home to live in. If this project falls flat... you’ll lose everything. I hate to think of you losing your investment.”

“I have faith in this project, Keely. Pride and Prejudice is a timeless story. Generations of women have fallen in love with Mr. Darcy over the years. I have no doubt whatsoever that young women today will love him just as much. And I’ve been thinking of the changes that have been made to the original book. You’re right. These changes need to be made and they will enhance the story all while keeping the true essence of Lizzy and Mr. Darcy alive.”

She stood and faced me, her hand coming to lay gently on my cheek. “Dear Ayra. You are such a romantic, aren’t you. Perhaps a little too romantic.”

“You should talk,” I said. “You co-founded the Jane Austen Association with me.”

Keely sighed. “I did, didn’t I? Now I’m a bit more practical, aren’t I?”

“You’re filming a Jane Austen movie, aren’t you? You’re plenty romantic.”

Keely nodded and said, “I appreciate your offer, Ayra, but...  if this is truly what you want to do...”

“It is, Keely. It is. With all my heart, I want this project to go on.”

She sighed.

“I thought you’d be more elated than that... even a little.”

“Having the money to go on with the production is one thing, however I still don’t have a producer. I can’t do everything on my own. I can’t deal with all the emergencies that come up; all the locations that renege, all the actors who don’t show up, all the costumes that turn out to be wrong, all the artwork that don’t suit the time period... everything. Absolutely everything! The costume designer walked out the moment she heard the investors had pulled out and the set decorator followed in her footsteps.”

I grasped her hand and held it tight. “I’m here, Keely. Anything and everything you need, I’m here. My head is swirling with ideas; ways to save money, ways to make what we have go a long way. I’m sure we can work it out.”

“You’ve always been so optimistic, even in the face of turmoil.

“I’ve already made arrangements with Jai to go into town tomorrow,” I said, pardoning my own little fib. “We’re going to go look for more appropriate artwork.”

“You already have your hands full with the music. You won’t have enough of the twenty-four hours in a day to do all this.”

“Trust me. I have more energy than I know what to do with. I’m ready to take on more. Keely, I can’t let this project come to an end, not now. I didn’t come all the way out here just to give up.”

The hint of a smile began to quiver on her lips.

“Come on,” I said. “Stop fighting me and get on board.”

She hesitated for a split second, then broke out in a broad grin. “I’ve always wanted to make a Jane Austen movie the way true fans, true Jane Austen enthusiasts would make it.” She gripped my hand and said, “You’re on. Oh, this will be great. We work so well together, and I know how much you love this story, and I just know that you’ll do your best to make it the greatest Pride and Prejudice ever.”

“Great.  Oh, I’m so thrilled.” I wanted to jump for joy. “I’m going to go back out and try to find Jai to confirm that we’re going to need to go shopping tomorrow.”

Floating on a cloud, I headed out to the rose garden, but Jai was nowhere to be found. I walked around, hoping to bump into him. I stray through the woodlands only to reach the edge of the lake with still no sign of him.

Suddenly putting on my producer’s hat, I looked out at the lake through new eyes. The sun seemed to be heading to the far end of the lake to set for the evening. Through the tall trunks of the trees, the rays of the sun would be spectacular.

Immediately, I imagined Lizzy and Mr. Darcy standing there. She would turn away from him, rejecting his proposal while he stood in the shadows. Of course, the camera would have to be set just right so as to avoid the tall tower. Then again, the tower could be used to capture amazing overhead shots of the surrounding countryside and of the manor itself. It could also be used to film the scene where Jane walks to Netherfield. Of course, it would have to rain... oh, we would figure that out, I’m sure. Yes. This would work perfectly. It would all be so perfect.

“Ahem!”

Startled, I let out a high-pitched yelp and jumped around.

“My apologies,” Barnaby said with the hint of a pleased grin. He stood in the middle of the path, tall and strong, every ounce of him a show of virility. Still attired in the very clothes the fictional Mr. Darcy was to wear. My heart skipped a beat, and I found myself at a loss for words. He was Darcy, Mr. Darcy! “You must have been deep in thought.” A touch of arrogance played on his brow while his gaze and grin were all charm. “It was not my intention to startle you so.”

Regaining my composure, I nodded my acceptance of his apology. “I have much on my mind these days. What brings you out to the lake, Mr. Darcy?”

“I’ve been looking for you. I was told by a crew member that you came this way.”

“You’ve been looking for me?” I said with much doubt. “Whatever for?”

“I’ve been wanting to talk to you. You see, I feel that we got off on the wrong foot and I would very much like to remedy the situation. You must know that it was never my intention to... well to...”

“To stand me up and leave me humiliated at a pub in a town that I know nothing about?” I said a little more harshly than I’d intended. “Everyone saw me enter that pub... alone. Everyone watched as I waited... and waited all while slowly, ever so slowly nursing a beer, and then two. Everyone caught my repeated glances to the door, clearly awaiting someone. And everyone watched me leave... alone... in abject humility.” I knew I was laying it on a little thick, but, yes, I wanted him to feel bad about what he’d done to me.

He shook his head slightly and an embarrassed blush seemed to color his cheeks, but as he shifted into the shade, I realized it was not a blush at all, but the play of light that had given that impression. No. Chances were Mr. Darcy rarely, if ever, blushed at all. “Please, do accept my apologies. I beg of you.”

I stood stiff, not willing to accept his apology so readily. After all, was he truly sorry for what he’d done... or had his mother put him up to it?

He shifted his feet apart and clasped his hands behind his back, looked down at the ground for the briefest moment, then looked up at me. “I must admit that I was surprised when my mum told me of this arrangement she’d made with your mother. It’s not her habit to meddle in my love life.”

Splendid. Now blame your mother for this disaster.

“I hope you didn’t take it personally,” he added.

Gee, you didn’t even bother to show up, I thought as I forced a smile. It’s kind of hard to not take it personally.

“Because,” he went on when I said nothing, “I would very much like to make it up to her. After all, I know she has my well-being in mind.”

Make it up to her? Was he offering to go on a date with me just to please his mother? Really? If I wasn’t offended by his original snub, I certainly was now. But I gallantly smiled through it all.

“So, what do you say? Will you join me for dinner? Let us say, tomorrow evening?”

He was even more like the fictional Mr. Darcy than I could have imagined.

“Ayra?”

I offered him a genuine smile as I realized just how perfect he was for the role of Mr. Darcy. I even wondered if, perhaps, he was a method actor who permanently remained in character or was this all his true nature.

“It would be my pleasure to join you for dinner, Mr. Darcy,” I finally said. “I would hate to see our mothers disappointed to learn that we’d barely spoken. After all, they went through too much trouble to ensure that we got acquainted.”

“Indeed.”

He showed absolutely no sign of interest in me, solely the desire to please his mother. Oh, well. I was certain I could put my pride aside for one dinner and simply hope for the best.

FIVE

Dressed for a day of shopping in town with Devi, and my hand on the doorknob ready to go, I stopped as my name was called from behind me.

“Keely,” I said on turning to face her. “What’s up?”

“I need you on set,” she said matter-of-factly.

“To do what?”

“Script girl. Katy didn’t show up this morning.”

“Oh. Darn.” I looked at my watch. “I have so much shopping to do. There are still so many things missing. Your prop master gave me an impressively long list of very odd items to find.”

“It’s going to have to wait until tomorrow, Ayra,” Keely said. “I need you now or we can’t shoot.”

Sighing, I released the doorknob. “Okay. You’re right. I need to get my priorities in order. Give me a minute to let Devi know I won’t be going, and I’ll be right there.”

“Make it quick.” She turned on her heel and marched away with a determined step I’d rarely seen in anyone.

I was suddenly bumped hard by the opening front door as Devi burst in.

“Oh, Ayra,” he said. “Sorry, love. I didn’t know you were standing there. What are you doing? Let’s go.”

“Sorry. Turns out I can’t make it today. Keely needs me on set.”

“That is a shame. But if Keely needs you, she needs you. Tomorrow then?”

“I’ll try, but I can’t make any promises.” I headed down the hall and called over my shoulder. “I’ll let you know.”

I reached the large ballroom where Mr. Darcy was set to meet Elizabeth for the first time. The moment I arrived, Keely thrust the dog-eared script into my chest.

“Just stand right over here,” she directed me.

Glancing down at the script, I wondered if I’d be able to follow along. Notations filled the margins, portions of dialogue were underlined, and others were highlighted.

“Okay,” Keely called out. “From the top. Music ready. Dancers ready... and Mr. Darcy enters.”

Music began to play, just loud enough for the dancers to follow along. It was mesmerizing to watch as they brought to life a style of dance that had long disappeared.

Extras stood around the perimeter of the room, dressed in variations of high-waisted gowns and chatting quietly among themselves.

“Enter Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy!”

My heart stopped. There he was; my living, breathing, oh, so damned handsome Mr. Darcy. Stiff and haughty, he sauntered around the room with an air of indignation... no... disdain.

Barnaby was good. I’d had my doubts about his ability to pull off a convincing Mr. Darcy, but his tense jaw and piercing eyes were just perfect. All that remained to be seen was his ability to speak with that same haughtiness and disdain.

“Cut!” Keely shouted.

Everyone looked her way.

“I don’t like the shadow that’s falling on his face.” She glared at the lighting technician who made a quick adjustment.

“Better. Okay. Let’s do that again.”

As Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy sauntered in again, Elizabeth sat in quiet confidence beside her younger sister while she admired her beautiful and older sister dancing so merrily.

“Indeed, the most beautiful of the sisters is already spoken for,” Mr. Bingley told Mr. Darcy.

Mr. Darcy glared at him. “Then what is the point in being here at all?”

“You’re being far too pessimistic,” his friend told him. “Look. There’s one of her sisters right there. She’s quite lovely, don’t you think.”

“Lovely?” Mr. Darcy said. “She’s barely tolerable.”

Elizabeth’s face was the perfect blend of quiet indignation and stony indifference.

“She may be suitable for you,” Mr. Darcy went on. “But she is hardly handsome enough to please me.”

“But she has yet to dance,” Mr. Bingley said. “I have no doubt she would very much welcome your advances.”

Mr. Darcy chuckled without humor. “Tis now my role to give consequence to unappealing young ladies slighted by other men?”

“Of course not,” Mr. Bingley muttered.

“Then go on. Enjoy the smiles of your partner.”

Mr. Bingley left him to sulk alone, while Elizabeth’s jaw suddenly set tight with determination. Ignoring Mr. Darcy entirely, she walked past him to join a friend at the other end of the room.

Giggling and smiling, Elizabeth and her friend occasionally shot glances towards Mr. Darcy, clearly irritating the haughty aristocrat. Mustering her courage, Elizabeth returned to Mr. Darcy.

“You seem quite bored,” she said. “Perhaps you would enjoy yourself more if you danced.”

“I hardly think so,” he said, barely looking at her.

She clamped her lips tightly and turned to walk away.

“Cut!” Keely shouted. “Great work, everyone.”

“Are we good to go?” Barnaby said. “My lines were flawless.”

Indeed they were, I thought. He was such a perfect Mr. Darcy. Yet it seemed rather presumptuous of him to say so.

“You can go, Barnaby.” Keely turned to the extras and actress playing Elizabeth. “If you could all stay a moment longer. I just want to slowly close in on Elizabeth’s face as she is rejected by Darcy. Just one quick shot and we’re done for the day.”

Everyone went into place.

“Charlene, can you just touch up her cheek there.”

Charlene dutifully popped onto the set to powder Elizabeth’s cheek and popped out.

The close up was shot and we were done for the day.

SIX

Determined to do some shopping, I once again dressed to go into town and left my room. As I tiptoed down the hall, I hoped to avoid running into Keely. But as I reached the first step of the stairs, she once again called out to me.

With a pleasant smile on my face, I turned to her. “Keely. Aren’t you downstairs shooting a scene?”

“Not yet. You’re going into town to shop?”

“That’s right. I mean, if that’s okay with you. Do you need me here?” I offered despite my eagerness to go into town.

“That’s fine. In fact, I have a few things to add to your list.”

Oh, no.

“We’re in desperate need of Christmas decorations for the ballroom scene.”

“Okay. I’ll see what I can scrape up.”

“We’ll need a dozen wreathes. A massive Christmas trees plus two smaller ones.” She held her hand up at shoulder height. “About yay tall.”

“Got it.”

“Also ornaments... antique of course.”

“Right.”

“Lots of big red bows.”

“Gotcha.”

“No, make them gold.”

“Gold it is.”

“We’ll need at least five candelabras. The more elaborate the better.”

“I do think that I have that on my list.”

“Good. Then I think that’ll be it for now.”

“Perfect. I’m on my way out right now.”

Keely trotted down the stairs before I could even contemplate taking my first step. I slowly made my way down and once in the main entrance, came face to face with Barnaby.

“Hey,” he let out. “Where you off to?”

“Shopping now.”

“Mind if I tag along?”

I was stunned. Gaping at him, I had to remind my jaw to go back to its regular resting place. Had he just invited himself to spend the day with me? Surely, I was mistaken. I hadn’t yet confirmed anything with Devi, so I had no obligation there.

“I’ll be gone for most of the day,” I said to avoid any misunderstanding. “Don’t you have scenes to shoot?”

He shrugged, so nonchalant and adorable. “No. It’s all the Bennett family today. I have the whole day off. Besides, I have a few errands of my own to tend to.”

A silly grin spread over my face. I could just feel my cheeks turn redder and redder. My own Mr. Darcy for the day. Surely, I would be the envy of everyone who saw us together.

“Well, then come on,” I managed to say without sounding too giddy.

We headed out and he immediately turned to the right.

“My car is over here,” I said, guiding him to the left.

“No. We’ll take my car. I got a neat little sports car and I’ve been dying to take it out for a ride.”

“As much as I would love to take a ride in a sports car, I’m going to need a little more trunk space than that... a lot more, in fact.

“Well, in that case, we can take my truck.”

Shoot! You have a sports car, and a truck parked out here for whenever you need it?

I smiled. “Oh. Perfect then.”

We got into his truck and drove off.

“So,” he said after a few minutes on the road. “What did you think of my Mr. Darcy?”

“Impressive,” I said. “I was completely brought back into the book that I remember so fondly. I couldn’t imagine anyone doing a better job.”

“I’m glad you liked it. Knowing how much you love the book, your opinion matters a lot.”

It does?

My heart raced. I could hardly believe that I was sitting in a car with Mr. Darcy... oh, Barnaby. I didn’t want to gush. I didn’t want it to be so obvious that I had a wild crush on him. Therefore, I dared not speak.

“You’re rather quiet this morning,” he said after a long moment.

I had to find something to talk about... something other than my feelings for him. I quickly pulled out my shopping list. “Look at this list,” I said, feeling rather silly. “How am I ever going to find all these items? Some of these things I don’t even know what they are. I don’t even know where to begin. What sort of store sells these things.”

“Don’t worry,” he said with such soothing calm. “I know plenty of places and there are at least three magnificent antique stores in town. Surely, you’ll find most of what you need there. And even if they don’t have precisely what you need, they’re knowledgeable enough to offer you a suitable replacement.”

I smiled and let out a sigh of relief. “That’s good to hear.” After a long pause, I added, “How do you know Derbyshire so well, Barnaby?”

He chuckled. “First of all, please do call my Barn. All my friends do.”

My smile broadened. “Oh. Okay.”

“And secondly, I lived in Derbyshire as a child... until I turned fifteen.”

“Where’d you go?”

“London.”

“It’s so beautiful out here. You must miss it terribly.”

“Indeed. I’ve yet to find a prettier place on earth.”

“Well, I’m honored to have you help me out today. Your knowledge of the area will surely be invaluable.”

He nodded with a proud jut of his chin. “Now, tell me... what are these mystery items you know nothing about.”

Befuddled, I simply gazed at him.

“Your list,” he said, looking down at the sheet of paper in my hand. “You said there were items you knew nothing about.”

“Oh. Yeah. Right.” I glanced down at the list. “Well, like.... let’s see here... a Canterbury rack.”

“Essentially a magazine rack... or for sheet music. Any antique store is sure to have one.”

“Oh. Okay. And what about... Delftware. Now, what in the world is that?”

He smiled. “Essentially china with that pretty blue pattern.”

“Oh, yeah. I know what you mean.” I continued to look at my list, hoping to stump him. “Here’s one. What’s a Calmette?”

He chuckled. “Ah, yes. Essentially, that is a very ornate vase.”

“You essentially know your stuff,” I said, playfully teasing his repeated use of the word.

He turned to frown, not understanding my little joke. “You can’t grow up in England without knowing those things,” he said matter-of-factly.

“Really?”

He shrugged and laughed. “I don’t know, really. But my mum just loves antiques, so I learned a few things along the way.”

“Well, either way. I’m sure you’ll be a big help.”

We came to the outskirts of town, and I spotted a equestrian shop. “Can you pull in here?”

“Riding?”

“Yes. It’s for your scene riding through the fields, remember?”

“Right you are.” He pulled up in front of the shop. “Good thing I came along with you then. I’m quite particular about the saddle I set my arse in.”

I let out a laugh as I got out of the car. Not only was he so damned good looking, but he had a sense of humor, too.

We spent over an hour in the shop sitting his ‘arse’ down in virtually every saddle they had before he finally found one he liked.

“A riding crop would be nice.”

“It’s not on my list.”

“I’m sure Keely will approve.”

“You do know that we’re on a tight budget.”

He looked at me with big pleading eyes.

“Okay, fine. If we don’t need it, we can always bring it back.”

We loaded the saddle and riding crop into the back of his truck and got back on the road. But we didn’t have to go far. Just around the corner was a huge antique shop.

“You’re going to love this place,” Barn said as he pulled up.

Just seeing the window display was enough to convince me that I would find everything I needed right here. Antique dressers and interesting lamps and gorgeous picture frames beckoned us in.

I pushed open the heavy door and a bell rang overhead as we entered the shop.

“Hello,” an elderly gentleman called out as he came towards us. “I’m Winston Harold, the shop owner. Are you looking for something in particular?”

I pulled out my lengthy list and handed it to him. “I certainly would appreciate your assistance, Mr. Harold.”

“Oh,” he said as he perused the list. “Now, that’s an interesting array of items.”

“We’re in the process of filming the movie version of Pride and Prejudice.”

“I see.”

“It’d be nice if we could have pieces from that time period.”

“1811 to 1812, if memory serves,” he said.

“That’s right.”

He pulled out the pencil that was tucked behind his ear, licked the point and began to cross items off my list. “Wrong period. Wrong period. Way off period. Decades off. This... hmmm. In a bind it could do.” He looked at me. “Many of these items appear twenty to thirty years after the Pride and Prejudice time frame... and these Christmas trees...”  He shook his head.

“Oh,” I said, a little at a loss. “Well, truth is, if it works in the scene, we’re okay with... you know... fudging it a bit.”

“I see. Why don’t we take a look around and see what we can do. I’m certain we’ll find you plenty of worthy items for your movie.”

I followed along behind him as he meandered through the maze of settees, writing desks, pedestal tables and rocking chairs.

“I do have a limited budget,” I called out to him before he considered showing me any pricy item.

“Of course you do.” He stopped at a beautifully ornate tabletop mirror. “Now this is a gorgeous piece.”

Indeed, it was, as was virtually every item he showed me,

By the time we left the shop an hour later, I had more than my list required, but I felt certain every purchase would be appreciated.

“I thought you were the producer of this film,” Barn said as he slammed the tailgate shut. “How did you end up shopping around for movie props?”

I walked back to the passenger side door. “Cindy, the prop master, has her hands full as it is. I thought I’d give her a hand. I admit I didn’t expect such an extensive list, but... well... as it turns out, this is fun.”

“I’m happy to see that you’re enjoying yourself.” He got behind the wheel. “What now?”

“All I need now are some Christmas wreaths,” I said as I buckled up. “Any idea where I could find some at this time of year?”

“I may not know where you could find wreaths, but I do know a craft store that will sell you everything you need to make some.”

As he pulled out of the parking lot, I looked at him. Make them? I have no idea how to make a wreath. What was he thinking?

“I see the skepticism in your gaze,” he said, his eyes on the road. “I’ll have you know that, not only does my mother have an eye for the perfect antique, she is also the queen of wreathmaking.”

I smiled at him. “And let me guess; she taught you everything she knows.”

“That’s right.”

We arrived at the craft store that was fill with floor to ceiling joy. Anything and everything an artist or crafter could possibly need was there; paints, canvas, ribbons, beads, and... greenery for our wreaths. We bought everything we needed and returned to the movie set. We haven’t taken an item out of the back of the truck before Cindy was at our side.

“Find everything I asked for?”

“I think you’ll be very happy,” I said.

Nodding her approval, she looked at the numerous items. “Good.  Yeah. This will do. We’ll paint this gold. But there are some items missing.”

“The antique expert that assisted us with our shopping said a number of items were of a later time period... far too late even if we weren’t being too precise with that sort of thing.”

Slightly offended, she simply nodded. “What about the wreaths?”

“Right here,” Barn said as he pulled a bag of greenery out from the back seat of the truck.

“What’s that?” she huffed. “Just a bag of spruce bits.”

“These ‘spruce bits’, as you call them, will be transformed into magnificent wreaths.” He turned to me. “Come on, Ayra. Let’s get to work.” He grabbed the other bag that was filled with ribbons and turned once again to me. “Ready?”

“Barn, I have no idea how to make a wreath.”

“I know. I’ll show you.”

Fireworks went off in my belly. We’d spent the larger part of the morning together, and he now wanted to go on and work on this wreath project with me.

Could he be more adorable?

As Cindy loaded up with her newly acquired props, I followed Barn around to the back of the manor.

“This could get a little messy,” he said as he walked on. “So we’ll set up back here.”

Anything you say.

We reached the greenhouse, and he set the bags down on a large table set up near it. 

“We’ll just have to clear some of this stuff away...” he said, as he pushed aside the few flower pots that sat on the table and then set the bag of seeds on the ground. “There.” Satisfied that we now had enough space to work, he turned to me and waved me over.

“I’m not much of a crafty person,” I said.

“No worries,” he said with a warm smile. “I’ll guide you every step of the way. You’ll see. It’s easy once you get the hang of it.”

We got to work, and I was surprised to see what a good teacher he was. He was patient and did a great job of explaining every step.

I didn’t want the day to end. Being with him was a dream I could never have imagined would come true.

“That one is a little wonky,” he said of a wreath I’d just made. “Reminds me of one of the first I’d made with my mother.”

“Oh?”

He shot me a teasing grin. “Yes... when I was eight years of age.”

I looked at my wonky wreath, holding it up and turning it one way and another. “Well, it’s not a perfect circle but...”

“Circle? Love, an egg is more circular than that wreath.”

Despite the harsh critique, I laughed. “I imagine your mother would not be very proud of that one.”

His chuckle was filled with the obvious affection he had for his mother. “Despite her title as queen of wreathmaking, she could be quite forgiving with a pupil’s first attempts.”

“How can I fix this?” I said, looking at the green disaster.

“Here,” he said, as he reached out to take a hold of the wreath. 

His hand brushed over mine and my breath caught in my throat.

“Hold it here,” he said, pinching another portion of the wreath with his thumb and index finger.

This time it was my hand that brushed over his as I set my fingers precisely where he indicated.

“All you need to do...” He took apart a section of the wreath. “... fix this here, take that one away and...” He reattached the section. “Voila!”

His hand swept over mine as he took the wreath and held it up. “Isn’t that better?”

“Much,” I said, amazed by what his capable fingers had done to my attempt... not to mention to my racing heart.

Gazing at his handiwork, he smiled. “Mum would be proud.”

Dimples and all, he was more than charming. Dare I say, even more charming than the fictional Mr. Darcy.

Damn. I was falling for him... falling hard.

SEVEN

To put everyone in a festive mood, someone had put on some Christmas music. I smiled as I made my way down the hall, the sound of jingle bells ringing in my ears.

I entered the ballroom and quickly caught Keely’s gaze. Standing with a tech guy as they looked over the sketch of the ballroom scene and the desired effect, she waved me over.

“Good morning,” I said to both of them.

Keely turned to the technician. “Just make sure this one is working so that a faint glow comes up here and we should be good to go.”

He nodded and walked away.

“Ayra,” Keely quickly said. “Big day ahead. The big Christmas ballroom scene.”

“Darcy’s first dance with Elizabeth,” I said.

“That’s right. And that means we don’t have a minute to spare. As you can see, we’ve transformed a good portion of the room. Two settees have been placed over there, but I’m not sure they should stay.”

“I don’t see why not. The space is generous enough for dancing and all the guests.”

“But what I need from you now...”  Keely looked around the room. “Over there.  Cindy and Jai are preparing to go do a major makeover of the sitting room. Apparently, it’s been used as a storage room these past days and... anyway, can you go and give them a hand and ensure the room is ready... hopefully later today.”

“Sure thing.”

“Keep them in line.  Jai tends to go off into his own imaginings sometimes. I need him to keep it real.”

I chuckled despite Keely’s complete lack of amusement. The stress of it all was getting to her. Her lips were almost always set in a tight line, and the slight bags under her eyes had darkened these past few days.

“Don’t worry, Keely,” I said, setting a soothing hand on her shoulder. “Things are going great. You’re doing a great job.”

She inhaled deeply and her shoulder sagged under my touch. “Thank you, Ayra. I’m beginning to feel a little overwhelmed. Things aren’t going as smoothly as I would have liked.”

“They never do.”

She nodded.

“I’m there for you, Keely. We’re in this together. Don’t let this stress you out. We’re making Pride and Prejudice. This is great.”

A tentative smile barely curved her lips, but her eyes were still filled with tension. “I know, and that’s probably what’s keeping me from collapsing.” Her smile broadened. “Now that you’ve given me a pep talk, go on and get to work.”

With a chuckle I walked away and joined Cindy and Jai.

“Good,” Cindy immediately said. “We need another pair of hands.”

I glanced at the unfamiliar woman beside her.

“Oh,” Cindy said. “And this is Jodi. She’ll be assisting us.”

Jai led the way to the sitting room. “As you may know, we’ve been using the space to store a few items since arriving here.”

“Yeah, Keely told me,” I said.

“But I’ve had it emptied and had it painted.”

I feared asking what color it’d been painted.

I walked into the room and was pleasantly surprised. The walls now painted a pale, pale green, left the room feeling huge and airy.

“It’s hard to believe that you were using this space for storage,” I said. “Where did you put all the stuff that was in here?”

He grinned. “You don’t want to know.”

“Now,” Cindy said as she looked around. “Where to begin.”

“We could start by putting up the wall sconces,” I said.

“The what?”

“The candle holder wall sconces I bought yesterday,” I said with surprising conviction. After all, wasn’t she the one in charge of décor? How could she not know what a wall sconce was? “I think we should set one between every one of those windows, on either side of the doors and...”  I looked around the room. “One over there and another two on that wall there.”

“Sounds good to me,” Jodi said.

She and I got the box of sconces and set to screwing them to the wall while Jai and Cindy tended to other matters.

A quiet girl, Jodi was efficient and easy to work with... almost phantom like. We quickly went around the room and set up all the wall sconces which immediately gave the room a more refined appearance.

“What next?” I said as we reached Jai and Cindy.

“We have drapes to set up,” Cindy said. She bit her bottom lip and looked at me. “Problem is I found the red velvet ones, but Keely has decided to go with the gold ones... which I can’t find.”

“Great,” I said with a dry drone. “How hard can it be to find heavy golden drapes meant to adorn such large windows?”

“Well, for one thing, the gold ones aren’t velvet. They’re some sort of silky looking synthetic. That means that the drapes for each window would fit in a package only so big.” With her hands, she vaguely formed a toaster sized box.

“Great,” I said again.

Jodi spoke up for the first time. “Why not put up the red velvet ones to see if Keely won’t change her mind?”

“I have a better idea,” I said, jumping off Jodi’s initiative. “I’m a producer on this film. I have a say in what happens on this film. I’ve put up some of my own money to make this film.”

They all looked at me, anticipating.

“I second Jodi’s suggestion that we put up the red velvet drapes but disagree with her hope that Keely might approve... because... I approve. I think red velvet drapes would look positively smashing on these windows. Let’s get to it.”

Jodi smiled.

“Good to have you on our team,” Jai said as he patted my shoulder.

“If I could pass everything by you, it would make things so much easier,” Cindy added.

“Enough sucking up,” I said with a laugh. “We’ve got work to do.”

We paired up, working two to a window. I again worked with Jodi who proved a pro at putting up curtain rods, ensuring they were sturdy and straight. Within the hour we had four windows properly dressed.

“We’re almost finished with this last one,” Cindy called as she and Jai put the finishing touch to the last drape then climbed down the ladder.

“I can’t imagine why Keely would have preferred the golden curtains,” I said, gazing at our handiwork. “The red is so fiery and gorgeous.”

“Just so you know,” Cindy said. “If she chews me out about them, I’m pointing my finger directly at you.”

I nodded my acceptance of that possible outcome.

“Now,” she went on with a clap of her hands. “All that’s left is the placement of our simple, yet elegant wreaths.” She pulled them out of the large box in the corner. “Hmm, a little blander than I expected.”

“We could add a few sprigs of red berries,” Jodi suggested.

“Good idea,” I said, happy to see her growing more and more confident.

I grabbed a few sprigs from the craft bag that had been brought into the room and strategically placed them in the two larger wreaths.

“Good. Now,” Cindy said. “Where do we put them?”

“I’d say about seven feet up on that wall,” Jai said. “And one there and another one up there,” he added, as he pointed out prospective spots.

“Since you’re so good at this,” Cindy said with a laugh as she set a wreath over his head and around his neck. “You can start with this one.”

She turned to Jodi and set a smaller wreath on her head. “Find a spot for this smaller one.”

“What about me?” I said, pouting like a child.

“Sorry. Nothing for you.”

“I’ll give you mine,” Jai said, taking the wreath from around his neck and setting it on me as I tried to slap it away.

Jodi giggled which prompted Cindy to chuckle which then had Jai and I laughing. 

“Come on, guys,” Cindy said. “We have to work.”

We all fell silent for a guilty second, then burst out laughing even louder.

“Well, you guys sure are having fun,” Keely called out as she walked in.

We all zipped up as if our mother had caught us doing something bad. Discreetly setting our wreaths aside we stood stiff, side by side, waiting for her reprisal.

“At ease, soldiers,” she said with a snicker. “I didn’t mean to come in and ruin your fun.”

“Of course not,” I said relaxing my suddenly tense shoulders. “You just startled us, that’s all.”

“Well,” Keely said. “When you’ve had enough of your fun and games, come join us in the living room. Barn and I went out to get some pizza and we’re going to watch an older version of Pride and Prejudice.”

“Sounds great,” I said. “We’ll be right there.”

“In the meantime,” Cindy said. “What do you think of what we’ve done so far?”

Keely’s response was a simple thumb’s up as she walked out.

With her gone, we once again looked at one another.

“Looks like the red velvet drapes got a pass,” Cindy whispered with a silent clap of her hands.

“Let’s hurry up and get these wreaths in place,” Jai said. “I’m starving.”

*****

FOLLOWING THE DELICIOUS scents of piping hot pizza, we arrived at the large living room and joined the rest of the crew. With my stomach rumbling, I grabbed a paper plate, opened the pizza box marked ‘extra cheese’ and slipped a huge slice on my plate.

As I took a quick bite, I spotted Keely seated at the back and headed in her direction.

“This seat taken?” I said as I sat down.

“Good pizza, huh?” she gave as a response.

“You didn’t say much about all the hard work we put into that ballroom. Did you even see what we did?”

“I had plenty of time to examine your handiwork as you guys laughed like school kids.”

“But you didn’t say much.”

“I like keeping Cindy on her toes,” she said with a smirk. “Truth is, I loved it.”

“Even the red velvet drapes?”

Munching on a bite of her pizza, she grinned, that devilish little grin that told me she was up to something.

“Keely... what did you do?”

“I’m the one who hid the golden drapes.”

I let out a quick but loud laugh. Everyone turned to us but Keely quickly and sternly swept their gaze back to the huge television screen that had been set up for the viewing of Pride and Prejudice.

Settling farther back in my chair, I leaned closer to Keely. “Why did you hide them?”

“I love Cindy, really I do.”

That immediately had me thinking she wasn’t too fond of the girl.

“But she can be so... oh... you know... so...”

“Know it all.”

“That’s it. Know it all. Most days I can handle it, but when we discussed which drapes to use, she was so uppity when I mentioned the golden ones, so... condescending, that I insisted she use those, even though I had my heart set on the red velvet ones.”

“Gee,” I said through another bite of my pizza. “Then I guess I must have read your mind. When she told me she couldn’t find the golden drapes, I insisted she use the red ones... I was making an executive decision.”

She reached out to grab my hand and gave it a quick squeeze. “You do have a way of reading me somehow.”

I gazed up at the screen, falling in love once again with Colin Firth’s Mr. Darcy. “Such a wonderful movie.”

Keely nodded. “I know we’re going to be criticized for certain... well, you know, anachronistic issues, but...”

“Artistic license,” I said.

She nodded again.

“We’ve had this discussion before.”

“I know.”

“Finding the right balance between being true to the book and making a movie that will resonate with a younger audience was key.”

“I know.”

“And same goes for being true and precise with historical facts and fudging a bit and making it more palatable for that younger audience.”

“Some find that insulting.”

“And others find it enticing.”

Taking a last bite of her pizza and dropping the crust in her plate, she turned to me. “You always know what to say, don’t you?”

“I try.”

She smirked to herself as she turned to face the screen. “Well now, try to shut up so I can watch this.”

We settled in to watch the movie. But after the family Bennett scene, Keely received a text, shook her head and abruptly got up and left.

Her stress level was going to go up again, I thought with a sad shake of my head.

“Where’s she off to?” Barn said as he quickly slipped into her vacated seat.

Happy to see him again, I shrugged as nonchalantly as I could. My insides buzzed with active nerves, while on the outside I was cool and collected, or so I hoped.

He leaned heavily into me, nudging my shoulder with his. “What fire has she run off to put out this time?”

“I really don’t know. She didn’t share that information with me.” I glanced at him and noticed his naughty grin. “What?”

“I have something for you.”

“Really? What is it?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“Oh?”

“Have I piqued your interest?”

“Well, of course you have.”

“Good.”

“So. What is it?”

“I told you. It’s a surprise.”

Frowning, I tried to size him up. “Well then, surprise me.”

“Tomorrow. Meet me out by my car.”

“Aren’t you filming the ballroom scene tomorrow?”

He hesitated, but before he could answer, Keely poked her head into the room.

“Change of plans, everyone,” she shouted over the sound of the television. “We can’t shoot the ballroom scene tomorrow. You guys have the day off. Enjoy!” And she disappeared back into the hallway.

“No,” Barn said simply with a satisfied grin.

Keely poked her head in again. “For everyone in those ballroom scenes, please rehearse your lines. We’ve lost enough time as it is. The last thing I need is fifteen takes for a flubbed line.”

She disappeared once again.

Barn’s grin didn’t waver. “I know my lines... all of them. I know this role inside and out, backwards and forwards, right side up and upside down.”

I laughed. “Okay, okay. I get it. So you know your part.”

“I don’t just know that part. I am the part. I was born to be Mr. Darcy. I mean, when you think about it, my mother ensured that this part be mine the day she married... well... my dad, Mr. Darcy.”

“You’ve got a point there.”

“Darcy is in my blood.”

“Fine... Mr. Barnaby Darcy. Since you know your part so well, I guess I’ll meet you at your car tomorrow morning. What time?”

“Eight o’clock would be good.”

“Fine then. I look forward to seeing what a day off with Mr. Barnaby Darcy is like.”

“You’ll find out soon enough,” he said with a smile. “Oh, before I forget; do dress casually and wear comfortable shoes.”

Hmm. That intrigued me even more.

“I’ll be sure to do that.”

We sat back to quietly watch the movie.

“Admit it,” Barn said during the dive in the pond scene. “I’m far better looking than he is.”

I didn’t know what to say. Yes, he was good look... a little younger perhaps, but Colin Firth was my first Mr. Darcy love.

“And you can bet I’ll be taking off my shirt for that scene... a maybe even a little more.”

I chuckled. “Remind me to be there for that.”

He laughed.

The movie came to an end, and someone flicked the overhead lights on.

“Well,” Barn said. “That’s my cue to be off for the evening. See you tomorrow morning, love.”

I was tempted to ask where he was going off to but quickly realized it was none of my business. But I was just dying to know.

The room slowly cleared out with Jai left to pick up after the crew. I joined him as he tossed paper plates into a large garbage bag.

“Hollywood types,” I said with a teasing nudge. “You can never trust them to pick up after themselves.”

I helped him clear the room of plates, cups, straws and the occasional plastic fork and knife for those unwilling to eat pizza with their hands.

“Bonus,” Jai said as he checked the last pizza box to find half a pizza in it. “I’ll take this to be my tip.”

“Well deserved.”

“I’m glad you stopped to help,” he said. “Not that I need the help, but I wanted to talk to you.”

“Sure, what about?”

He shrugged. “Just wanted to tell you how much fun it was decorating the ballroom with you today. It was really cool working with you.”

“Thanks, Jai. I really enjoyed working with you, too.”

“It really makes me feel like a part of the crew.”

We both glanced at the bag of trash and laughed.

“You know what I mean,” Jai said.

“It may not look like it now,” I said, glancing once again at the garbage bag, “but I happen to know that the cast and crew really appreciate you and are happy to have you here, too.”

EIGHT

My eyes popped wide open, and I bolted out of my bed. Six o’clock, the clock read. Perfect. A perfect hundred and twenty minutes, to take a shower, wash my hair, and get ready for my date... that is my day with Barn.

I stripped out of my pajamas then headed to the shower where I lingered a little longer than usual under the hot water as I tried to calm my nerves. I washed myself with apricot scented soap and washed my hair with kiwi scented shampoo, rinsed thoroughly and turned off the water.

As I reached for my towel, I caught a whiff of myself.

Damn. You smell like a freaking fruit salad.

I turned the water back on and rinsed even more thoroughly. Finally satisfied, I turned the water off and stepped out of the shower. I toweled off, combed out my hair and returned to my room.

Dress casually. Barn’s words resonated in my head. How casual is casual? I’d heard plenty of horror stories of people going to a ‘casual get together’ only to find everyone dressed up.

I looked through my closet knowing full well that I would start with basic jeans. No matter how casual the event, jeans would be appropriate.

But which jeans? Skinny? Black? Faded denim? Then I put my hands on my comfy, supple denim baggy jeans. Yes. Perfect. Only slightly frayed at the hem, two small, dime-sized holes had begun to work their way through at the knee... so fully organic and not manufactured.

I paired the jeans with a faded plum colored peasant blouse hemmed with a lacy frill, then looked at myself in the dresser mirror.

Good enough. Feminine casual.

I quickly blow dried my hair, tied it back into a loose ponytail and threw on a bucket hat.

Looking once again at my reflection, I was surprised to see the rosy hue of my cheeks. A healthy glow? No. I suspect my upcoming day with Mr. Darcy was more to blame than my health.

Nonetheless, I smeared some rose-colored gloss over my lips to enhance the look.

I glanced at the clock on my bedside table. Twenty minutes to go. All I needed was a comfortable pair of shoes and an easy to tote bag.

I rummaged through the bottom of my closet and pulled out a pair of flip flops. I was about to slip them on, then wondered if we might hike on a rocky path or go horseback riding... or do any one of a dozen activities that would be rendered difficult with a pair of flip flops.

Tossing them back into my closet, I then pulled out my broken-in blue walking shoes. Perhaps not the most fashionable thing I could have chosen, but I would not end up complaining about sore feet no matter the activity Barn had in store for me.

With fifteen minutes to spare, I grabbed my bag and headed out to the lot where Barn’s car was parked.

In the distance, I saw him, so handsome and cool as he leaned against his gleaming red sports coupe.

My heart pounded.

“Well, well,” he said as I approached him. “A lady who is not only on time, but even several minutes early. I do appreciate that.”

Smiling, I nodded as I quickly looked him over. Clearly, his notion of ‘casual’ was a little more refined than mine. Wearing tan colored pants, belted with braided brown leather, and a crisp white button-down shirt with open collar, he seemed every bit the country gentleman... a very hot and handsome country gentleman... even down to his leather loafers.

“Ready for a day of fun and surprises?” he said as he opened the passenger door for me.

“Eager for everything you have to throw at me, Mr. Darcy.”

We drove off.

“Could you give me a hint as to where you’re taking me?” I asked.

“I did.”

Frowning, I looked at him.

“I told you to dress casually. That’s a hint.”

“It’s a rather vague hint.”

“Perhaps, but a hint all the same.”

Realizing I wouldn’t get any more information out of him, I smiled and simply enjoyed the ride. The sun was bright, the skies clear and the countryside magnificent. Truth was, it didn’t really matter at all where we were going. What mattered was that I was with him... not just to run errands, but to actually spend the day together... at his request.

Oh, my heart.

“We’re almost there,” he said after some time.

He turned here and there, slowed down, then entered a vast parking area.

“What is this?” I said.

“Alton Towers.”

“What’s Alton Towers?” And then I saw a roller coaster zip by. “An amusement park?”

“Surprise!”

I was giddy with joy... such joy.  “Oh, Barn! That is a great surprise. I love amusement parks.”

“Good,” he said as he parked the car. “You’re in for a real treat. This place is wild.”

We walked to the entrance, the sounds of happy and excited people all around us. Barn paid the fares, and we entered a child’s wildest imagination.

“Where to begin,” he said. “Do you like roller coasters?”

“I love roller coasters,” I said as I took in the sights and sounds around us. “But I have to warn you, I’ve been to dozens of parks in America, and we have some pretty cool roller coasters. You might find me a little difficult to impress.”

“Hmm. Alrighty then. Challenge accepted. Let’s see. We’ll try a slow build up approach. Let’s start with the Galactica.”

“Whatever you say. Lead the way.”

We walked through the throngs of park goers and when we passed through a particularly dense crowd, Barn took a firm hold of my hand.

“Wouldn’t want to lose you before we even get started,” he said with a wink.

I smiled, far too pleased to have my hand in his. But my pleasure was short-lived as he released it the moment the crowd thinned.

“Here we go,” he finally said. “Galactica. Don’t mind the long queue. It moves rather quickly.”

And indeed it did.

“You’ll see,” Barn promised. “It’s probably the closest thing to flying you’ll ever experience.”

As our turn to board the coaster came, Barn made sure we were seated up front. I was confused as to how we would fly. 

“Looks a bit like a sort of typical roller coaster car. I mean, it hangs on the track from the top... I’ve seen that before... but we’re just sitting like in any other coaster.”

We sat down and were strapped in, but what surprised me most was when they strapped in our ankles.

“Why are they doing that?”

“You’ll see,” he said with a grin.

With everyone seated, I let out a yelp as our seats were suddenly pulled up and back, leaving us facing the ground.

“Oh, my God.”

“And this is how we fly.”

The coaster took off and I hung on for dear life.

“Let go,” Barn shouted as he held his hands straight out over his head, enjoying the flight

I was reluctant, and as the ride flung us upside down, I hesitated. But once level to the ground again, I released the holds and let myself enjoy the ride the way it was meant to be.

I was flying.

Breathless and eager to do it again, we got off much too soon.

“How was that?” he said as he guided me to the next ride.

“Good start,” I said, not willing to concede defeat so soon. “There are a few rides similar to this in California... but, yes... very nice. Very smooth.”

Very smooth, indeed.

“What more do you have for me?” I challenged.

“Wicker man roller coaster is interesting.”

We made it to the ride, a large wooden structure surrounded by intricate and interesting designs in... I guess wicker.

After a pre-ride little show, we boarded the coaster and went for a rather bumpy ride.

“Is my head still on?” I said when we stepped away from the ride.

“Some do get a little rattled.”

“A little?”

The shaky and bumpy ride was almost too long for my liking, but I was nonetheless pleased to have tried it.

“Where to next?”

“I think you might like Th13teen.”

“Hmm... sounds ominous.”

But the cars looked like old-school roller-coaster cars. The ride was enjoyable, nothing new, but far, far too brief.

“Is that all?” I said as the car came to a stop in a darkened tunnel.

I barely had time to see the knowing smile on Barn’s face before the tunnel went completely black.

“What’s going on?” I said, suddenly concerned.

I let out a light screech as the car shook and shook some more. The car fell and my heart jumped up to my throat. I screamed as I reached out to grip Barn’s hand. I had no idea what was happening and suddenly the car whipped backwards and pulled out of the dark tunnel and back to daylight.

“Oh, my God,” I whispered. “What was that?”

The curved track we had emerged on switched to a straight one ahead and the car slowly moved forward and returned to its starting position to welcome new riders.

“Impressed yet?”

I couldn’t very well deny that I was. “I don’t even know what to say about it.”

We made our way to our next ride. The Spinball Whizzer.

“Spinball,” I said as we waited in line. What could a Spinball roller coaster do?

“How are you liking your day so far?” Barn said, smiling down on me.

“I think it may very well be one to write home about.”

“Good.”

“And I certainly am glad that I opted for shoes and not the flip flops I initially considered.” Remembering my choice of footwear reminded me of the hat I had also put on and I instantly patted my head to find the hat was gone.

“Oh, no.  Oh, no, no, no. I’ve lost my hat. I loved that hat!”

“Worry not,” Barn said with cool calm. “You lost it at Galactica, and I’ve made sure an employee will hold it for you until we collect it later.”

Oh, how sweet of him. He really was such a sweet and kind man... so... Mr. Darcy.

Our turn came up.

The cars of the Spinball Whizzer were peculiar; small individual cars with patrons facing the front and others facing the back. Barn and I got into the side facing the back.

“That’s not fun,” I said with a pout. “I’d rather sit facing the front.”

“It won’t matter. You’ll see.”

And, indeed, it didn’t. Once the ride took off, I realized why it was called the Spinball Whizzer, as the car periodically spun around all while whizzing down the track.

“Who in the world thought of such a thing?” I said as we got off. “I’m not sure I can take anymore.”

“Just one more, and we’ll take a breather.”

“One more?”

“I promise.”

“Where to?”

“Oblivion.”

A roller coaster that ultimately had us chugging our way up and up and up, only to crest and have us facing the black hole below.

“Oh... heck, no.”

“Oh, yes.”

As if in a freefall, the coaster suddenly went down the straight vertical track, falling into a black hole where riders screamed their horror and/or thrill.

“You win, Barn,” I said as we walked away from Oblivion.

“Impressed.”

“Very much so.”

“Then my work is done.” He smiled as he took my hand.

Exhausted by the quick succession of roller coasters, we took our time and strolled through the crowd, enjoying their excitement. We grabbed some caramel corn, shared a candy apple and chomped down on a bit of cotton candy all while enjoying the immensity of the park.

“It really is a lovely park, Barn. Thank you for bringing me here.”

“I thought you might enjoy the change of pace.”

We’d made our way back to Galactica where Barn retrieved my lost hat.

“Here you go, madame,” he said as he set it atop my head.

“Thank you.”

“Other than a bite here and there, I’ve neglected to feed you.”

“Good thing, too. With all those rides, I’m not sure I would have been able to keep anything down.”

“I know a lovely place about a half hour from London. The food is delicious, the wine top-notch and the service impeccable.”

I looked down at my attire.

“Fear not,” he said. “Many of their patrons are tourist who tend to keep a more... shall we say... easy manner of dress. You’ll fit right in, I assure you.”

We arrived at the eatery - a charming little place tucked away in a small but appealing town. Upon entering, the maitre’d seemed to know Barn, but made no obvious show of it.

We were seated at a cozy table for two near a window overlooking the Seine.

“Barnaby? Is that you?”

I looked up to see Naya coming to us.

“Mum?” Barn said as he got to his feet to greet his mother. “Whatever are you doing here?” He kissed her cheek and gave her a warm hug. “This is so unexpected.”

“Dear, you know how your father loves this place.” She turned to me. “He simply can’t get enough of their steaks.”

“Nice to see you, Mrs. Darcy,” I said in greeting as I also got to my feet.

“Oh, and it is so lovely to see you, my dear. So lovely to see you here together.”

“What have we got here?” Mr. Darcy said, as he joined us.

“Look who popped in to have dinner with his date,” Naya said.

“Good evening, Mr. Darcy,” I said to the older man.

A tall and distinguished gentleman of barely sixty, his dark grey hair was highlighted with streaks of silky white. Wearing summer wool slacks, Burberry and tweeds, he was the epitome of an old-school Brit.

“Miss Ayra,” the older man said. “How lovely it is to run into you so unexpectedly.”

His Scottish accent was thick and charming.

“Tell me, dear,” Naya said to her son. “How are things back in Derbyshire?”

Barnaby suddenly reached for my hand and urged me closer. I stumbled my way around the table to come to his side.

“Splendidly, mum,” he said. “Even better than I could have imagined.”

“Oh, you don’t know how happy it makes me to hear you say that,” she gushed.

Barnaby leaned in to kiss my cheek. “I do believe I’ve never felt this way before. Never has a girl brought out such... emotion.”

I was stunned. Standing there, smiling like a silly schoolgirl, I tried to understand the sudden shift in mood. One minute I’m about to enjoy a scrumptious dinner with my Mr. Darcy, and the next, I’m being introduced to his parents like a girlfriend.

Then I remembered. Our mothers’ arrangement for us as suitors. Marriage even. At this rate, how I was beginning to fall hard for Barnaby, I am beginning to think our mothers do know what’s best for us, and that Barnaby felt the same way.

Oh, my heart wanted it so. Yes. Our day together had been enough to show him my fun side, my wild side, my easy to get along with side, and he’d appreciated every moment of it. So much so that he now introduced me to his mother as the girl who brought out such emotion.

I floated on a cloud.

Naya reached out, taking my hand from Barn and clasping both my hands lovingly in hers. “I knew in my heart that you two would hit it off. I just knew it!”

I smiled dumbly, unable to find anything to say.

“I’m so happy for you,” Naya said to Barnaby.

“Anything for you, Mum. Anything for you.”

NINE

After switching tables to join Naya and her husband Terence, Barn and I ordered our meal and enjoyed it in the company of his parents. They were lovely, maintaining an animated and easy conversation that had me exploring my childhood, but also learning much about Barn.

“I must say,” his father said as he finished his plate. “You are a very lovely girl who has obviously been brought up right.”

“Thank you,” I said, though I had no idea what he was referring to. Brought up right? Why? Because I didn’t put my elbows on the table or because I allowed Barnaby to speak without interrupting... without correcting? Was I being too docile and sweet? Or did he simply appreciate my easy manner and ability to converse adequately?

“Ayra really is a great producer,” Barnaby said, pride evident in his eyes as he gazed at me. “We’re together almost every part of every day.”

“There’s no better way to get to know one another,” Naya said. “Spending time together is key to a solid relationship.”

The table was cleared and as dessert and coffee were brought out, conversation turned to worldly matters and current events. Talk of the climate crisis became a little heated between Barn and his father as the generations clashed over who to blame and how to remedy the situation, but in the end, they respectfully agreed to disagree.

As we stood to leave the restaurant, our bellies full, Naya reached out to give me a warm hug.

“I’m so very happy to see you two together.”

We all walked out together, Naya and I chatting while Barnaby and his dad trailed behind us.

“I do hope to see you again soon,” Naya said as she and her husband prepared to leave.

“I’m sure you will, Mum,” Barn quickly said as he kissed her on the cheek.

The older couple walked away leaving Barn and I standing there, watching them.

“They are quite the couple,” I said. “Clearly so in love.”

Barn shrugged, unimpressed. “Hmm. Yeah. I guess.” He turned to face me, a pleased smile on his face. “The important thing is that they are both wild about you. I could see it in their eyes, the way they looked at you. It was clear they appreciated meeting you and getting to know you a bit.”

“I think in some ways, your mother and I are very much alike.”

He nodded. “That’s why I’m really hoping that we’ll be able to work out this arrangement.”

He led the way to his car, and as I followed behind him, I tried to figure out what he meant by 'arrangement.’

Opening the passenger side door, he waved me in. I hesitated, wanting to ask him a hundred questions.

“I know that this is quite sudden,” he said before I could say anything. “But I really like the idea of pursuing this relationship with you.”

My breath caught in my throat. A relationship? With me? It was all so out of the blue. Yet again, we had been working together on this project these past days... even if we weren’t necessarily working close together. Perhaps he’d been watching me from afar all this time, admiring my work, my ways.

“So,” he said. “What do you say?”

Keep calm. Don’t gush. “I think we should certainly look into it,” I finally remarked.

“It would be so great,” he said. “Mum would be so happy to hear it.”

The more I thought about it, the more I realized he was right. Not only would his mother be happy, but so would mine. After all, she had set up the initial date with Barnaby. While the feminist in me prickled at the notion of an arranged marriage as was still so prevalent in India, in this particular instance, my mother’s choice of a mate for me was so on the nose... I simply could not refuse.

My own Mr. Darcy. Yes, indeed.

“Still pondering my proposal, as it were?” he said with a crooked grin. But before I could give him a definitive answer, he leaned in to kiss me.

It wasn’t a quick and chaste kiss. It wasn’t a tender and tentative kiss either. It was a full on passionate, deep and exploratory kiss, complete with his tongue swirling around mine. I leaned heavily into him, consumed by the intensity of the kiss. The softness of his lips and the taste of his mouth. It was all too good.

Suddenly I was Lizzy for surely this was how Lizzy felt as Mr. Darcy covered her lips with his own. Yes. The tender yet determined passion of his kiss, owning me, possessing me, devouring me.

I floated on a cloud; cloud nine. “Oh, yes,” I murmured through the kiss, wanting more and more of him. “Yes!”

TEN

As Barnaby drove up to the Manor, he suddenly looked at me quite solemnly.

Was he having second thoughts about this attempt at a relationship between the two of us? Was he going to put an end to our relationship before it even began?

No. No, don’t do that, I silently pleaded. I want more of this. I want you. I want us. I want it all.

He parked the car and quickly set his hand over mine as it lay on my lap. “This evening has been magical, Ayra. I want you to know that.”

Oh, I know. Believe me, I know.

“But there’s something I need to ask of you.”

“Okay. What is it?”

“Considering the situation here at the manor, you know, with us filming this and my supposed relationship with Rhonda as she plays her role of Lizzy, my love interest... well, I think it would be best if we kept our relationship quiet... you know, keep it to ourselves.”

“Your relationship with Rhonda? You mean with Elizabeth, don’t you? Rhonda is simply the actress playing the part.”

“Yes, but you know how the promotion of these things work,” he said. 

He licked his lips, and I wanted desperately to lick them for him. How could a man have such luscious and kissable lips.

“You know how fans can be,” he went on. “The fans of movies like this just love to see the leading actors falling in love in real life.”

“I guess,” I conceded, although I wasn’t sure I agreed with him.

“It would throw everything off if fans were to learn that I was actually in a relationship with one of the movie’s producers. It might raise questions of favoritism or stuff like that.”

“I see.”

“It would only be until the movie came out. Once it’s a hit and has made millions, we can show our faces... together.”

Post-production could take months, then a promotional tour to sell the movie. It could be a full year before we could show our faces together, as he said.

“I know it would be a great sacrifice,” he gently added. “But none of this means that we still can’t see each other. We just have to be careful about how we go about it.”

“I know you’re right,” I finally said. “Everything you’re saying makes perfect sense.” I just hated the idea of constantly being in hiding.

“And that means Keely, too. You can’t let her know about this. I mean, it might be enough for her to want to fire me over this.”

I chuckled. “Yeah. I seriously doubt she would be happy to hear that I’m dating you. Okay. I promise. Mum’s the word. I won’t let anyone know about us.”

“And no one in the cast... least of all Rhonda.”

“Absolutely no one, Barn. This is our little secret.”

The idea of sharing a secret with him suddenly became quite thrilling. Only he and I would be in on it. It would be just one of the hundreds of things we would share.

I suddenly understood why he’d parked his car so far from the main house.

“So, let’s say goodnight for now,” he said as he leaned in to kiss me. Though not quite as passionate as the first, it was still a deep kiss that I wanted to lose myself in.

“I hate to do this,” he said, pulling away. “But I’m going to have to ask you to get out of the car here and walk the remainder of the way to the house. I want to be sure no one sees us.”

“I understand. And where are you off to for the rest of the evening?” I tried to make the question sound casual, but somehow it felt like I was checking up on him.

“I have lines to rehearse with Rhonda,” he said without an ounce of guilt or shame, just a matter-of-fact response to a professional question from his producer. “We have a big scene first thing tomorrow morning.”

I pressed a tight smile despite the lurch in my gut at the thought of him with Rhonda. “Well then, I’ll let you get to work.”

I stepped out of the car and watched him drive closer to the manor. Tormented, I slowly walked up the stone path that led to the side entrance of the manor. I was thrilled at this turn of events... dating Mr. Darcy... but... Argh.

I already ached.

*****

I AWOKE EARLIER THAN usual the following morning. Throughout the night, my dreams had been taken over by Barnaby, as himself, as Mr. Darcy... with me... with Elizabeth... with Rhonda. The conflicting emotions left me restless and unable to get a good sound sleep.

Nonetheless, I got ready for the day and headed downstairs with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The moment I walked into the ballroom; I spotted Barnaby by the far wall; as handsome as ever in his Mr. Darcy garb. In close and quiet conversation with Rhonda, he didn’t notice me entering... Ouch.

But Keely did spot me. “Oh, good,” she said as she rushed up to me. “I’m glad you came down early.”

“You know I’ve been looking forward to watching this scene.”

“Oh, I know, and that makes my request all the more difficult to ask you.”

My heart sank, but I smiled. “I take it I won’t be able to watch this scene play out.”

“Sorry, but I need you at the lake.”

Surprised, I looked at her. “The lake? Which lake?”

“That’s the problem exactly. Moon Manor has two lakes: a small one and a larger one. The thing is I have issues with both of them. They each have their pros and cons and I’m having a hell of a time making up my mind. I need you to go out to take a good look at both. You have such a great eye for this sort of thing.”

“This is for the dive in the pond scene?”

“Exactly.”

“And what are your issues with both lakes?”

“I don’t want to tell you so as not to influence your judgment. Go out there, examine them closely and come back to tell me what you think.”

I nodded solemnly, the vision of Colin Firth diving into that pond fresh in my memory.

“And if you think you were looking forward to watching this scene between Mr. Darcy and Lizzy, imagine the day we film the lake scene. Barnaby with his shirt off... and maybe more. What a sight that’s going to be.”

I pointed an accusing finger at her. “You better make sure I’m there for that shoot.”

“I promise,” she said with a laugh. “I know it’s your favorite scene and I wouldn’t have you miss it for the world.”

Laughing, I headed back up to my room to get changed for my stroll around the lake. Once there I exchanged my jeans for some khaki shorts and paired it with a short-sleeved pale yellow cotton blouse.

As I headed down the stairs, I looked around for someone who could accompany me to these two lakes - someone who knew the property well.

“Where you heading off to?” Jai said as if summoned to assist me. Wearing a jaunty cap and a dark green quilted jacket, he looked every bit the part of the country gentleman that he actually was.

“I’m going to go scout for the best location for the ‘dive in the pond’ scene. Keely wants me to check out the lakes of Moon Manor.”

“What a coincidence. She asked me to head out there myself. Want me to take you out there? My jeep is out front and ready to go.”

“I’d appreciate it. You sure are looking spiffy for a ride out to the lake.”

“Warm clothes are a must for the ride out.” He looked down at my attire. “I suggest you throw on a jacket or something. The wind can get quite chilly.”

I looked down at my thin blouse and khakis. “Okay. Give me just a minute and I’ll be right down.”

“I’ll be waiting out front.”

I ran back to my room, exchanged my shorts for the same blue jeans I originally had on and threw a thick cotton jacket over my blouse. On my way out, I grabbed my faded red wool beanie and pulled it over my head.

As promised, Jai was right there in front of the main door. I quickly realized why he insisted on being so warmly dressed. His jeep was entirely open to the elements, no roof, no doors, no windshield.

“Hop in,” he shouted over the sound of his loud engine.

I’d barely buckled in that we were off.

“The back road out here can get a little rough,” he shouted. “You’d best hang on.”

Hang onto what? I wondered as we bumped and jumped our way down the dirt road.

“This is the worst of it,” he said as he slowed down to maneuver the jeep around some deep ruts. “When the rain hits, the puddles are knee deep in places... then it dries out and this is what I’m left with.  I’ll fix it... someday... but for now, this is the best way to the lake.”

I thought of Keely and the crew driving out this way. Would they be able to make it?

But after only a few more hundred yards or so, the road smoothed out.

“It’s easy riding for the rest of the way,” Jai said. “Almost,” he added with a grin.

“This is such beautiful country,” I said with admiration. Now that I didn’t have to hang on for dear life, I could take a better look at my surroundings.

The dirt road ran along a ridge, giving us a splendid view of the farms and country homes far and deep into the valley.

“I suggested Keely follow Mr. Darcy out here as he heads to the lake. The views up here are like nothing else.”

“Did she like your suggestion?”

“I think she did. She just didn’t seem sure Barnaby would appreciate having to walk out here.”

Of course, Barnaby would go along with the idea, I wanted to argue. He’d do anything to make this the greatest movie ever.

“We’re almost there,” Jai said as we arrived at a gazebo set beneath the shade of a huge tree.

Moments later, the lake opened up in front of us. It was glorious. The rays of the early morning sun sparkled across the top of the water.

“Is this the bigger one of the smaller one?” I asked.

“This is the larger one.” Jai stopped the jeep, killed the engine and hopped out. “Come on. We can walk around this section of it.”

I followed him as he took a pebbled path to the edge of the water.

“The water is so clear,” I remarked. “That’s a good thing.”

“The advantage of this lake is the view on the other side,” Jai said. “That stand alone tree by the gazebo is the perfect touch of greenery, but you have a view of the distant valley.”

“Those flowers on the other side are pretty, too. I like the touch of color.”

He nodded in agreement. “Depending on the time-of-day you guys shoot the scene, you’ll have the sun setting behind that tree, or, if it’s shot in the morning, that same tree will be brilliantly lit by the rising sun, just as it is now.”

“Magical,” I whispered.

“I like to think so.”

I smiled at him. “You’re really developing an eye for all this, aren’t you. Look at you talking about lighting and points of view.”

With a chuckle, he shrugged. “I guess you guys are rubbing off on me.”

I looked once again at the lake. It certainly had potential, especially at this end where the lake narrowed somewhat.

“Okay,” I finally said. “I think I’ve seen enough. Let’s go see the smaller one.”

“As you wish.”

We returned to the jeep and headed off. For a few moments, we rode along the edge of the lake that went on to be far longer than I’d originally thought.

“The lake seems to go on forever,” I said.

“It is pretty long and narrow.”

We then drove through a field of wildflowers wistfully dancing in the breeze.

“Wow.  This is really pretty. I think we should have Mr. Darcy walking through here once he emerges from the water. The strength of his wet torso coupled with the delicate movement of those swaying flowers would be spectacular.”

He nodded but said nothing.

We came to a large sand pit strewn with pebbles, baseball size rocks and large boulders.

“What happened here?” I asked at the unexpected sight.

“This is where I come to get dirt, pebbles, rocks, whatever I might need for filler around the house and stuff... like that rutted road back there.”

“Your own private quarry, as it were.”

“Something like that.”

After a few more moments, we emerged from a sparse stand of tall pines and the small lake came into view.

“There’s a bridge,” I let out with glee at the sight of the decorative wooden structure that had long ago been painted white. “That is adorable.”

Jai parked the jeep, and we headed out.

“It’s been there for quite some time,” he warned as we neared the bridge. “I’m not sure it’s sturdy, and as you can see, it’s in desperate need of a new coat of paint.”

“Do you think we can step on it?” I asked as we reached the first boards.

“We can try. Worse that can happen is that we fall through and get wet.”

I laughed as I set my foot on the first board, then shifted my weight onto it. “A little squeaky, but it seems to hold.”

Growing bolder, we both stepped onto the bridge and walked to the center.

“I think the water here is even clearer than the larger lake,” I said as I looked deep into the crystalline water. “Mr. Darcy could come to this bridge...” I grabbed a hold of the guardrail and shook it. It held tight. “He could climb up on this and dive into the water. It would be fantastic.”

“There’s an old rowboat tucked away in the tall grass over there,” Jai said as he pointed to a spot just beyond the other end of the bridge. “You could get a camera operator straight out into the lake to get a shot of Mr. Darcy as he dives in.”

I nodded. “Yes,” I whispered, seeing the scene play out in my head. “He’ll take off his shirt, drape it over the side here. We’ve discussed having him take off his shoes and trousers as well.”

Jai looked at me with a funny grin but said nothing.

“Yes,” I went on with my vision of the scene. “A camera operator in the boat like you said, and one here on the bridge capturing the dive from behind.” I waved my hand over the water to indicate the movements I sought. “The water glistening under the sun.” I turned to look around. The morning sun was already high. “Where is the sun going to set?”

“That way,” Jai said aiming his hand just to the left of where the bridge met the far shore.

“Perfect. I really do think this could be perfect.” I grimaced somewhat.

“What is it?” Jai said.

“It’s just a shame there are no flowers here. A few specks of yellow and pink would really make it perfect.”

“No problem,” he said. “I could bring a few of the wildflowers from the field and plant there wherever you’d like.”

“You’d do that?”

“Anything to make this movie as perfect as can be.”

“You’re so sweet.”

“Come on,” he said with a gentle touch to my elbow. He led me farther down the bridge to where it rose slightly higher. “Look at that.”

I looked out over the water. Still just as lovely as where we’d stood just moments earlier.

“No,” he directed. “Look over there.”

I looked in the direction he pointed to and finally saw what he was referring to. In the distance, only slightly obscured by a few bushes, Moon Manor stood on a knoll, regal and distinguished.

“Well, that does it,” I said. “I’m sold. This is the spot. Mr. Darcy will jump off the bridge just down there.” I pointed to where we’d been. “And he’ll swim down this way, emerge from the water on that shore with Moon Manor right down there waiting for his return.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

I looked out onto the lake. Jane Austen surely could not have imagined a more perfect setting for Mr. Darcy’s plunge. Over and over again, the vision of Mr. Darcy jumping into this lake played in my mind.

“This is Pride and Prejudice,” I said to myself, for a moment forgetting Jai at my side until he inched closer.

“I’m glad you like it,” he said softly, as if reluctant to break into my revery. 

“I love it.”

“You know, this particular view of Moon Manor was what sold me. As I stood here, looking over the lake and down at the manor, I knew I had to have it.”

“It is quite a romantic place.”

“Indeed,” he said. “Moon Manor is a place for love... for love to flourish and grow. If I’m lucky, one day, I’ll find someone who shares my love of this place. So many these days want to live in the city; big lights, action, busy, busy, busy. But I’m sure there is someone out there who will look out from this bridge one day and love it just as I do.”

I looked up at him and the dreaminess of his eyes. His lips were curled in a gentle smile, smiling more to himself than to me.

“I absolutely love how you love this place,” I whispered.

He turned to face me, and his lips parted. I smiled, welcoming whatever it was that he might have to say to me. As his gaze darted from my eyes to my lips, to my nose and back to my eyes, his lips clamped shut and he remained silent.

Why had I not noticed it before? True, he didn’t have the refined airs of Mr. Darcy, but there was something about him that drew me in. He was very handsome in a rather earthy and rugged way. His unruly hair curled out from under his cap, and I suddenly longed to tuck it back in.

“I like your fashion sense,” I said for lack of anything more intelligent to say.

He chuckled. “I’m no Mr. Darcy. I just wear what works. I’m far more function than fashion.”

True, I wanted to say. He was far from having the showy mode of dress as Barnaby, but... somehow... it worked. As a matter of fact, it worked very well... very well indeed.

“You have your own fashion sense that is very appealing,” I managed to say.

He pressed his lips together, awkward and uncomfortable under my scrutinizing eyes.

With the sudden urge to kiss him and show him just how much I appreciated him, I inched closer. But he suddenly turned and walked away.

“We’d better get back,” he called over his shoulder, his steps heavy on the boards of the delicate bridge. “Keely made it abundantly clear that she wanted you back in time for lunch.”

“She did?”

“Yeah. Said something about a private lunch with you. I guess she wants to discuss some movie magic you guys are going to make.”

I rushed to keep up with him, still lost in the dense emotions that were suddenly plaguing me. Wait, I wanted to call out. But even from a distance I heard him start the engine.

I just barely had time to hop into the jeep that we were off and blazing down the dirt road. Dazed, I sat there, barely seeing the landscape as we returned to the manor.

I’d almost kissed him. Out of nowhere and so unexpected... I’d suddenly longed to kiss him. Jai. What in the world had gotten into me?

ELEVEN

Keely stood on the front steps of Moon Manor, waiting, her arms crossed over her chest.

“Darn it,” Jai let out under his breath. “I do hope I didn’t bring you back too late.”

“Don’t worry about it,” I said, amused at his polite choice of expletives. Jai was through and through a gentleman.

He stopped the jeep at her feet, and I immediately hopped out.

“Here I am,” I declared. “Just in time for our private lunch.”

Keely smiled as she uncrossed her arms. If she had intended to reprimand Jai, she didn’t let on. “Thank you, Jai,” she said.

“It was very much my pleasure showing Ayra around. I’m always proud to show off parts of the property people only rarely see.”

“And I do thank you for bringing her back in time.”

He nodded. “I always do my best to do what’s needed. Now, if you don’t mind, I do have chores to tend to.” And with a slight tip of his jaunty cap, he steered the jeep away and left us.

“So,” Keely said as she turned to lead me around the house to the back. “How was your visit?”

“Magical, Keely. This place is truly magical. I mean, Jane Austin herself could not have found a more suitable location to bring her novel to life.”

“That’s good to hear. And what about the lakes. Which one did you prefer for this all important scene?”

I giggled like a schoolgirl. “When you really get down to it, once Mr. Darcy strips down and dives into that water... who really cares where it is.”

We burst out laughing, each with our vision of Barnaby stripped down and dripping wet. 

“Remember back in grad school?” Keely said.

Laughing louder and louder, I nodded as I grasped her hand. “We watched Colin Firth dive into that pond over and over again. “

She grasped my other hand as she faced me. “Not only the dive but...”

“The walk back to the house with that white shirt plastered to his chest,” we shouted in unison.

“Ah,” Keely let out as our laughter died down. “Those were the days.”

“Yeah,” I said. “That’s what prompted us to form the Jane Austen Association.”

Releasing my hands, she laughed. “That’s right. And now, here we are, making a movie of our own.”

“But.” I finally said. “On a more serious note...

“Ladies,” Jai called out as he came around from the other side of the manor and walked to us. He’d discarded his cap and quilted jacket. “Your private table at Moon Manor’s café is ready.”

Keely quickly sobered up. “Thank you, Jai. And the crew?”

“Sandwiches will be served half an hour after you and Ayra have been seated.”

“Perfect. Thank you.”

He left us once again.

“Give me a minute to go change out of this and I’ll meet you at the café.”

“Make it quick,” Keely said. “We have a lot to talk about.”

Frowning, I walked away and headed up to my room. I thought our private lunch was simply to establish which lake Barnaby would dive into. What else could she want to discuss?

I opened the door to my room and gasped at the sight of a huge bouquet of colorful flowers set on my dresser.

“Oh, my,” I let out as I walked up to the flowers and instantly shoved my nose into the bouquet. “Barnaby?” I whispered as I looked for a card.

But there was none.

Hmm.

As I shrugged off my jacket and stripped out of my scouting clothes, I wondered who else could possibly bring flowers to my room. It had to be Barnaby. The thought pleased me to no end. How romantic and charming and oh so Mr. Darcy.

I quickly threw on a pretty yellow summer dress adorned with pale green flowers, slipped into leather flip flops and headed downstairs to the café.

“I took the liberty of ordering you a ginger tea, just the way you like it,” Keely said as I sat opposite her.

Hmm?  Sucking up? What in the world was all this about?

“Thanks,” I said taking a tentative sip.

“I also took the liberty of ordering our sandwiches and soup.”

“No time to waste, I see.”

“I hope you don’t mind.”

“No. Of course not... then again. It depends on what you ordered,” I said with a chuckle.

“Roast duck on whole wheat with a vegetable noodle soup.”

“Sounds good.”

Our lunches arrived moments later, and Keely immediately leaned in. “So. How did your surveillance of Moon Manor’s property go?”

“Very well. Jai had shown me a small portion of the property when we first arrived, but the lakes are way out there and quite impressive. The immensity of this property is mind boggling.”

“And which lake do you prefer?”

“I have to say the smaller one... the one with the small wooden bridge crossing over it. Not only is the bridge charming in an old-world sort of way, but at a certain point of the bridge, we see Moon Manor. It really is quite lovely.”

Keely smiled and I knew we were on the same page. “Good,” she said. “That’s the one I preferred, too. There were aspects of the larger one that were appealing, and I was torn between the two. So glad we agree.”

It was so good to see her laugh and enjoy herself. It really was like back in grad school where life was fun and easy and relatively stress free.

“Well then, it’s settled. Right?”

“Right.” She took a bite of her sandwich followed by several spoonfuls of soup.

Sensing she had so much more to say, I watched her carefully. If she did have something else to say, what was holding her back?

“Filming is going so well,” I ventured, hoping to spark her need to talk.

“Very well,” she said with a nod. “I’m pleased with the way everything is going. The crew gets along well and work well, and the actors get along pretty well and...”

“Pretty well?”

She pulled in a long breath, and I knew we were getting close to what was truly on her mind.

“Yes,” she said, almost to herself. “The actors get along fairly well.”

Pretty well and now only fairly well?

“What about Barnaby and Rhonda? Do you have concerns about them?”

“Oh, no. Not at all. Those two were meant to play those parts. The chemistry between them is absolutely off the charts. It’s amazing how sparks fly whenever they’re in the same scene. In person it’s electric but even through the lens it’s unmistakable. They’re the most perfect pairing we could have hoped for.”

All her gushing was starting to get to me. Okay, so they were good together. That was great news. Movie goers would love them.

Then why did I feel so... icky. My stomach churned. I pressed an unconvincing smile but had to admit to myself that I was filled with... No. It couldn’t be. I couldn’t let it happen.

And yet there it was; the ugly face of jealousy. And that jealousy was aimed at Lizzy... a character that I loved so dearly.

“Are you okay?” Keely said.

I waved at my throat. “I think a piece of duck went down the wrong way. You know how excited I get when talk of Mr. Darcy comes up, I virtually forget how to function... how to swallow.”

She let out a light laugh that quickly subsided. “Truth is, I need your help with something.”

Looking at her curiously, I cocked my head to the side. “My help? With what? The cast?”

“Not the cast... just one member of the cast.”

“Oh? What sort of issues are you having?”

“You know how I hate to complain about this sort of thing...”

“Spit it out, Keely.” I quickly checked my watch. “Another five minutes and the rest of the crew will be coming in here.”

She nodded. “I’m getting push back from one of the actors. Every direction I give is questioned. In one instance, he even insisted that I change the position of the camera in order to get him from another angle and when I argued that the lighting was set up to shoot from the planned direction, he insisted I change the entire lighting.”

“Did you?”

“Damn it, I had to. He refused to do the scene if I didn’t make the changes. It took over half an hour to get everything set up in the other position only to have him realize that I was right to begin with.”

“I know how hard-headed you can be, Keely. Just hold your own. Don’t let him win or he’ll step all over you. After all, you’re the one with the vision for this movie. He’s only an actor.”

“Yeah... well, he’s a pretty big actor; not big enough to have learned any modicum of humility or kindness, mind you. Just big enough to think that he can get whatever he wants. And who am I? Just a first-time director trying to make a name for herself.”

“No matter how many movies he’s acted in and how many you’ve directed, he still owes you some respect. You shouldn’t have to placate him.”

“Yeah. Well, why don’t you tell him that.” She looked me straight in the eye.

“Do you really mean that?” I said. “Is that what all this is about? You’d like me to talk to this actor?”

She nodded only slightly. “It would be better coming from you. That way he couldn’t take it out on me.”

I bit my bottom lip as I considered her request. Confrontations weren’t my strong suit. In fact, I tended to shy away from them whenever I could.

“Ayra,” Keely went on, “if he continues to argue every scene with me, he’s going to cause endless delays. This guy literally thinks he could direct this movie better than I can. This afternoon he actually gave an actor a direction that was precisely what I had asked that actor not to do.”

“I see.”

“I need you to just step in... gently, politely... just to let him know that I know what I’m doing. If you could just be there as we shoot a scene and point out that I’m a damned good director and I’m doing what’s best for this movie.”

I smiled. “Well, that wouldn’t be too hard, after all, you are the best director for this movie.”

“Does that mean you’ll do it?”

“I don’t think I have much of a choice.”

“And I know how tactful and diplomatic you can be. Not only that, but as a producer on the film, you have a say... a substantial say in how things run around here.”

“Okay. So who is this busybody who’s giving you such a hard time.” But it suddenly struck me. A well-known actor, a big name, head strong and think he knows how it all works. It could only be... “It’s Barnaby, isn’t it?”

“Who else?”

TWELVE

“Okay, people,” Keely called out. “I need everyone in their places.” She turned to the lighting guy. “Gabriel, I want you to keep artificial lighting to a minimum for this first shot.”

He nodded his understanding.

Looking out at the scene, I could almost remember word for word Jane’s description. A festive scene with music and dance.

The women, cast and extras, were all dressed in fancy gowns, their hair curled and pulled up, and their make-up minimal. The men were equally formal and ready for a pleasant night in the ballroom.

“In exactly ten minutes, the sun will be streaming in through that window,” Keely said, pointing to the window behind her. “I want to take full advantage of that golden light before relying on candles and artificial light. Everybody got that?”

The main actors as well as the extras nodded, although Barn’s nod was quick and curt.

Please don’t make Keely miss her cherished golden light, I silently pleaded. This definitely wasn’t the time to argue with her vision.

Lizzy and Mr. Darcy stood in the very spot that the sun was to light up any moment now. The extras around them took their mark. Everything was perfect.

“Music,” Keely called.

The pianist played a gentle melody that hugged the background.

Keely turned to the camera operator. “We’re going to keep it tight on them both... waist up.”

He nodded.

“Barn and Rhonda...” Keely said, as the setting sun sent a ray of light through the window and into the ballroom. It struck the floor at the pair’s feet and began its steady ascent, lighting Lizzy’s gown perfectly.

“Action,” Keely called out.

The pair stood close to one another, both bathed in that magical light. Their eyes sparkled as they gazed at one another, each saying their lines with ease.

A chill ran up my spine... a bittersweet chill. Seeing my favorite book come to life in such a magical way was what I’d long dreamed of... but... Watching Barn so close to Rhonda, that look in his eyes...

He’s just acting, I told myself. He’s a very good and convincing actor.

But still... my heart ached, just a little bit.

“Keep rolling,” Keely called out as the initial portion ended.

They filmed until the sun completely left the room.

“Cut!” Keely stepped forward. “Thank you all for indulging me in this all important scene.” She looked at Barn and Rhonda. “You two looked absolutely fabulous in that golden light.”

She turned to her tech guys. “Okay. Let’s set up for the next sequence.”

I stepped closer to her. “That scene with the fading sunlight was genius.”

“Thanks,” she said as she glanced at the story board. “To tell you the truth, I didn’t think it would work.”

“Why?”

She shrugged. “Just expected someone to mess up and ruin the shot.”

“Well, everything turned out perfectly.”

Her eyes were on Barn. “Any minute now, I expect him to come and complain about something or other. Okay,” she called out as she turned away from me. “Let’s go.”

With everyone in place, Keely prepared to start the next shot.

“Actually,” Barnaby said in the haughty manner of Mr. Darcy. 

“Here we go,” Keely murmured under her breath.

Barnaby took a step closer. “I think this shot would be far more evocative if you really came in close to my face and caught the look in my eyes.”

“Well, Barnaby,” Keely gently said. “Since we’re already set up to shoot it this way, why don’t we try it and...”

“No,” Barn said much like a disgruntled child would. “The most important thing in these scenes is my emotion. My disdain for Elizabeth, my growing admiration for her, my fondness for her and, ultimately, my unwavering love for her. You can’t get all that from afar. The audience is going to want to see my eyes, deep into my eyes.”

Keely pressed her lips in exasperation and glanced sidelong at me.

Her exasperation was my cue to speak up. Alright. Here goes.

“Barnaby,” I called out as I headed his way. I purposefully put on a bright and understanding smile.

He looked at me, his stern eyes quickly going soft. “Yes, Ayra?”

He smiled with uncertainty, but his smile broadened as I got close enough to speak only to him. “What is it, love?”

My insides did three somersaults. He was all tenderness and adoration. Adoration for me? It certainly seemed that way.

“What is it?” he asked again.

“Oh,” I said, suddenly remembering the task at hand. “I don’t mean to argue with you,” I said softly, “but, then again, I do know this book backwards and forwards, as you well know.”

He nodded.

“It does seem to me that a close up in this particular instance wouldn’t really do the scene justice.”

“Oh?”

“You see, your interaction with Bingley is crucial here. If we close in to your face... to your eyes, well, we lose too much of that full body tension.” I smiled and looked up and down the length of him. “After all, that body of yours says so much; the way you hold yourself, your strong shoulders... it all lends well to the entirety of the emotion of the moment.”

I knew I was laying it on a little thick, but...

“You’re right,” he said with an understanding nod, pulling his shoulders back as if to emphasize my words. “You’re absolutely right. Thank you, Ayra.”

“I knew you’d understand.” I turned and winked at Keely. “We’re all good. Let’s get this scene over and done with, people.”

Keely mouthed a silent thank you.

Several scenes were shot without issues from Barnaby. But as I watched him ‘acting’ with Rhonda, the chemistry between them became more and more evident. There was an ease about their interactions. His hand lingered over hers even after Keely called ‘cut.’ His eyes were steadily on hers.

Damn.

They were Mr. Darcy and Lizzy.

A producer couldn’t hope for a better pairing. Right. I should be happy. They were going to make this movie a success... so believable. So damned believable.

My heart raced, but not with the adoration I felt for Mr. Darcy or Barn. It raced with uncertainty, with a sense of betrayal.

He’s just a good actor, I told myself again.

He’s simply that good of an actor.

He’s good.

He’s good.

THIRTEEN

I rubbed my temples as I anticipated another day of negotiating with Barn. I was growing weary of playing the go between for him and Keely, but he was growing more and more demanding and less willing to cooperate with my suggestions.

“This is the scene we’ve been waiting for,” Keely said as we drove out to the small lake. “The weather is perfect and...” She looked at me. “Are you okay?”

I looked up at Barn’s pick-up truck ahead of us. With Barn at the wheel, we were all making good time as we followed him down the dirt road.

“Oh,” Keely said with an understanding nod. “I see.”

“We got up at four this morning,” I said. “We got everything ready. The actors went through make up, hair, wardrobe... all in the hope of capturing that magical moment with the morning sun glistening on Mr. Darcy’s smooth and muscular chest.”

She nodded again. “You’re afraid we won’t get the shot?”

“Yesterday I caught him giving wardrobe advice to one of the Bennet sisters, then he commented on some actor’s untidy beard, then tried to tell Mr. Bingley how to pronounce ‘harassment.’ It never ends.”

“It will soon enough, don’t worry.”

But I was worried, not only about the outcome of the movie and my investment, but also my relationship with Barn. Every time I intervened, I feared his reaction.

Shrugging, I glanced back at the line of trucks following us. “We’re putting so much into this scene. I’m beginning to wonder if that might be a mistake.”

“Don’t worry,” Keely said. “I think Barnaby knows the importance of this scene. He won’t mess this up.”

I wasn’t so sure. The last few days had been filled with little battles that were increasingly difficult to win. I’d almost begun to think that he was deliberately trying to ruin every single scene.

We arrived at the lake and I crossed my fingers.

“This is great,” Barn said as he hopped out of his truck. “Beautiful. Let’s get this scene done. I’m feeling sexy.”

I pressed a wry grin and glanced at Keely who looked up to the cloudless sky.

“Great,” she muttered, then turned to the crew. “I want a camera set up on the bridge, another one in that rowboat and a third...” She looked around for the best option. “How about we try one just about here to capture the entire view?”

“No,” Barn quickly said. “That angle is all wrong. I think the camera should be set up on the far side of the lake.”

Before I could argue with him, Keely stepped in. “You’re right, Barn.” She turned to the camera operator. “Go set up on the other side.”

Pleased, Barn turned to walk across the bridge.

I edged closer to Keely. “Why are you giving in to him so easily? I could have talked him out of it.”

She smiled. “I wanted the camera on the other side to begin with.”

“Ha,” I let out with a laugh. “That’s a risky game to play.”

“When I really want you to step in, I’ll give you a sign.”

“As you say.”

The sun slowly made its way up to the horizon and peered over it to give us the perfect lighting.

Bare-chested and with only his tight black pants on, Barn climbed the railing and dove into the water. Moments later, he stepped out glistening like a god. It was glorious and I instantly knew that Mr. Darcy fans would go wild at the sight.

“Cut!” Keely said at the end of the scene. “That was perfect. Everything was absolutely perfect. Let’s get back to the manor to meet up with Lizzy.”

“Hold on,” Barn said. He looked down at his wet chest. “Why not take advantage of this moment and... you know... make it linger a bit.”

“What do you have in mind?” Keely patiently asked.

“I could lay down in the tall grass and ponder on my relationship with Rho... I mean Lizzy.”

Keely pulled in a long breath, bit her bottom lip, then nodded at one of the camera operators who stepped closer to her. “Get a close up of his face...”

“And chest,” Barn added.

“Get his face and chest and let him ‘ponder’ for a minute or so and then call it a day. I’m heading back.”

We got back into the jeep and were silent most of the way back to the manor.

“It’s a good thing we’re getting close to the end of this thing,” Keely finally said. “His constant changes are driving me up a wall. We’re going to have to shoot the scene with Lizzy later.”

We got out of the jeep.

“How about a nice cup of tea out on the back terrace?” Keely offered.

“Sounds good.”

We headed straight to the back of the manor and plunked down at one of the small tables and ordered tea.

“I saw you sitting out in the garden yesterday,” she said as she carefully set her teacup down.

I smiled. “I’ve got a lot of things swirling around in my head. Sitting in the garden gives me a chance to unwind and concentrate on the music score.”

She let out a light laugh. “Geez. With everything going on and my constant headaches with Barnaby, I’d almost forgotten about that. How are things coming along?”

“Pretty good considering everything. Working on a romantic score for a Jane Austin movie isn’t easy when you’re stressed out.”

She set her hand over mine. “I’m sorry. That’s my fault. I shouldn’t have burdened you with the whole Barnaby issue. I need to step up and... well, put my foot down,” she said with a laugh.

“Don’t worry about that,” I said. “I don’t mind dealing with him. It’s just...” I let out a laugh of my own. “I guess I didn’t expect it to be so constant.”

As if on cue, Barnaby came around the corner and made a beeline for our table. Without waiting for an invitation, he grabbed a chair from a nearby table and set it down at our table and sat down.

“Glad I caught you both here,” he said as he slammed the script on the table nearly spilling our tea. “I was looking at this scene between Lizzy and Wickham.”

No, I thought. Oh, my God, no. Don’t meddle in scenes that don’t even involve you.

“What about it?” Keely calmly said.

He pointed to the open page. “I thought the scene would work better if I came up to them and made my affection for Lizzy clear.”

“I’m sorry, Barnaby,” Keely said rather firmly. “There is a reason that Mr. Darcy is not in this scene. You have to trust the flow of the story. You have to trust the timing in which certain things – like Mr. Darcy’s emotions – are divulged.”

He looked at the pages in front of him. “But...”  He pushed the script towards her. “Just take a look at what I jotted down.” He tapped the script with his finger. “Look at what I would say to him.”

I glanced at the script as Keely read it and immediately shook my head. “It doesn’t work, Barnaby,” I said before Keely finished. “What’s marvelous about this romance is the slow burn... the... the sexual tension that builds up over time. I’m sorry, but as a loyal and devoted fan to all that Jane Austen has ever written, I cannot allow that simmering romance to just be brought to a boil so abruptly.”

“Simmer?” he said with a quizzical air. “Boil? I don’t get it. What are you talking about?”

Keely and I looked at one another then turned to him. “It’s a girl thing,” we said.

He laughed as he stood up. “You women. I’ll never understand how romance works for you. It all seems far too complicated.” Still chuckled, he walked away.

“Well,” Keely said as she let out a relieved sigh, “that ended better than I expected.”

I finished my last sip of tea and stood. “While I have all these emotions boiling over, I’ll go up to work on the music a bit.”

“Good. I’m hoping to have a chance to hear what you have soon.”

“Soon,” I said simply as I left her.

*****

SOMETHING ABOUT THAT script meeting with Barn sent me on a new musical journey. Going over the scenes where tension built between Lizzy and Mr. Darcy, I moved my melody to a different register, bringing a bit more angst to the tone.

Finally, two days later, I brought my music sheets to Keely.

“Ready to hear what I’ve got?” I asked.

“Can I take a look?” she replied, reaching out for the sheets.

“Sure.” I handed them to her.

Nodding, she read the notes, tilting her head to the side on occasion and then frowning. “This is interesting,” she said, clearly doubting my choices.

“Come to the piano,” I said.

She followed me and stood by the piano as I sat down to play.

I began the opening sequence. “This is the overriding melody for the movie. These notes...” I played as I’d written. “Come back again and again.”

“Very hummable,” she said. “I like that. It’s the sort of melody that can stay in your head a long time.”

Then I came to the portion she’d doubted. “This is when the tension builds up.” I played the unusual passage. My fingers laid on the keys with the same tension the scene evoked. I felt Lizzy’s angst. I felt her disdain for Mr. Darcy all while understanding her growing interest in him.

A faint smile came to Keely’s lips as she nodded. “Yes,” she whispered. “I get it now. It works. It really works. You’re a genius, Ayra.”

“There you guys are,” Jai said as he entered the room. “I thought I heard pretty music coming from somewhere.”

“We’re having a little listen of Ayra’s music for the movie.”

“Yes,” he said. “Sounds good... even from a distance... and even though I know little to nothing about music, I know what I like.”

Other crew members also entered the room.

“You finally have the music down?” one of them said.

“Play the part that you just played for me,” Keely said. “Listen to this part, guys.”

Everyone was silent as I once again played the part.

“There’s something so powerful and poignant about that one strained note,” Jai said.

Keely looked at him. “For someone who knows little about music, you certainly do capture the essence of it.”

“All the makings of a great arranger/composer,” another crew member said.

I felt the heat of a blush rush to my cheeks and suddenly my fingers were unsteady on the keys. But it wasn’t because of the praise of the crew members. I suddenly noticed the way Barnaby looked at me.

He’d come in as I’d played and now stood behind Keely, his eyes riveted to me. The gleam in his eye was unmistakable. He was surprised by my talent and impressed.

Barnaby... impressed... by me. Now, that was a first. Perhaps a first in a long line of opportunities to impress him.

FOURTEEN

“Hey!”

I jumped with a start and turned to see Barn standing there with a boyish grin on his face. “You scared me half to death.” I looked down at the cup and saucer that I was returning to the kitchen after my morning tea. “And I almost dropped everything.”

He laughed, took the cup and saucer from my hand and brought it to the kitchen counter. “What are you up to this morning?”

“Not much. Just enjoying the day off.”

“Yeah,” he said looking around at the kitchen and adjacent dining room. “I’m feeling a little claustrophobic in this place. How about we hit the town and... I don’t know... do a little shopping maybe.”

“Claustrophobic? In this huge place?” I said with a laugh. “Okay. Whatever. Sure. Going into town sounds fun.”

“Well then, hurry off to get dressed in something pretty and meet me out by my car,” he ordered. “The Aston Martin,” he specified.

After changing into a backless foam green dress with a flared skirt, I met him at his car.

The drive out to London was pleasant, with good old music from the British Invasion era blasting our ears. We reached the city, and I marveled at the beauty of the high-end stores that beckoned us. Shopping. I had a feeling this was going to be a unique shopping experience.

“Ever been to Harrods?” Barn said.

“Heavens, no,” I said with a laugh. “I doubt I’m even worthy enough to stand before their store window.”

His amused chuckle filled my ears, and I longed to make him laugh again.

“Come on,” he said as he parked the car. “This is going to be quite the treat.”

What an understatement, I thought as we entered the store that seemed to glisten from floor to ceiling. It was all so fabulously expensive and luxurious. I suspected that buying anything was beyond my means, but simply walking through the famed store was a dream.

“I was thinking of buying my parents a special bottle of wine for their upcoming wedding anniversary,” Barn said as he guided me to a section filled with expensive looking champagne and wine bottles.

“That’s so sweet of you,” I said. I glanced at some of the prices on the bottles. £2,000. £5,000. £7,500. £25,000. My goodness.

“Oh,” he said finding what he wanted. “This is perfect. The year my parents were married. And it’s only £3,500.” He looked at the clerk and slipped him a business card. “I would like to have this delivered to this address, please.”

“Yes, sir.”

We strolled through the perfume section, flipped through a few books in the book corner, and filled our nostrils with the aromatic scents of the food section. It was all so intoxicating.

“How about a Gucci bag?” Barn said.

I giggled as I shook my head. It was far too decadent. Everything was.

“You have pens here that sell for hundreds of dollars.”

“Pounds,” Barn corrected.

“Right. I don’t know how many dollars that works out to, but I’m certain it’s a lot.”

“Come on,” he said as he guided me to the elevator. “Let’s take the lift up.”

We browsed a bit on various levels, enjoying the sights and smell of it all.

“Oh,” I let out as we reached the gift shop. “Look at the teddy bears.”

“Harrods famed bears.”

“Aren’t they adorable.”

“Which do you prefer?” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “The one dressed in green, in blue or in red?”

“Oh, the red... oh, but the green is so cute. The green.”

“The green it is.” He picked one and held it up to me. “Just for you.”

“You’re too sweet, Barn,” I said as he paid for the bear.

“Let me carry that for you,” he said as he took the bag.

With the bear in a Harrods bag, we left the famed store.

I floated on a cloud as Barn led the way down Oxford Street where we ducked into Marks and Spencer.

“I love all the trinkets and pretty little things,” I said as I admired a shelf filled with biscuit tins.

“Here’s a neat little trinket that you might like,” he said holding up a pewter cat.

“Oh, that’s adorable.” I took the two-inch-tall cat from his hand and examined it. “Isn’t it so perfect.”

“It’s yours,” he said.

“I can’t, Barn,” I argued. “This is the second time that I say I love something, and you purchase it for me.”

He pulled me into his arms and kissed the tip of my nose. “That’s right. I’m ready to do anything to please you.”

My heart soared and I suddenly wished we could be alone.

“Come on,” he said as my knees turned to mush. “Let’s go grab lunch somewhere.”

We turned and came face to face with Rhonda. My heart instantly sank, and my legs went numb.

“Well, what a pleasant surprise,” Rhonda said her bright smile meant only for Barn. “Looks like the cast and crew of Pride and Prejudice is out on the town.”

“This is great,” Barn said, a little too quickly. His eyes practically devoured her. “Kind of like a mini cast party.”

Great.

“Isn’t that right, Ayra?” he added.

“Yeah,” I said with a forced smile. “Nice.”

“We were just about to go grab some lunch,” Barn went on. “Why don’t you join us?”

“Sounds like fun,” she said.

Yeah. A real hoot.

“Where were you guys going to go?”

“We haven’t decided yet,” he said. “Where would you like to go?”

I could go for some fish and chips, I wanted to say but...

“I’ve been dieting these past weeks, but I could sure go for a big, beefy burger.”

“A burger joint it is,” Barn said without bothering to ask for my opinion.

They turned to head out of the shop seemingly forgetting all about me.

“Hey, Ayra,” Barn said as we all stepped out. “You don’t mind, do you?”

Okay, so a little late, but at least he asked.

Hmm.

“No,” I said, knowing that their relationship was important to maintaining that chemistry for the movie. “It’s absolutely fine.”

With Barn between us, we walked down the sidewalk in search of a burger place.

“So,” Barn said to Rhonda, “what sort of diet are you on?”

“Oh, nothing special. Just counting calories and keeping them to a minimum.”

He looked her up and down. Wearing a navy blue and white striped mini dress that hugged her slim frame, she looked good... too good.

“Well,” Barn said. “Whatever you’re doing, it’s working. You look fabulous.”

She smiled and gazed lovingly into his eyes. “Thanks. That’s sweet. Although, with those empire style dresses that we have to wear for the shoot, I think I might have been dieting for nothing all this time.”

He leaned into her and laughed. “But wearing that dress there... va va voom.”

They laughed and leaned into each other.

“And I love what you’ve done to your hair.”

She flipped her long dark hair back. “It’s so freeing to be able to wear it loose. My God, what horrid style they had back then. I mean, those tight little curls around my face are not flattering... not one bit.”

“Anything looks flattering on you, Rhonda.”

“Oh.” Rhonda leaned forward to look at me. “Isn’t he just the sweetest?”

“Yes,” I said with a lack of conviction.

But Barn only had eyes for her. He didn’t even glance my way. We walked on and the further we went, the more they ignored me.

“There seems to be a burger shop down this street,” I said as we crossed an intersection.

But they continued as if I’d said nothing.

Seconds later, just as we reached the opposite sidewalk, Rhonda said, “Hey, there’s a burger shop over there.”

“Eagle eye, girl,” Barn said. “Eagle eye.  Let’s go.”

I rushed to keep up with them and quickly reached the restaurant. Being that it was well past lunchtime, the place was relatively empty and quiet. 

Barn and Rhonda walked in and thankfully passed by the table for two and sat at a table for four, saving me the embarrassment of having to drag a third chair to their table.

We ordered burgers and fries, and I sat there listening to them whine about the movie shoot throughout the meal.

“I can’t wait for this movie to be over,” Rhonda said.

“I know what you mean,” Barn said. “Staying at Moon Manor is starting to wear thin.”

“It’ll all be over soon enough.”

Will this be over soon enough?

Satisfied with my meal, but with my senses numb, we left the burger place. For hours we strolled the streets of London. I wanted to comment on the architecture of certain buildings, question the utility of others or simply chat idly with the man I’d come into town with, but Rhonda monopolized the conversation.

“Oh, look!” Rhonda suddenly let out as she stopped in front of a beauty shop. “I came here last week to get my hair done.”

“They are one of the finest in the city,” Barn said with an approving nod.

Rhonda turned to me as if suddenly remembering that I was still with them. “Did you know that Barnaby is truly an expert in beauty? He has an eye for these things... a natural instinct.” She leaned back to admire him. “I mean... look at him. He is the epitome of manliness, of masculinity, of virility.”

Indeed.

She cocked her head to the side and looked at me, her eyes narrowed with a touch of reproach. “You know, if you truly want to capture the full essence of this man and all his masculinity, you really should listen to the directions he offers on set. He knows what his best angles are.” She smiled and winked at him. “Although, I think he’s fabulous from every angle.” She looked back to me. “It really is a shame that you don’t accept his views more.”

“Well,” I began, not really sure where to go. Clearly, she was taking his side and suggesting I not meddle. But... this was my project, too. I had a say in the making of this movie. Not only did I want to make it clear that Keely had asked me to meddle, but that Keely was the best director for this project, that she knew what she was doing. “I think...”

“Actually,” Barn cut in. “The more I think about it, the more I realize that I was right about just about every suggestion that I made... especially those regarding a close up of my face. I mean, that’s the whole idea with this movie, right? We want the world to fall in love with Mr. Darcy and... well...”  He grinned and pointed up at his face with both index fingers. “Who in the world wouldn’t fall in love with this face?”

Rhonda giggled and leaned heavily into him, causing him to laugh along with her.

“Isn’t he just so artistic,” she said to me.

Indeed.

“And you are just so full of flattery,” Barn said, leaning into her so much that I thought he was going to kiss her right then and there. 

He turned to glance at me, and I could’ve sworn there was a touch of disdain playing on his lips.

“You know, Ayra,” he said. “You really should be supporting me in this. I mean... I am the star of this movie and... It’s not cool that you ignored my suggestions Not cool at all.”  He winked at Rhonda who giggled some more.

I felt certain that my cheeks were ruby red. How dare him scold me in front of a cast member. How dare he question my devotion to this project by insinuating that I wasn’t doing what was best. And in front of her. In front of her!

His tone of reproach was like that of a man to his wife... too customary and too at ease... and yet... Hadn’t he been the one to ask that we remain discreet... especially in front of Rhonda.

My confusion was almost debilitating. What was he doing... and why? My, God, why?

“You know... if you ask me,” Rhonda offered, though no one had asked for her opinion. “Barn here is a stud... a real stud... a man among men. And he deserves all the adoration and admiration that comes his way. And he should only be surrounded by people who show their adoration for him. Clearly, you don’t appreciate him as you should.”

What the hell does that mean?

I considered her words for a moment and truly questioned; did I not appreciate him enough?

Yes, Barn was a good-looking guy. He had a great body, great muscle tone, perfect proportions. He had everything going for him. And yet... I looked at him. Did he perhaps think a little too highly of himself? As great as he looked... a little humility wouldn’t hurt.

“Rhonda’s right. I really should be surrounded with people who adore me.” He looked at her. “I mean, what’s not to adore, right?”

Rhonda playfully pinched his cheek.

“Besides, Ayra,” Barn said as he pulled Rhonda’s hand away from his cheek and held onto it. “I hate to sound like a big shot, but I am the star of this movie. I am the big name. My name alone is going to draw crowds whether this movie actually turns out to be good or not.”

As I stared at him in disbelief, he turned to squarely face me.

“If you really think about it, you were wrong to side with that female director. I mean, she’s nice and all, and I’m sure she’s a decent director, but... come on... I’m the star here. Whatever I say should go.”

“I think we’ve argued the point enough,” Rhonda said as she grabbed his arm. “Let’s go have some fun.”

Stunned, I stood there as they walked away.

Really? Did Barn just turn and leave me stranded in London?

“Seriously?” I muttered to myself as those who passed by looked at me funny.

FIFTEEN

“I’m stranded,” I said as I stood there on the street corner looking around and feeling like a lost puppy.

“Are you all right, dear,” an older woman asked.

I looked at her and realized I’d spoken aloud.

I don’t know. I want to go home. My boyfriend just dumped me. My boyfriend just left with another girl. I want to go home. I had a quick burger for lunch and I haven’t had dinner, because my boyfriend ran off with his co-star from the movie he’s making. He’s a big star and...

“Yes,” I finally said to the kind woman. “I’m... Well, I guess I’m a little lost. How do I get to Harrods?”

“Turn back and go that way, turn left and you’ll see it right there.”

“Thank you so much.”

I turned and walked away, numb and unseeing.

Tears burned my eyes, but I refused to cry. This was silly. This was insane. Damn it! Barnaby and Rhonda deserved each other... so conceited and full of themselves.

My throat hurt as a lump of pain and rejection formed and lodged itself there.

I have to get home. I have to get out of the city and get back to Moon Manor.

But why? I thought, still shocked by Barn’s behavior. Was he really that angry that I had sided with Keely instead of him? Was this his way of retaliating?

Damn it. This wasn’t his first movie. He should know better. Keely was the director and he the actor. Keely was executive producer, she wrote the script, she set up the production. Damn. The film was hers.

But I had a say in the movie as well. I was more than just the music arranger; I was a producer on the film. I agreed with everything Keely did on the project. We shared the same vision and hoped for the same outcome.

But then again... was it worth risking my romance with him? Romance? What romance? Was this how romance worked? Hot one minute, cold the next? One minute he’s buying me a pewter cat, the next... No! He didn’t even buy me the pewter cat. The second he saw Rhonda, he set my gift down and forgot all about it.

Damn! I then realized that I’d lost my Harrods bag with my Harrods bear. Had I set it down somewhere? I was certain I hadn’t.

No. No, I hadn’t because Barn had offered to carry the bag for me. He left with Rhonda and my bear.

Double damn.

Barnaby Darcy. Who did he think he was?

Who was he to demand that we take his every suggestion seriously? And who was he to treat me so badly?

How rude of him to leave me here. No. It was beyond rude. It was cruel. Downright cruel. He knew darn well that I had no way of getting back to Moon Manor. He knew full well that I hardly knew London at all.

Shoot! Damn. What the F!

I finally made it back to Harrods and considered finding my way back to Barn’s car. And do what? Wait for him to return with Rhonda?

Forget that!

So what’s your other option?

I pulled out my phone, found the number to a cab company and made the call.

“Yes,” I said as the call was answered. “I need a cab. I’m in front of Harrods.”

“And, where to, love?”

“Moon Manor.”

“I’m sorry? To where?”

“Moon Manor out in Derbyshire.”

“Oh, honey. I am sorry, but we don’t go out that far. You’ll have to try your luck with another cab company.”

Disappointed, I grunted, “Thank you,” and hung up.

Now what?

Keely. I had no choice. I hated the thought of bothering her on her day off. It was late in the day, and we probably wouldn’t make it back to Moon Manor before dark. I hesitated and tried to find another solution, but there was none. I made the call.

“Keely,” I said as she picked up. “I’m so sorry, but I’m really in a bind.”

“What’s up?”

“I’m in London.”

“Okay, and...?”

“And, I...” My voice caught in my throat, and I fought the urge to cry.

“Ayra? Is everything all right? What’s going on?”

How could I tell her what had happened with Barn? “Could you just come and get me... please.”

“Of course, I’ll come get you. Where are you?”

“Harrods.”

“What entrance?”

I looked around. “I’m on the main street, near a bus stop.”

“Brompton?”

“I don’t know.” I approached a woman coming my way. “Excuse me. What street is this?”

“Brompton, dear.”

“Thank you.” I returned to my call. “Yeah. It’s Brompton.”

“Okay now. Go inside, Ayra. Wait for me inside. It’s going to get dark soon and you shouldn’t be out on the street by yourself. You’re likely to get stabbed... or worse. You never know these days.”

“Okay. I’ll be looking out for you.”

I ended the call and walked inside, standing there like a dunce who didn’t know where to go. It seemed like an eternity as I watched cars pass by, sometimes stop to let someone off, or get someone on. But no Keely.

A Range Rover pulled up and stopped. No one got on or off. It was a beautiful vehicle, copper color, but...

The driver slowly got out and stood there looking toward the door of the mega store. After a moment, he came to the door and peered inside.

Jai? What was he doing there?

And why did he look so dapper, nothing like the country gentleman I’d come to know. Wearing a black blazer, white shirt and black jeans, he looked ready for a night on the town.

No. He looked more like a model ready for a shoot. And the women who passed by seemed to agree. As I walked out of Harrods to go see him, I noticed how the women eyed him, smiled at him and one even stopped to chat with him.

Darn. Am I going to be the third wheel once again? I halted my approach a moment.

“That’s very flattering,” Jai was telling the pretty young lady. “But I’m already accompanied this evening.”

He turned to me, and I came to them. The young woman smiled, clearly disappointed.

“Lucky you,” she whispered as she walked away.

“I didn’t know you were...” I began.

“You expected Keely.”

I nodded.

“You know how her days are. Even with everyone taking time off, she was hard at work all day.” He shrugged. “I was nearby when you called her and... since I was coming into town anyway... I thought we could both enjoy our day off together.”

Smiling, I just looked at him. I didn’t know what to say. I was blown away by how great he looked.

“I can see you’re disappointed,” he said with a playful grin.

I burst out laughing and lightly slapped his chest. “No, I’m not. Not in the least.”

“Yes, you are.” He pointed to my eyes. “I can see it in your eyes. You’re devastated.”

“The truth is, I’m just floored by how fantastic you look.”

“I clean up good, as you Americans say.”

Still laughing, I nodded. “You clean up real good.”

His playful smile suddenly turned shy, making him even more adorable.

“Where were you heading to?”

“Huh?” he let out.

“You said you were coming into town anyway. Where to?”

“Oh, yeah. Right. I occasionally come into town to meet up with friends. Sometimes we meet up at this dance club. Back in my Tech sector days we’d head down there after work.”

“You have friends in town?” I said, openly surprised.

He cocked a brow and grinned. “I do have a life outside Moon Manor, you know.”

How stupid of me. “Of course. Yes. I know that. It’s just that... well... Oh, okay. You’re right. I did think that Moon Manor was your life. I mean, you’re always there.”

“Well, before Moon Manor, I worked in London as a student, went to Oxford, then worked in finance, then tech. When that got a little dull, I got to work on my own little start up that I later sold.”

“Wow. That’s quite a life’s journey.”

“Right. So, you can understand why I was happy to end up at Moon Manor. It’s a completely different pace, a whole new look on life, and I love it.”

“I can tell.”

“So,” he said as he opened the passenger side door. “Would you like to join me and my pals, or would you prefer I bring you home now.”

“I don’t want to impose... you know... the one girl with the guys.”

“Don’t be silly. Besides, not only will they love you, but you won’t be the only girl there.”

“Oh. Well, if it’s okay with you, I’d love to join you.”

*****

“THIS REALLY IS A COOL place,” Jai said. “They serve finger food, great beer, colorful drinks and they have great music.”

We walked into the club that was unimpressive from the outside, but cool and inviting on the inside. Bright colorful lights sent sparkles everywhere, and the large dance floor was already filled with enthusiastic dancers. Small tables for four were set around the perimeter of the dance floor while bright blue booths seating up to ten people hugged the back of the room.

“There they are,” Jai said as he pointed to a couple on the dance floor. He quickly waved them over.

“Hey, Jai,” the tall lanky fellow said.

The woman at his side came to give Jai a friendly hug. “Good to see you, Jai.” She looked at me, a warm smile on her cute, round face. “And who is this?”

“Jen and Ron Hawkins, this is Ayra,” Jai said. “Ayra, these are the two best people you could ever hope to meet, know and work with.”

“Nice to meet you,” I said to the ginger-haired pair.

Jen immediately shot her hand out to grab mine. “And it’s so nice to meet you,” she said with all the warmth in the world. “Come on. Our table is over there.”

We joined them at the small plexiglass table and sat down. Two tall orange-colored drinks were already on the table.

“Singapore sling?” Jen said as she held up her glass. “It’s an oldie but a goodie.”

“Take mine,” Ron said. “I haven’t touched it. Besides, I’ll just have a beer.”

“Thanks,” I said, drawn to the tasty looking drink.

“Two beers,” Jai said when the server came around.

With our drinks in hand, Ron leaned closer to Jai. “So, how are things out at the Manor? Any regrets?”

As they chatted, Jen scooted closer to me. “Those two always have to talk business and work when they see each other. How did you and Jai meet?”

“I’m working out at the Manor. I’m with a production company that’s filming a movie there.”

“Oh,” she said with a bright smile. “You’re the girl who’s crazy about Pride and Prejudice.”

“That’s me,” I said, a little surprised that Jai might have mentioned me to his friends. “It’s really good of Jai to allow us so much freedom out there. Making a movie... well... we can be quite an imposition. We’re spread out all over the place.”

“It’s always been in Jai’s nature to be generous and helpful. We’ve often told him that he has to learn to say ‘no’ sometimes, or he’ll get stepped on.”

“I know what you mean. He really is too sweet a guy.”

“The best,” Jen said. “That’s why we can’t understand why he’s still single. I mean, look at him. He’s cute, he’s kind and he’s really one of the good guys; the kind you can trust and count on. Like my husband always says, Jai is going to make some woman really happy one day.”

As I listened to her, I looked at Jai in a whole new light. Yeah, I knew he was good looking, and I guess I’d always known he was one of the good guys, but... Now it was all coming together, as if...

“Hey! This is my all-time favorite song,” Jen said as she popped out of her seat. “Come on, guys. We’re not just going to sit around all night.”

“I don’t know,” I said as I reluctantly stood. “I’m not that great a dancer.”

“Who cares?” Jen quickly shot back. “The idea is to have fun, not wow the critics.”

She was so right, I just had to laugh.

We hit the dance floor and moved to the funky rhythm. I looked at Jai, curious to see his moves. Though I fully expected a gawky, awkward and stiff dancer, he surprised me with his smooth moves that had his body swaying to the music in a way that was mesmerizing. He seemed completely at ease on the dance floor, as if the music enveloped him. He was a phenomenal dancer.

When the funky song ended and a slower song began, I turned to leave the dance floor.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Jen said as she grasped my hand and brought me closer to Jai.

Jai shrugged as he took me into his arms. “She might seem a little bossy, but she really is a sweetheart.”

“I don’t doubt it,” I said already feeling like I’d known her for years.

I felt stiff and awkward in Jai’s arms, like I didn’t belong there, but as his strong hand came to rest in the small of my back and held me – so tender and yet so firm – it suddenly felt so right.

I glanced up at him and immediately turned away, leaning my head on his shoulder. You smell nice, I wanted to say, but the words stuck in my throat.

“This is nice,” Jai whispered into my ear.

I nodded.

He squeezed me tighter against him and I let out a satisfied sigh. I suddenly felt I belonged in his arms. I felt safe. I felt good.

The music faded from my ears. The dancers and revelers around us disappeared. We were alone in the world. All that mattered were his arms around me and his warm breath in my ear.

That sense of warmth stayed with me the rest of the night as we drank, danced and laughed. I loved his friends, loved my night out with Jai and just loved everything about being with him.

“It’s been great meeting you,” Jen said as we stood outside the club saying our goodbyes.

“I do hope to see you again soon,” I said.

“Goodnight, guys,” Jai said with a wave as he took my hand and led me to the parking lot.

“Are you sure you’re okay to drive?” I said as we approached Jai’s Rover.

“Positive,” he said with a grin. “While you’ve been downing those fruity drinks, I’ve been having sparkling water.”

I could just feel the silly grin on my face. I was deliriously happy. And I could feel my googly eyes as I looked up at him. I knew I looked silly, and I didn’t care. He was so fun and easy to be with. I was myself... completely and totally myself.

“Now, get in so I can take you home,” he said as he helped me into his vehicle and got me buckled up. His hand lingered on my thigh for a moment as he stood there in the open car door. “In case you fall asleep on the way home, I just want you to know, I really had a great time tonight.”

I giggled. “So did I.”

“Watch your hands,” he said with a laugh as he backed away and closed the door.

The city was relatively quiet as we took to the road, and the countryside even quieter. I nearly nodded off, but then sat up straight, not wanting the glorious night to end.

“Oh,” I lamented as we arrived in Derbyshire. “I forgot to call Keely to let her know we’d be back late.”

“Don’t worry,” he said. “I took care of it.”

I glanced sidelong at him. He really was a remarkable guy.

The rest of the ride to Moon Manor was in silence, completely comfortable and relaxing silence.

SIXTEEN

Moon Manor bustled with activity as the set decorator fixed a detail thing in one room, set builders altered the appearance of another, and lighting technicians found ingenious ways of lighting complicated rooms.

Scenes with Wickham were completed as the actor had another project to tend to. All of the scenes with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet were also completed as they were committed to a play in London.

“Just about every scene left involves Barnaby,” Keely whispered to me one morning. “Get ready for a final and difficult week.”

“I’m ready.”

“I’m particularly concerned with the proposal scene. I just know he’s going to want a change.”

Indeed, he did.

“I think the scene would be far more effective if Mr. Darcy made a grand gesture. You know, just a little pizzazz. Some excitement.”

With Rhonda at his side, egging him on, I knew it would be an uphill battle.

“This is not an ‘exciting’ scene, Barnaby,” I said. “Is a solemn and romantic one, filled with subtle emotions that take over both characters.”

“Let me just do my thing,” Barn insisted. “You’ll see how good it is.”

Keely shrugged, prepared to give in. “Okay. Have it your way.” She glanced at the crew. “We’ll take a shot his way, then we’ll try mine.” She glared at Barn who smiled and turned to take his mark.

“Action!”

I stood beside Keely as Barn went over the top with gestures and facial expressions that didn’t work at all.

“Don’t worry,” Keely whispered. “All of this is going to end up on the cutting room floor.”

Such a waste, I thought, but there was no point arguing with him. We all wanted it to be over with.

And finally, the day came. The last scene was shot with little incident and the crew let out a sigh of relief.

“That’s a wrap!” Keely called out with glee.

“I think we should try that last scene again,” Barn said.

The entire room groaned their disapproval and Keely simply looked at him.

“Okay. Okay,” he conceded. “Whatever.”

Stop playing the diva, I wanted to tell him. The shoot is over. We’re done.

The cast and crew strolled over to the ballroom where snacks and drinks were out in abundance.

“You guys have done a great job,” Keely called out as she held a glass of punch up. “Thank you all and I do hope to have the privilege of working with you again sometime soon.”

Everyone nodded their agreement as they, too, filled their glasses with punch or beer or wine and enjoyed the wrap party.

“I think we might have broken a record,” I said as I looked at Keely. “What has it been now?  Thirty-two days?”

“Thirty-four,” Keely corrected. “But I still think we’re up there in quick shoots; thanks to everyone here.” Once again, she raised her glass to the crew.

“And thanks to you, Keely. Your leadership and resourcefulness got us here. You showed patience, ingenuity, creativity and a vision that we could all get behind.”

“I’ll second that,” a crew member called out.

The entire cast and crew cheered. Even Jai joined in the appreciation of Keely’s immense talent.

“It’s been a pleasure having you take over Moon Manor,” Jai said. “And should you ever need it again, it would be a pleasure having you.” With a flourish, he backed away and left us.

The only sourpuss was Barn who stood pouting, his arms angrily crossed over his chest.

As the cheering wound down, Barn came to my side, a strange smile on his face. Right there, in front of everyone including Keely and Rhonda, he put his arms around me and pulled me in for a wet kiss.

“Let it be known,” he shouted. “Let it be known by all that I, Mr. Darcy, am officially courting the lovely and delectable Miss Ayra.”

“Courting?” a young tech aid said.

“Dating,” Barn clarified or the young man. “We are dating, and have been for a while now, and it’s about time everyone knew about it.”

Everyone stared at us, some gaping, others uninterested.

“I am so proud to call this fine lady mine.  She, in case some of you don’t know, saved this movie when the threat of closing it down arose due to a shortage of funds. She saved all our jobs... yours and mine.

“I want to thank you all for you dedication to this project.” He then looked out at the crowd. “I want to thank hair and make-up for making me look good. I want to thank lighting for shining that light on me. And I want to thank the sound technicians for making me sound good.”

“What is this?” a crew member muttered. “His Oscar speech?”

“And, above all, I want to thank my girl.” He squeezed me to him. “Producer and investor. She believed in me when others didn’t.” He shot a scathing glance at Keely.

Without a single word of thanks to her, just that ungrateful glance, he then turns to kiss me passionately.

I clung to him with one hand while the other hung limp at my side. What had just happened? He’d announced our secret to everyone.

I was thrilled. I was ecstatic. And his kiss; so warm and passionate.

Yet... his way with Keely. The sudden change in his attitude towards me...

“Sorry about the past few days,” he whispered into my ear. “I had to play it cool. Rhonda was growing suspicious. She’d started asking too many questions. I had no choice but to turn my attention to her to throw her off.”

I smiled, delighted that he had simply done what had to be done to conceal our relationship... until now.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Keely looking at us, her eyes wide with disbelief, but I kept my focus on Barn.

He brought his nose close to mine. “You know that you’re my girl, right? You’ve been my girl since the very beginning. I just wanted to protect you... to protect us.”

I nodded.

“Come with me.”

“Where?” I asked. I looked around the room and again noticed Keely’s disapproving gaze.

“I have a surprise for you. Come on.” He grabbed my hand and tugged at me. “Please. You won’t be disappointed.” He looked at me, his beautiful eyes pleading with me.

I hesitated for just a split second then gleefully followed him. My eyes were on him as we headed out to the garden. I simply couldn’t believe that he wasn’t the jerk who’d deliberately left me stranded in London. He was simply a man who adored me and would do anything to maintain our relationship.

SEVENTEEN

As thrilled as I was to be out in the garden alone with him, I knew that my place was inside with the cast and crew. I wanted to enjoy the wrap party with them all. But I was intrigued by Barn’s invitation to come outside with him.

“You don’t know how long I’ve thought of this moment,” he said, his tone low and romantic. “I’ve longed to be alone with you... finally.”

“Barnaby,” I said looking into his eyes. “I have to admit that I was really confused. I thought....”

He kissed the tip of my nose. “Forget about all that. That’s all in the past. We can come out and be who we are - a couple with a serious and sincere relationship.”

My knees struggled to stay locked to keep me upright.

“As a matter of fact...” He reached into his pocket. “I really want to make it clear to the world...”

My breath caught in my throat. Was he really going to say what I thought he was going to say? Were we really going to take that step?

Was I ready?

Yes. Yes, I was ready.

“I want to officially make you mine,” Barn said. He leaned in to kiss me but...

“Oh,” a male voice muttered. “Sorry.”

I turned away from Barn’s kiss to see Jai standing nearby. He looked at Barn, his eyes filled with disbelief. His gaze slowly met mine, confused. The look in his eyes... My heart broke just seeing the pained look in his eyes.

“Sorry to interrupt. Keely is looking for both of you.” He quickly turned and walked away.

Shoot. I closed my eyes, suddenly ashamed. Jai, so sweet and always there for me... since the very first day I met him.

“So,” Barn said, clearly annoyed by the interruption. “What do you say, love? Do we make it official?”

Official? What did that mean exactly? Were we getting engaged? Did he really want to marry me? I didn’t know what to think anymore.

“I don’t know, Barn. This is all so... We just wrapped on the movie, the past weeks have been like a circus and now...”

“Ayra, come on. We’re...”

“I don’t know, Barn,” I said as I stepped back. Barn looked at me, confused and devastated. “I just don’t know.” I turned and ran after Jai.

I rushed into the Manor and stopped at the first person I saw. “Did you see Jai?”

The older man shrugged then shook his head.

Another staffer passed by.

“Excuse me. Have you seen Jai?”

Another shook his head.

Again and again, I asked employees of the manor and crew members from the movie if they’d seen him.

No one had. Not one.

“Miss,” a young woman called out to me.

I turned to her, frantic. “Yes.”

“You’re looking for Jai?”

“Yes. Yes. Have you seen him.”

She nodded. “I just came in to start my shift and I crossed him out in the parking lot. He was heading to his Rover. By the time I reached the door, he was pulling out onto the road. I think he might have been heading into town.”

My need to find him, to catch up to him was so great, I didn’t even think to thank the girl. I simply rushed to the front door of the manor.

“Ayra,” someone called to me, grabbing my hand as they tried to stop me.

I yanked my hand free and continued on my way, desperate to find Jai and wipe that pained look from his eyes.

“Ayra,” the person called again, feeble and tired. “Wait.”

I had no time to wait. Jai was out on the road, dejected... rejected.

Damn. How could I have been so stupid. How could I not see what was right there in front of me.

Damn!

I ran out of the manor and headed to the parking lot, though I didn’t know what I would do once I got there.

What was I doing? Why? Why was I suddenly so desperate to get to him?

I stopped in the middle of the parking lot and just stood there. Old fashioned streetlamps lit the perimeter of the lot, flooding the area with a warm yellow glow. And yet I felt so cold. So cold and empty.

Since becoming a producer on the film I’d discovered my capacity to take charge and to show authority. I was no longer the lost young woman who was so unsure of herself.

But now, I felt just as lost as I had those first days; lost and confused.

Find him, my heart said. Just find him.

I tried a few of the car doors, but they were all locked.

“What are you doing, Ayra?” a gentle and familiar voice said as I was tapped on the shoulder. “Steal a car?”

I closed my eyes, not wanting to turn around. Whichever cast or crew member it happened to be, I didn’t want to be bothered, not even by Keely. I just wanted to figure out what was going on in my head. What did I really feel for Jai?

“Ayra.”

I finally turned to the persistent intruder.

“Mom?” I muttered, stunned by the sight of her. “Mom, what...?  I don’t understand. What are you doing here?”

She smiled, that sweet and wise smile that she always had whenever I was too confused to figure things out on my own. “Well, first of all, you invited me to Moon Manor.”

Closing my eyes and leaning back against the car whose door I’d tried to open, I suddenly remembered with a touch of embarrassment the invitation I’d sent her.

“Sorry. You’re right. I guess I forgot.”

“Clearly,” she said, that wise smile still playing on her lips.

“When did you get here?”

“Earlier today.”

“Why didn’t you come and tell me?”

“I wanted to rest... and I didn’t want to be in the way. Keely told me she planned to shoot the last scene today... and she invited me to the wrap party.”

I huffed, too emotional to say anything.

“What is it that has you so upset, Ayra? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this.”

“Nothing, Mom. Just... nothing.”

“I’ve been chasing after you since you walked into the manor, and you didn’t even see me. You didn’t hear me call after you. Clearly something important is on your mind.”

I looked at her, my throat constricted as a sob fought to break out.

“My dear, sweet Ayra.” She stepped closer and reached out to set a lock of hair behind my ear. “Talk to your mama.”

“Oh, Mom,” I blubbered as I fell into her arms. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Come on,” she whispered as she gently stroked my hair. “Let’s get you inside and we’ll have a nice chat.”

EIGHTEEN

I leaned heavily into my mother as she guided me back to the manor.

“Reva,” Keely said as she spotted us coming in. “So glad you could join...”  She looked at me. “Is everything alright?”

“Everything is fine,” Mom told her. She guided me toward the stairs. “We’ll be back down in a minute.”

“I’ll have some tea sent up, Reva,” Keely called up to us.

“Thank you,” Mom said. “Thank you.”

We reached the second floor, and I led her to my room.

“Such a pretty place,” she said as she sat down on my bed with me.

Weeping, I looked around and nodded. “It is such a lovely room, isn’t it.”

She pulled me into her arms, holding me tight. “Now, tell me what has you in such a state.”

I couldn’t speak. I simply cried, weeping like a hadn’t in such a long time.

“My beautiful and intelligent little girl,” she said, raking her long fingernails through my tangled hair. “It’s been such a long time since I’ve held you like this.”

I pulled away to look at her, surprised to see tears in her eyes.

“When I was nine years old,” I said, remembering quite clearly that last time.

Her nod was filled with regret. Her lips pinched into a hard and self-reproaching line and her nostrils tightened momentarily.

“Yes,” she let out in a weak croak. She swallowed loud and hard. “The year your father passed away.”

I nodded as the pain of that loss struck me once again.

“You suddenly closed up after that,” she said.

I nodded again.

“Before that, you would tell me everything.” She chuckled, almost to herself. “You would tell me all about your day in school, right down to what you’d eaten for lunch and what certain classmates had worn to school that day. You would tell me about the boy who’d pulled your hair, or the girl who’d stolen your pink pen. Then, on that fateful day, nothing. You simply clammed up.”

Releasing me, she stood. She walked around the room looking idly at my things that laid about. She briefly picked up my hairbrush then set it back down. With her finger, she traced the title of the dogeared script that lay on my dresser. She ran her hand over the jacket I’d left on the back of my chair.

“In med school,” she said softly, “studying to be a doctor, I didn’t plan on becoming a widow. I didn’t plan on becoming a single mother.”

“I know.”

“Things became so hectic. After your father died, I lost myself in my work.” She picked up the lavender sweater I’d worn the night before and had left hanging on the bedpost. Hugging it to her and smelling it, she looked at me. “I saw you as a very solitary child. I thought you enjoyed being by yourself, enjoyed your own company. You kept to yourself... so private and closed off. I guess it was all too convenient for me to think it was how you wanted things to be.”

“I did manage pretty well on my own.”

“Yes,” she said with a vague nod. “You managed... quite well, I might add. You had your books and your movies and your music and...”  She came around the bed to sit beside me once again. “I wish I’d been there more for you.”

I reached out for her hand. “You’re partially right, Mom. A part of me did want to be alone. A part of me escaped into the world of books, films and music.”

“But...”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe there was a time or two when I wished you’d get home early; a time or two when I was disappointed when you were called to the hospital for an emergency. But I understood.” I squeezed her hand. “I admired you. The older I got, the more I admired your strength. I came to realize how difficult it all was for you. After all, you’d lost your husband. I can’t imagine what that must have been like.”

She ran her fingers over my cheek.

“The important thing,” I went on, “is that you were there for me when I really needed you.”

“Was I?” She looked away, not wanting an answer. “You know, when you started going to college, then attended grad school, I noticed how... well, how minimal your social life was. You never brought friends home, never brought a boy home... you never even talked about friends or potential boyfriends.”

“I was a very serious student,” I said in my defense.

“Indeed, you were. But that didn’t keep me from growing concerned.” She turned to me. “The single life isn’t always easy. I still miss your father terribly, and while I know I’m a strong and independent woman, I also know the benefits of having a good and strong man at my side. And that’s what I wanted for you; a good man.”

“That’s why you fixed me up.”

She nodded. 

“I knew that many of my friends from back in India had children of their own; children around the same age as you. When I learned that Naya and her son Desi Barnaby now lived here in England, and you were coming to work on this project...” She raised her free hand to the heavens and smiled as she squeezed my hand. “I thought; this is meant to be.”

“I appreciate the effort you put in to making that arrangement,” I said as tears streamed down my face. “Things were complicated from the beginning. I did try to meet with him, but he didn’t show up...and then...” My voice trailed off.

“Tell me honestly,” Mom said. “Were you excited at the prospect of meeting him? Did you trust your mother’s intuition?”

I chuckled lightly. “I have to admit that I had my doubts at first. But when I saw him... so handsome, so charming, so... the dream boyfriend I always wanted. Yes. Yes, I was excited and happy to meet him.”

“And now? Is he the one you’re crying over? Did things not work out between you?”

“Oh, Mom,” I said as a fresh wave of tears poured down my cheeks. “I’m sorry. I really am so sorry. I know how important this is to you, and I know how much you like him and approve of him and... your friend set this up and... Oh. How can I tell you this?”

“Tell your mother the truth, Ayra. Just tell me.”

I looked into her eyes. “Mom, he’s just not the kind of guy I originally thought he was.”

She frowned. “I don’t understand. For years you’ve spoken about this Mr. Darcy character, and I always assumed you wanted to meet someone like him. What did I get wrong?”

“He may play Mr. Darcy, but he really isn’t like him at all.” In fact, the more I thought about it, the more he resembled the dastardly Wickham.

Mom blushed and leaned back. “You’re going to think I’m just an old woman who doesn’t know much about much, but... Well, when his mother, Jaya, told me that his name sounded like Darcy...”  She laughed at herself.  “Doshi.  It does sound like Darcy, don’t you think?”

“Doshi?”  My tears suddenly stopped flowing as I frowned and looked at her.  “Mom, what are you talking about?”

“The boy you met.  Jaya’s son.”

“Jaya? Mom, Doshi is Jai’s middle name, not Barnaby’s.”

“That’s right. Yes. Jai is Jaya’s son. You remember Jaya, don’t you?”

“Mom, you told me I was meeting Naya’s son Barnaby.”

“Well, yes. Her son, too.” She let out a light laugh. “You know, there are plenty of Aunties in India. Many of my friends have attractive sons that I could have set you up with. I just picked these two because they both live in England, since you seem to talk about wanting to visit England all the time, how you love England, how England is where Jane Austen lived.”

“I do believe there has been a bit of confusion here,” I said.

“Honey. Jai’s mom was pleased with the idea of you meeting him. But we both decided it was up to you kids to decide if you wanted to meet up or not. On the other hand, Naya was rather insistent that you meet her son Barnaby.”

“She was?”

“He’s constantly surrounded by women, beautiful and available women; a bunch of models and actresses. That’s not what Naya wants for her boy. She knew that you were a good girl from back home. She knew that I raised you to have values and was certain you two would hit it off.”

“Mom,” I said, smiling for the first time since seeing her. “Do you know what you’re saying?”

She cocked her head to the side. “What?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re saying that you wanted to set me up with Jai.”

“Right.”

“Jai. Jai Doshi. He’s my Mr. Darcy. Oh, Mom. You don’t know how happy I am to hear that.”

NINETEEN

“Where are you off to?” Mom said as I suddenly jumped to my feet.

“I have to go find him, Mom. I’ve made a terrible mistake, and I have to find him and let him know.”

“Where do you think you’ll find him? He could be anywhere. Surely, he’ll come back soon. Why don’t you wait for him here?”

I shook my head, eager to see him. “I think I know where he might be. I’ll let you know how things go when I get back.”

I hurried out of my room, flew down the stairs, found the keys to Jai’s jeep and headed out to the parking lot.

His jeep was there. Could I be mistaken? Wouldn’t he have taken his jeep to go out there? After all, the employee who’d seen him had thought he’d gone into town. But I was almost positive he had not. I had to take the chance.

I got in his jeep and took the rutted dirt road out to the lake. It had rained only a few days earlier, leaving the ruts filled with chocolate colored water. Each rut left my teeth rattled and I felt certain a wheel would fall off, but I finally made it to the smoother portion of the road and sped up to reach the lake.

“Jai,” I whispered as I spotted him on the bridge. He was where I knew he would be. I just knew it, like a fact.

I killed the engine and hopped out.

For a long moment I stood there, watching him. He was looking out over Moon Manor and seemed so deep in thought.

About what?

Was I in his thoughts?

I reached the first board of the bridge and hesitated. Was he angry with me? Disappointed? Or did he not care at all about me and had simply come out to the lake to get away from the cacophony of the wrap party?

Taking a few gentle steps, I got on the bridge that immediately creaked, announcing my presence. He turned to me, his eyes dark for a moment.

“Ayra,” he said softly as I approached him.

I swallowed the lump of uncertainty in my throat. “Is this where you come when you want to be alone?”

He offered me a tentative smile. “Sometimes.” He stepped closer, his smile broadening. “But there are times when I’d like to share the view with someone.”

Smiling, I wiped hot tears away. “Oh, Jai.  I’ve been so stupid. I’ve been so childish.”

He shrugged. “A big fancy movie star,” he said with a hint of bitterness. “I can see why you’d... you know... you’d prefer him.”

“But that’s just it,” I argued. “I don’t think I ever did. I think I was just dazzled by the idea of him. He was playing my childhood love, Mr. Darcy, and I let that blur what was right in front of me.”

“And what was that?” he said with a knowing grin.

“You,” I said as I stepped closer to him. “You’ve been there all the time and I... I was blinded by my love for a fictional character in a book.”

He smiled but still seemed unsure.

“My mother fixed me up with Barnaby and I thought he was meant to be my Mr. Darcy. In those moments when I had doubts about a relationship with him, I thought of my mother and knew that I had to put some effort into it... I had to at least try. But you. Jai Doshi. Doshi that does sound so like Darcy.”

“What are you saying, Ayra?” he said, waiting for me to confirm what he suspected. “Are you... Are you choosing me... me over that movie star? Over that male stud that every woman is salivating over?”

I giggled and reached out to pat his chest. “You’re quite a stud yourself, and... yes. Yes, I choose you, Jai. Not only because I trust my mother’s judgment, as well as your mother’s. After all, they have been friends since childhood. But the real reason I choose you, Jai, is how I feel when I’m around you. Truth is, I don’t even think about Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy is the childhood fantasy that I tried to bring to life through Barnaby. All he managed to do was to leave me confused and hurt and embarrassed. But you... Jai Doshi, you’re the man who makes me feel warm and secure and amused and comfortable and... all the things that I want to feel all the time.

“As it turns out,” I went on. “Our mothers were right. They were right to want to arrange a marriage between their kids.” I looked at him, suddenly curious. “Did you know? Did you know that your mother wanted to set you up with me?”

He nodded then shook his head. “I knew she wanted to set me up. I didn’t know it was with you. I told her I wasn’t really keen on the idea. I’d rather choose my own mate. She did insist that the girl she wanted me to meet was quite special. By the time I started to suspect that the special girl was you, Barnaby had already claimed you for his own.”

“I’m sorry.”

He shrugged and looked down at the planks of the bridge. “It’s been a while since I’ve felt that sort of pain.”

“I’m sorry,” I said again. “The moment I saw you out there in the garden... the moment I saw your face, and the pain I’d caused you. It broke my heart.”

I stepped closer to him, so close that our chests almost touched. Reaching up, I stroked his stubbled cheek. “I was touched by what I saw in your face, your eyes. There’s something about you that’s so genuine and real, nothing like Barnaby who only knows how to act pained and hurt.”

“He is an actor, after all,” Jai said.

“I should have realized that his affections for me was fake. Everything about him was a show. Everything he did was an act.”

He slipped his hand around the small of my back and simply held me there.

“I think it’s time I grew up and leave my fantasy world behind. It’s time that I look at you, Mr. Doshi, and realize that life is sometimes even better than fiction.”

He leaned in closer as his hand at my back brought me up against him. “Perhaps not, Ayra,” he said with a playful grin. “After all, I am Doshi, pronounced just like your adored Darcy. And like Mr. Darcy, I’m the owner of a far too big manor with acres of land. It may not be Mr. Darcy’s Pemberley, but it is quite large so it can get lonely.”

I shook my head, smiling. “I can’t believe Moon Manor is yours. Such a beautiful, magical place. It is Pemberley. At least in Keely’s film version of Pride and Prejudice. And your name Doshi. I like it even more because it suits you. It’s your name.”

Jai leaned in close. “It might not be the name I typically use, but perhaps I can start to use it now. And if you’ll have me and come stay at Moon Manor, I’ll be your very own real-life Mr. Darcy... and that, forever and ever.”

I looked into his dreamy eyes. It was so easy to imagine my life with him, here at Moon Manor. So easy. Who knew an arrangement to a marriage by well-meaning moms can lead to something so right? What began as an arrangement has led to love.

“What do you say?”

“Yes, Mr. Doshi. Absolutely, yes.”

EPILOGUE

A Year Later

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“The rose garden is certainly looking great ever since you put your green thumb to work,” Jai said as he met me out by a dying rose bush.

“Thanks for the encouraging words, honey, but this is a lot more work than I expected. I just can’t get this bush to thrive. Look at the leaves... all brown.”

“I think it was already dying before you arrived. But the rest looks healthy... thriving.”

I stood, removed my gardening gloves and leaned in to kiss him. “Sometimes I have the impression you just love anything I do.”

“Anything and everything,” he said, kissing me back.

“Hey, love birds,” Keely called out as she confidently marched through the garden to meet up with us. “Sorry to interrupt this lovely moment, but I need to speak with the little lady here.”

“I guess that’s my cue to retreat,” Jai said with a deep bow and a flourish before backing away.

I ran to Keely and hugged her tightly. “What are you doing here? This is such an unexpected surprise.”

“I do love to catch you off guard.”

“Hey,” I said as I guided her back to the house. “I still have some of that tea that you love. Want a cup?”

“I would love that?”

“Wait for me here,” I said, pointing to the wrought iron table set on the patio. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

Moments later, I returned with a tea tray, complete with biscuits and finger sandwiches. Keely let out a laugh as I set the tea tray down.

“You’ve really become an English lady, haven’t you.”

“It’s not every day that I have such a special visitor.”

I poured tea into a cup and set it in front of her as well as a small plate for the added treats. After pouring tea for myself and taking a hot sip, I sat back and looked at her.

“So, tell me. What has you up in Derbyshire?”

She looked at me with a teasing grin. “A new project.”

“Oh?” I said, instantly intrigued.

“As you know, Pride and Prejudice was very well received. Not only did we get our investments back, but we also made a pretty penny.”

“And I do appreciate every penny.”

“Well, I do hope you’ll consider re-investing a few of those pennies into this new project.”

“Which is... what?”

“Jane Austen’s Emma.”

I smiled. I already loved it.

Jai came out to join us. “Everything okay out here? You ladies need anything?”

“Oh, Jai,” Keely said. “I’m glad you came out to join us. I’m hoping to use Moon Manor again for another movie. What do you say?”

Jai and I looked at each other and smiled.

“Yes!”

Jane Austen Association Series Continues in:

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The Evolution of Emma (Jane Austen Association Series #2)

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