Page 28 of A Change of Location
She crossed one long leg over the other, both encased in tight-fitting jodhpurs. “His heart’s set on this. No argument of mine will deter him.”
“I’m not getting involved in your disputes,” Dan stated. “I can only make sure he doesn’t later regret turning this region into a movie set. I’ll insert a stringent and ironclad security clause into the contract. All production personnel must be fully vetted. We’ll stipulate that guards will be posted on these premises at all times, inside the house and on the grounds. Remember what happened at Longleat? During a location shoot there, a rare drawing vanished from the house, never to be seen again.”
“Every day, all over Britain and Ireland, movies are being produced at historically significant properties with collections of far greater value than mine. Most paintings and objets d’art are family relics, not national treasures. Those are shut away in a protected storage facility—as you well know—until such time as they are lent to museums. Or sold.”
Dan pressed his lips together, as always happened when Martin referred to disposing of the rapidly appreciating assets he’d tucked away.
Poppy excused herself and drove off in her gray Volvo to soothe a fractious tenant. Martin took Dan to the house, where he exchanged the usual pleasantries with staff, eager to ensure his comfort during his stay.
Martin cleaned up and changed into smarter attire than he normally wore in the country. Dan was a private club man, not really a public house man. Like proper gents, they consumed pre-dinner libations in the library.
***
In the morning, after breakfast, he dialed Hannah Ballard’s mobile number.
“Hello,” she said, apparently quite startled. “How are you?”
“Dead chuffed. This time yesterday, a Scotsman rang Poppy, saying Stanwell and environs are selected as the primary shooting location.”
“Alistair contacted you? Already?” After a prolonged silence she said, “I’m glad. For both of us.”
“We haven’t agreed upon a price. Whatever your lot propose, my solicitor will insist on more. I gather you’ll be based here for—well, I’ve forgotten how long. No matter. You know all about it.”
He detected an edge in her voice when she replied, “You’d be surprised what they don’t bother telling me. Pre-production is well underway. In just over three months, our trucks and trailers will appear.”
“Some of my tenants are reporting their offers to Poppy. One holdout so far. He refuses to take down his satellite dish.”
“That’s not uncommon.”
“All well with you?”
“Liz, our executive producer, had her baby this week. Alexandra Elizabeth. They call her Lexi.”
“I’d say a joint celebration is in order. A festive night out in London.” He paused for effect, then said, “With a prince.”
“You’re not serious.”
“I have in my possession an invitation for Lord Milverston and one guest to the Countryside Development Coalition’s annual awards dinner later this week. His Royal Highness will be present, long enough to make a few remarks.”
“Shouldn’t Poppy be your plus-one?”
“I couldn’t persuade her—unless my life depended on it—and probably not even then. She loathes this sort of affair.”
“It does sound exciting. Unfortunately, my travel wardrobe doesn’t include a ball gown and tiara.”
“Surplus to requirements.” He studied the curving black script engraved on stiff cream card stock. “A black-tie event, one step down from white. If you don’t mind leaving in the morning, we can travel together. I’ll book first-class train tickets from Bristol Temple Meads and meet you there. I need to get to town in time for a lunch meeting with the Specialist Cheese Producers. Our evening festivities begin at eight and might not finish until after the last westbound train.” Carefully avoiding any suggestive overtones, he added, “You’re welcome to spend the night at my flat. Five bedrooms.”
“Oh.” The monosyllable hung in the void. “Let me check my schedule. I’ll get back to you.”
“I couldn’t think of any other way to thank you for choosing my territory as the Forsaken Fortune location.”
“You’ve got it backwards,” she told him. “When you said our meeting at the cheese shop was lucky for me, you were so right. Stanwell and the surrounding area are perfect, and I got credit for discovering it.”
A long wait, thought Martin, until caravans and cameras and crew members and actors arrive. Bringing Hannah Ballard with them.
***
“Enough of a change?” the scissors wizard asked, his mirrored face looming over Hannah’s shorn head.
