Page 84 of A Change of Location
“You already did. Tourism promotions manager.”
“That was before I decided on something better. I wanted to hire you as my personal location manager. Monitoring all that goes on during the filming. Serving my interests as property owner and landlord. You’ve already built relationships with the crew. And you know the territory. My territory.”
She looked towards the bar, watching the wizard mixologist create her drink. In no time it arrived in a tall glass with a curlicue of orange peel trailing down the side. Fidgeting with the scalloped edge of the gold-embossed cocktail mat, she said, “Every conversation brings me another job offer. From Mum. Then Liz. Now you.”
“Would you have accepted, if I’d got mine in first?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“The usual reasons. Uncle Chase. Keeping my name out of the press. Unwillingness to essentially become a kept woman.” To prevent him from pursuing the subject, she asked, “How’s Poppy?”
“Busy as ever. Soon to be even busier. Jack Elliston asked her to give his daughter Chloe riding lessons during the half of August holidays that she spends with him.”
Hannah wondered if he knew of Poppy’s interest in The Peacock’s owner. “I’m sure she agreed.”
In a determined tone, he said, “I ambushed you, as you put it, so we could continue the conversation that began as I was leaving Bear Knoll. Now that I’m fully aware of all your concerns, I understand them. To an extent, I share them. I’d prefer to maintain a low profile while at the same time turning the spotlight on Stanwell House and the villages. I believed the press no longer regarded me as an object of interest. Unfortunately, that magazine article proved I was mistaken. But there’s a simple way to ensure that nobody will find out that we’re a couple. I’ve got a cunning plan.”
“What is it?”
“A cover up.”
“Way too late for that. Half the population of Milver Vale saw us together. Villagers. Your household staff.”
“They won’t, not any longer.”
“Various media outlets will arrange access to our cast members, for interviews. Reporters and photographers will sometimes be on the set.”
“We can be careful. The filming lasts only a couple of months, right? Where will you be staying?”
“Newbridge. The country manor hotel. Where you can’t visit me. Or stay overnight.”
“Afraid the boss will find out?”
“She and Tom have a rental house. Anyway, she knows about us. Too much,” Hannah acknowledged.
“Tomorrow, at tea, we’re telling her that you won’t be available except during working hours. When not on the job, you’ll be with me. We can search for the nearest equivalent of your Kozee Kabins.”
“On location, free time is practically nonexistent,” she countered. “Liz brought her husband and her baby. She’ll be pulled in more directions than on any other production. Her executive assistant gets pulled with her.”
He gestured to the waiter, indicating his desire for the bill. “I’ve already got Poppy onside. I’m sure Mother will support the conspiracy.”
“She says you’ve done up Holly Cottage.”
“It’s similar in size to her La Rochelle house, and the furniture and other things we brought over from there are already in place. She can draw and paint in the front room, which has an enormous south-facing window. I must say, it’s a most convenient place for an assignation.”
“Did you pick up that word from Forsaken Fortune?”
“My vocabulary isn’t as limited as you think. Not that I’ve ever used the term in conversation.”
Hannah reached for the leather wallet containing the bar tab. “Till now, I never had a chance to treat a zillionaire.” She scribbled her room number on the check and signed her name.
“And I’ve never spent a night at the Ritz.”
“It won’t be this one.” Her mouth and jaw stretched as she struggled to hold back a yawn.
“You’re knackered, I know. What if I just tuck you into bed and leave you there? To dream of future assignations.”
