Page 55 of A Change of Location
“Lots of places. As a little kid, my first time lobstering with Grampa. In the 4-H show ring with my Sheltie, when we won a blue ribbon. On early summer mornings while milking our goats and the birds started singing. In London, seeing my student film on the big screen at the British Film Institute.”
The day she was invited to meet Liz at Acorn Films and learned of her promotion to location manager on Forsaken Fortune.
“Stanwell doesn’t get a mention?”
“I thought you were referring to the past,” she responded. “Not the present.”
Martin might be upside down financially, and apparently reluctant to admit it, but he was handsome, funny, serious, sexy as hell—and for the time being, a source of bliss. Hard to put all that into words without sounding soppy.
“When we get back to the house, I’ll show you some paperwork I was asked to review. Milverston Village Hall is applying for a rural economy grant available to community buildings, to reduce environmental impact through eco-audits and upgrades. And Milver Vale Dairy is seeking support from a small business booster scheme. They hope to enlarge the display stand they set up at food product trade exhibitions.”
“Are supplemental materials permitted?”
“We can check.”
“I could put together a short video for each of the sites to submit with the forms. Interviews with dairy workers, and some of their customers. Footage of the village hall, testimonials from members of the groups that use it. A cameo from you.”
“You can do all that within a fortnight? Before the deadline?”
“It would take only a few days. Provided I get access to people and places.”
“You’re amazing. Come here.” He pulled her down to sit beside him on the carpet. “Hark back to your time in advertising and tell me everything you know about tourism development and promotion.”
“You know exactly what draws visitors. History. Architecture. Museums. Art galleries. Recreation. Shopping. If you have something unique to offer them, it’s a bonus.”
“Our area is the primary location for a major motion picture.”
“That’s not unusual. Or uncommon. The Milver Vale isn’t as well known as Lacock and Stamford. Or Bath. Your other challenge,” she added, “would be the cost of a campaign.”
He ran his hand through his hair. “My advisory board has fifty thousand pounds available for regional promotion.”
“Any guidelines for its use?”
“Donated funds. No restrictions. A website is already under construction. I also want an illustrated informational brochure in downloadable format, listing the sights and activities in the vale. A map that includes each village and its attractions. Our artisans’ studio and shop in Little Milver. The tithe barn. The river walk. And so on. Would you be willing to take the photographs?”
“Of course. And write the copy, if you like. You could also hire somebody to create a phone app. But even a very simple one requires a bigger budget.”
“I’ll find more money.”
After a thoughtful pause, she said, “You’ll want to put the Milver Vale on the itineraries of the tour bus companies that take day-trippers into the countryside from London and Bristol and Bath. And you can place your brochure in the racks at railway station lounges and hotels and restaurants.”
He demonstrated his approval by kissing the tip of her nose. “I’ve obtained preliminary approval for an electric vehicle charging station in Milverston Magna. The next step is deciding where it ought to go. Someplace close to the shops.”
“Next to The Latimer Arms car park,” she suggested. “On the short side of the village green. There’s probably space for two.”
His phone chirped, notifying him of an incoming message. “It’s from the film’s leading lady.” He dipped his head to read.
“Caroline Bryden has your mobile number?”
“When I found out she’d be starring in Forsaken Fortune, I got in touch. We’re distant cousins, with a common great-great grandfather, a famous and highly revered cabinet minister. He was too sensible to go after the top job.”
“Small world.”
“Small country. Caroline says she’ll be here in about six weeks.”
Hannah was painfully aware of the timing. “Do you know her well?”
“Not really. I see her on the telly now and again. It’s been years since we were together in person, at a family wedding. She was still in boarding school.”
