“Oh, Lord Barry,” Darling said with an obvious blush on her cheeks. “That really isn’t necessary.”
“Oh, absolutely it is. I wouldn’t dream of letting this opportunity pass us by. You’re a grown woman and you deserve...well, a coming out ball, as it were.”
“If I may sir,” Darling said more forcefully. “Matthew and I are in the midst of shooting a movie here at Barry Park. That is why all these people are here. This is the cast and crew of an upcoming Jane Austen screen adaptation.”
“A movie?”
“Yes, sir, indeed.”
“Jane Austen?”
“That’s right. You are a fan of her books, are you not?”
Sniffing the air with obvious pride, he hooked his thumbs into the belt loops of his trousers and looked around the ballroom. “Jane Austen, you say?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Pride and Prejudice?”
“Mansfield Park, sir.”
He grimaced slightly. “I would have preferredSense and Sensibility. Or evenEmma.”
“Those are all wonderful books, but they’ve already been done, sir.”
He shrugged. “I did always fancy this place worthy of appearing in a film of some kind.” He pursed his lips. “Jane Austen.Mansfield Park. Yes! I think that works.”
“This is a wonderful chance for you, sir. If this movie is like Keely’s previous productions, it will be a huge hit, and the world will see your magnificent home in all its glory.”
He beamed with a degree of pride that was almost disconcerting. I began to fear he might interfere with the production, wanting us to highlight this room, or not show that one.
With warm eyes and a kind smile, he turned to Darling. “You did always know what to say to sooth my ire, dear girl.” He took her tiny hand and sandwiched it between his massive ones. “I’m happy to see that that hasn’t changed.”
“I’m happy that you’re happy, sir. If I may, I would like to introduce you to the producer of this movie.”
I stood and met them halfway.
“It’s a pleasure meeting you, Lord Barry,” I said, my hand extended. “I’m Keely and it has been an honor working on this movie in your exquisite home.”
He released his hold of Darling and took my hand in his, giving it a solid shake. “And I am Lord Randolph Barry and if you are truly doing a Jane Austen movie here, the pleasure is all mine.Mi casa es su casa.”
“How very kind of you, sir,” I said.
“What portions of my estate are you using?”he said.
“Oh, virtually all of it, sir. The ballrooms, the drawing room, and the immensity of these gorgeous grounds. We have so many outdoor spots to choose from; the pond, the forest, the gardens.”
He beamed with pride.
Seeing Darling take a step back, I took the lead and went on to introduce Lord Barry to Hugh, Jai and Ayra as well as Abbie and Gabriel.
“These are all really great people, Father,” Matthew said as he gestured to everyone.
“I can see that, son. I can see that.”
“And did Keely tell you that her husband, Hugh, is a big time lawyer...from the Pembroke family.
Lord Barry’s eyes lit up as his brow rose. “A Pembroke. I’ve heard some mighty impressive things about some of the cases you’ve won...very impressive.”
