“But, so many people are relying on, on...this is their...”Matthew stammered as he tried to reason with his father.
“I won’t be changing my mind, son. Not tonight, not tomorrow nor the day after that.” And with that he turned and left Matthew standing alone in the hall.
“Matt?”I said softly as I came up to him.
Red-faced, he turned to me. “He’s being completely unreasonable. There is no true reason for him to throw everyone out. I have no doubt fatigue from his trip is partially to blame.”
I took him by the hand and led him to the library, shutting the door behind us.
“He’s behaving like a tyrant,” Matthew said, his balled-up fists pounding the air.
“We can’t let our emotions get the better of us,” I said, fighting to control my own roller coaster of emotions.
“He’s infuriating,” he said as he paced in front of the fireplace. He stopped suddenly and looked at me. “And what’s his problem with Keely’s father? What’s the deal there? Did you see how he changed mood so suddenly.”
I nodded. Indeed, it had been impossible to miss.
“What was that?”
“I have no idea,” I said. “Whatever it is, it’s enough to make him forego his chance of seeing Barry Park up on the big screen.”
Matt stopped pacing and threw himself into one of the four wingback chairs set up in front of the grand fireplace. His fingers dug into the upholstery of the chair’s arms. “I don’t want to sound selfish, but this was going to be my big break. This movie is sure to make or break me. If this fails...”
“I know what you mean. This movie is a big deal for me as well.”
“Of course, I’m aware that hundreds of people are relying on this production for their next paycheck. It’s not only me and you.”
I nodded. “Indeed.”
I daintily sat on the edge of the chair beside him, resisting the urge to reach out and set my hand over his. “I can understand that your father is upset at seeing his house filled with strangers. This is perhaps his way of telling you that he should have been advised despite his absence.”
Matthew shrugged. “I guess.”
“You know how your father likes to be in control of every situation.”
“To say the least.”
“On the other hand, he clearly has a desire to show his magnificent home to the world. Despite his frustration, his ego was very much flattered by that prospect.”
“He has, indeed, always been excessively proud of Barry Park. It was once rumored that Barry Park would get a spread inArchitectural Digest, but that never materialized. He was devastated.So now, to have his home prominent in a Jane Austen adaptation; it doesn’t get much better than that.”
“So then, why the sudden turn around?”I said.
“I have no idea.”
“Well, we’d better find out and we’d better find a way to appease him and keep this production here at Barry Park.”
I stared into the fireplace. No fire burned, but two small dry logs were set over a nest of kindling, ready to warm the room for whomever may need it.
Matthew leaned back with an exasperated huff. “This is my big chance. Damn it. Does he not realize how much this means to me?”
I nodded, wanting to stop the circular dialogue, but sensing his need to vent.
“If your father insists on closing down production, we’re doomed. Moon Manor isn’t ready yet, at least, not enough to accommodate us all again.”
“I was just starting to feel comfortable with everyone. I’ve had interesting conversations with Hugh and just yesterday I had lunch with Jai and Gabriel. We have so much in common and it’s so easy hanging out with them.”
“Same here...with the women. I absolutely revere Keely, and I love Abbie, and Ayra is such a sweetheart. Beyond these strong and important women, I adore the entire cast, I enjoy my time in the chair chatting with Greta and Valerie who do my hair and makeup. Brenda in wardrobe is a little harsh and very methodical, but she’s such a darling underneath it all. They’ve all become family...like sisters.”
