“And you still haven’t told us who’ll be playing Fanny,” Holly whined.
“Nor have you said who Edmund would be played by,” Penny said.
“Okay,” I said with a grin. “I’ll come clean.” I paused for effect. “Darling Douglas with take on the role of Fanny Price.”
“The screenwriter?”Ayra said with a skeptical gaze.
I nodded. “That’s the one. And, as for Edmund, I’m considering a young unknown who shows promise. Then again, I have also been looking at a slightly older more seasoned and versatile actor. It’s a toss-up at this point. Hopefully, I’ll come to a decision before my head hits the pillow tonight.”
“I’m really impressed, Keely,” Cliff said. “Susie Sweet and Ricky Stone...I think you have a winning combo right there. If you manage to get someone as impressive to play Fanny and Edmund, it’s almost a guaranteed success.”
“I agree,” Holly said.
The others all nodded.
The dinner dishes were cleared, as was the turkey and fixings. As dessert was brought in, Meg came to whisper in my ear.
“You have an unexpected guest, Miss Keely.”
I smiled and nodded. “Please show her in.”
She left and moments later Darling Douglas entered the room.
“Well, I’ll be,” Ayra muttered. “If it’s not Fanny Price herself.”
I stood to greet her then turned to my guests. “Members of the Jane Austen Association...” I nodded at the men, “and their respective spouses, allow me to introduce Miss Darling Douglas...or, as Ayra so aptly put it, Miss Fanny Price.”
“Good evening,” Darling said, her voice fragile and soft. “I do apologize for interrupting your meal.”
“No need to apologize,” I said quickly pointing to the additional chair Meg had brought to the table. “Everyone is thrilled to meet our principle actress. Your very presence is an inspiration.”
“Indeed,” Ayra said.
As the women of the Jane Austen Association greeted and began chatting with Darling, Meg once again came to announce another surprise guest.
I frowned and shook my head. “I’m not expecting anyone else,” I said.
“The gentleman claims to have been invited by one of your guests.”
I discreetly looked at the guests around the table and caught Gabriel’s questioning gaze. I cocked my head slightly to the side, silently asking him if he knew about this.Gabriel was our pastor but also Abbie’s husband who helped provided his family estate Tillsbury for the film location of my other Jane Austen films,Northanger AbbeyandPersuasionin Bath.
He instantly understood and nodded.
Trusting him, I told Meg to let the surprise guest in.
Gabriel stood and came around the table in anticipation of the new guest’s arrival.
“I know we’re all excited to have Miss Darling to play the part of Fanny Price,” Gabriel said. “I have to confess, Hugh did ask me if I knew someone who could play one of the characters in Mansfield Park about a month ago.Well, here’s my suggestion.I would like to introduce to you my personal pick for the part of Edmund.”
The young man walked in. Tall, with a lean athletic build, he had a warm smile and deep brown eyes. A tousle of blond curls gave him an angelic look.Handsome and kind-looking, he did looked the part.
Gabriel put his arm around the young man’s shoulder. “I met this young man years ago at seminary school and I’ve had the privilege of seeing him in a number of in-house plays over the years.” He grinned as he looked at me. “Abbie and I convinced him to read a few lines for us.”
“I see,” I said with a nod.
“He’s not a pro,” he went on, clearly trying to sell me on the young man’s abilities. “But he has heart and, like I said, he is Edmund. He’s even a clergy in training, just as Edmund is.”
“And the young man’s name?”Hugh asked.
