We waited.
And waited.
Then she smiled, and her shoulders started to bounce up and down.
“CUT!” she bellowed. She took her headset off, rubbed her eyes with her hands, andlaughed—a real gut-busting roar of a laugh. It was joyous. Then she turned to Petey and sank a finger into his chest.
“Andthat,” she said, “is why we always work with the best. Dorinda Carter. What a fucking pro.”
Petey’s face transformed, the tension evaporating—replaced by a glorious smile. He really was beautiful.
Chapter 11
Petey
Filming for the Welcome Ball was a triumph—which was a huge relief after the fiasco that bumbling aristocrat caused earlier in the afternoon. The Great Hall looked spectacular, as did the contestants in their empire-line dresses, dapper waistcoats, and smart uniforms. ButThe Love Manorwas a dating show, and the Regency conceit only went so far. No one danced a quadrille. What we wanted was gossip and intrigue. So Indira was thrilled when we got footage of the contestants sizing each other up, chatting shit about one another, and deciding who they wanted to shag and in what order.
Two hours later, they were all safely tucked up in their beds—and all I wanted was to have a shower and do the same. I was studying the map to work out where my allocated bathroom was when there was a knock at my door.
“You decent, Petey Boy?” They were the unmistakable tones of Jonty Boche.
I opened the door, annoyed by the interruption. “Yes, I’m decent.”
“First time for everything, I suppose.”
“Jonty, I’m asleep on my feet. You’re not meant to be here. What do you want? And where’s your microphone pack? You’re supposed to wear it at all times.”
“It’s old Dub-Dub.”
I yawned. “It’s what?”
“Dub-Dub,” he said, swinging into my room and plonking himself on the bed. “Winters Minor.”
“I’m too tired for this shit, Jonty.”
“I was hoping to see William.”
Dub-Dub? What a ridiculous nickname. But then, he was a ridiculous man. Hot. Stunning, in fact. But ridiculous.
“Is he about? I haven’t seen him in an absolute age. He never comes to London anymore. I’ve been up on secret dormouse-related business, of course, but… feeling a bit guilty about not making more of an effort.”
“Jonty, you’re not allowed contact with the outside world. It’s in your contract. Go back to bed.”
“Outside world? Petey, Dub-Dub is Lord Buckford. This is Buckford Hall. Dub-Dub’s not the outside world. This is quite literallyhisworld. If anything, we’re the outsiders. If you think about it. We’re insidehis world, if you see my meaning? How can he possibly constitute the outside world?”
Exhausted, I held the door open and pointed out into the hall. “Jonty, it’s been a really long day.”
“Right! Of course!” he said, jumping up. “But… is he here?” His eyebrow cocked, eyes squinted, as he studied my reaction. “Or is he… staying at the Dower House? Or… in town, perhaps?”
“I notice you’re not moving to the door.”
“Yes, I noticed that too.”
“Jonty.”
“If he’s still on the estate, nod, and I’ll promise I’ll leave you be.”
I gave him nothing. Jonty frowned.
