Her jaw dropped at the commotion before her. She hadn’t expected so much activity. All the vans and cars were lined up in a convoy outside the house. Filming equipment was being unloaded, cameras, stands, lights and microphones; rails containing colourful costumes were carefully being carried; people with clipboards were busy giving directions. Emma gasped at the scene, for a moment completely bewildered. Then, taking a deep breath, she collected herself and regained composure. Remembering she was the housekeeper and the first point of call, she was determined to set a professional tone.
‘Welcome!’ she called cheerily. One or two looked up, the rest seemed too preoccupied. Not allowing herself to be intimidated, she shouted louder. ‘This way, there are refreshments in the hall!’ Then she stood back to allow the entourage inside.
The hall was soon filled to the rafters with all the filming kit and an excited flurry of runners, actors and production team.
‘Good morning, everybody,’ Felix announced from the first step of the sweeping staircase. A hushed silence fell. ‘It’s my pleasure to welcome you to my new home and set, for what is going to be an amazing drama.’ At this, a round of applause echoed round the marbled hall. Felix beamed. ‘I know this is going to be hard work, but, I hope, also an enjoyable experience. We’ve an excellent team behind this production and first-rate actors.’ He spotted Polly from the crowd and signalled her over. Blushing, she came to join him at the stairs. ‘May I introduce our Lady Scarlett!’ he heralded. More claps reverberated round the hall with cheers and a whoop of delight from one of the young runners.
Tea and coffee followed, then it was straight down to business. As the production manager told them all whilst handing out the shooting schedule, time was of the essence. The cameras and lighting equipment were set up in the drawing room, ready to use in the first scenes. Emma directed the costumes to be stored in one of the bedrooms upstairs. Another bedroom had been designated the makeup studio. She couldn’t help but feel energised and thrilled at all the hullabaloo. Although the house was full now, Emma knew this was the busiest it would ever be. After today, only the required actors and filming crew would be present most of the time. As it was autumn, the lack of light meant most of the imminent filming would be indoors. Outdoor filming would require more assistance, but for now there would be minimal numbers.
Once everything had been unloaded and either set up or stored, the runners had vanished and by late afternoon only the actors were left. Emma had made them all lunch and set up a buffet in the dining room. She recognised one or two faces, but hadn’t seen most of them before. Polly made a fuss, introducing her to them.
‘This is Emma, the real lady of the house,’ she teased with a nudge.
‘Err… I’m the housekeeper,’ Emma quickly refuted with an easy laugh, ‘not exactly the lady of the house.’
Polly’s eyebrow rose provocatively and she gave a crafty grin.
‘Of course not, Emma,’ she winked, leaving Emma with her mouth wide open.
