Page 11 of Arranging Ayra
“I see that the artwork here has already been changed to better suit the film which is set in the early 1800s.”
“Yes,” he said with a touch of embarrassment. “I’d originally purchased replicas of Monet, Renoir and Degas, only to find out that they were all born a little too late to have painted something appropriate for the late 1800s. I had to go back and find paintings from artists I’d never heard of before.”
I walked around looking at the paintings. Most were portraits. I stopped before one painted by Joshua Reynolds. The portrait’s background was dark and gloomy as was the subject’s attire. I walked on to the next portrait by the same artist; a white-haired woman once again before a dark background and dark attire.
“I think I’m going to have to agree with the previous owner of the manor. This is all pretty gloomy.” I walked on and came to a lovely piece. “Now this is more like it.”
A lovely lady in pale, pale blue stood beside her suitor in front of a country field. “Thomas Gainsborough. Isn’t he the one who painted Blue Boy?”
“You’re asking the wrong guy. But, you seem to know a lot about this kind of thing,” Jai said. “Maybe you could come shop with me for more artwork.”
I smiled. “I could. But then again, you shouldn’t worry yourself too much about that. The production with take care of it. Chances are, no matter what you purchase, it’s not going to suit them and they’re going to change it anyway.”
He chuckled. “Thanks for letting me know. I’ve been going crazy trying to make sure everything looks right. You know, this place has really been struggling lately. It’s a good thing the production of this film ended up here.”
“Is the manor facing financial troubles?”
“Let’s just say that we’re not swimming in money.”
“Well, I’d be willing to bet that it will all turn around once this movie comes out. When people see this place on the screen, and when they find out where it is, they will be flocking to the setting of their belovedPride and Prejudice.”
“I certainly hope you’re right.”
We walked the length of the endless dining room, analyzing and criticizing each piece of art along the way. When we emerged from the other entrance at the far end, we moved into the huge ballroom. The vast space was well lit by the huge chandeliers overhead. Light from the setting sun also flooded in through the tall windows, adding a dramatic feel to the room. The wood flooring was of a pale shade with darker inlay set in an open and uncomplicated pattern.
“This is going to be perfect,” I said as I envisioned the various ballroom scenes at Bingley’s home. “This is where Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy will dance for the very first time. Imagine that. Can’t you just see them gliding across this floor. Magnificent. It will truly be unforgettable.”
“If you say so,” he said with a chuckle.
As a sudden yawn took over me, I set my hand on Jai’s arm. “I’ve had a lovely visit, Jai, but I must say, I’m exhausted.”
“Of course. How foolish of me to keep you so long.”
“Nonsense. I’ve enjoyed every minute. But I think it’s time I returned to my room.” I looked around. “Then again, I have no idea how to get to my room from here. This place is so incredibly huge.”
He chuckled as he started down the hall. “Yes. The wealthy of the day certainly did have an obscene need to be ostentatious.” He led the way to a narrow stairwell tucked away in an unobtrusive corner. The narrow door led one to believe they were entering a broom closet. “We’ll take the servant’s stairs up. I believe the production staff is housed in the upper right wing, is it not.”
I shrugged. “To tell you the truth, I followed Keely to my room without paying any attention at all. All I can tell you is that I have a lovely, bright yellow room.”
He smiled and raised a finger. “I know just the one. Follow me.”
We climbed the narrow and winding stairs to the upper level where Jai opened a door onto the hallway.
“I do believe the yellow room is just down here.”
We reached the door, and he opened it for me, gesturing for me to enter. He barely stepped in behind me. “I do hope it’s not too bright. There was a lot of hesitation about putting so much yellow.”
“It’s adorable and I love it.”
“England being the place of sun scarcity, I didn’t know if we’d succeed in livening it up enough.”
“You’ve succeeded with this one, I assure you. Are all the rooms as pretty?”
“Some are smaller, less ornate. Others are larger, twice as large in fact, with decors more fitting to the original time period.” His smile faded and he suddenly seemed preoccupied. “Regardless of the size and color of the rooms, I do hope business picks up soon. I’m forever grateful for the money being brought in by your production company, but...”
I set my hand on his shoulder. “I promise you,” I said, feeling the need to repeat my earlier promise. “Once word gets out that a Jane Austen novel was brought to life in this very manor, you’ll be turning people away due to such a full house.”
Unconvinced, he smiled. “Indeed. Well then, my dear lady, I’ll leave you to rest and do hope to see you again.”
