Page 62 of Arranging Ayra
I glanced sidelong at him. He really was a remarkable guy.
The rest of the ride to Moon Manor was in silence, completely comfortable and relaxing silence.
SIXTEEN
Moon Manor bustled with activity as the set decorator fixed a detail thing in one room, set builders altered the appearance of another, and lighting technicians found ingenious ways of lighting complicated rooms.
Scenes with Wickham were completed as the actor had another project to tend to. All of the scenes with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet were also completed as they were committed to a play in London.
“Just about every scene left involves Barnaby,” Keely whispered to me one morning. “Get ready for a final and difficult week.”
“I’m ready.”
“I’m particularly concerned with the proposal scene. I just know he’s going to want a change.”
Indeed, he did.
“I think the scene would be far more effective if Mr. Darcy made a grand gesture. You know, just a little pizzazz. Some excitement.”
With Rhonda at his side, egging him on, I knew it would be an uphill battle.
“This is not an ‘exciting’ scene, Barnaby,” I said. “Is a solemn and romantic one, filled with subtle emotions that take over both characters.”
“Let me just do my thing,” Barn insisted. “You’ll see how good it is.”
Keely shrugged, prepared to give in. “Okay. Have it your way.” She glanced at the crew. “We’ll take a shot his way, then we’ll try mine.” She glared at Barn who smiled and turned to take his mark.
“Action!”
I stood beside Keely as Barn went over the top with gestures and facial expressions that didn’t work at all.
“Don’t worry,” Keely whispered. “All of this is going to end up on the cutting room floor.”
Such a waste, I thought, but there was no point arguing with him. We all wanted it to be over with.
And finally, the day came. The last scene was shot with little incident and the crew let out a sigh of relief.
