Page 68 of Beyond Her Manner
“Mind if we have a scout about?” Colin asked as he passed.
“Be my guest.”
She contemplated calling Gillian to say the crew were early, only to hear gravel crunching up the drive and the woman herself marching down the drive toward her. All attempts to rein in her smile failed; nothing could contain her relief at the sight of Gillian.
“Typical,” she said as she approached. “I heard them arrive… early.”
She didn’t catch the rest of Gillian’s words; her imagination took over, urging her to silence the woman with a kiss and throwing Viola completely off balance in the process. “Are you well?” Gillian asked as she entered the porch.
“Nervous,” Viola replied, though she realised her nerves were already dissipating.
Gillian faced her. “Don’t be. I’m here now.” She hung her handbag on a peg, extracting a notebook and pen. “I took the liberty of making a few notes.”
“Great,” Viola said as she led them through to the great hall, where her visitors were busy erecting equipment and setting up laptops on the banqueting table.
“Miss Berkley, I need you in make-up, and we need to discuss your outfit.” He stopped to look at her, his eyes casting over her white shirt and blue chinos, which made her uncomfortable. “Actually, no need. What you are wearing is perfection.”
She turned to Gillian — after all, it was her creation — only to find she was looking her over too. Her eyes lingered, thoughts seemingly miles away. This time it didn’t make her feel uncomfortable; it made her feel all kinds of things — hot, sweaty, breathless, light-headed. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could push away those feelings, to keep telling herself that theywere nothing, that she wasn’t falling in love with Gillian when that was exactly, precisely, completely, and utterly what she was doing.
“Gillian, this is Colin the photographer, and this is my—”
“Coffee, black, two sugars, dear. We had an early start,” he said, giving Gillian nothing more than a cursory glance.
“I’ll make that for you,” Viola offered, noticing a slightly contorted appearance fall over Gillian’s face.
“You are her PA?” Colin questioned Gillian with a crumpled forehead.
“I am not,” Gillian scoffed. “I used to own Kingsford Manor, and I am here to support Viola in its presentation.”
“That’s what we’re here for,” he replied abruptly. “Now Viola, have you got an old tea set we can use? Anything will do as long as it’s old.”
Fearing her modern mugs wouldn’t cut it, she looked to Gillian, hoping for help.
“And that is precisely why I am here,” Gillian cut in, giving a satisfied lift to her chin. “I’ll be back shortly.”
Viola flashed her a smile as she passed her, mouthing a thank you. As Gillian had said, this was exactly why she had asked her to be on hand; she was the sort of woman who could find a solution to anything.
Gillian returned, carrying a heavy cardboard box, just as the make-up artist was adding the finishing touches to Viola’s cheeks. Viola caught Gillian doing a double take at her, sending butterflies fluttering through her entire body.
Gillian turned pink and looked away, placing the box on the table and lifting tissue-paper-wrapped objects from inside. “Erm… do we need to fill it with tea?” she asked, her voice unsteady.
“We don’t bother with that, dear.” Colin laughed.
Viola cringed as Gillian visibly twitched at the word ‘dear’.
“The camera can’t see what’s inside, can it?” he added.
Gillian’s face twitched, probably at the lack of authenticity, which was amusing, considering her lack of it.
“Right, we’ll have our first shot in the drawing room; those Chesterfields are perfection. Then we’ll have one in the study with that beautiful desk,” Colin barked. “James, set up the tea set.”
One of the young men jumped to attention and approached Gillian, tentatively taking a cup and saucer from her. The items rattled a little as they passed between hands.
“I’ll take them through for you,” Gillian said, retaking them. “You can carry the teapot, with both hands.”
“Good idea.” James grasped it, taking considered steps towards the drawing room.
“Still nervous?” Gillian asked Viola as they followed.
