Page 119 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
“I doubt Anthony even knew about that,” Jess had said. “He wouldn’t have been conducting interviews for the kitchen staff.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Sylvia had pointed out. “As far as Ted is concerned, Linford Castle and its management are Enemy Number One.”
Now Emily put down the phone and looked at Jess. “So listen, I wasn’t going to say anything, but now that you and Robert have broken up …”
“It’s okay,” Jess gave a wry smile. “You can say it.”
“Holly told me I dissed him when I first arrived down. There was a gang of us from the hotel on a night out in The Tin Whistle, and she said he was there.” Emily chewed her lip. “I remember a few guys coming on to me, Jess, but I wasn’t being deliberately rude. To be honest, like, I don’t remember him.”
He’d just been another guy trying to make an impression on Emily that night. And Emily had only vaguely remembered him when Jess had introduced them during that early photoshoot in the castle’s courtyard. She wondered if that had stung the most.
Mrs McDonagh came out to the foyer from the direction of the orangery. “Emily, can I have a quick word when you have a minute?” She turned to Jess. “I heard what you did. Totally mad, but it doesn’t surprise me.”
“I doubt there’s a lot that surprises you in this place,” Jess said.
“Nothing that escapes me, either. The sooner those bloody tunnels are locked again the better.” Mrs McDonagh gave a small sniff. “No doubt we’ll be seeing you soon.”
Not too soon, Jess thought, as she gave Emily a final brief hug, before heading to Anthony’s office.
“Just coming to say goodbye.”
“Jess!” He beamed. “I don’t know what to say. We owe you a lot.”
She returned his smile. “Happy to help, Anthony.Um, could I ask a small favour before I go?”
“Name it.”
“I’d love to take one last ride out.” She hadn’t been riding since that disastrous day with Robert. And it’d be good to leave with a better final memory.
“Be my guest, Jess.” Anthony got to his feet and shook her hand. “Thanks again.”
CHAPTER 62
Jess headed across to the stables, half-wishing her car, with her riding boots and hat, wasn’t parked in the village. In the tack room, she slipped off her shoes and found a pair of boots in her size. She turned as she heard footsteps outside and was surprised to see Afric.
“Oh, hey, Jess. I didn’t realise there was anyone else in here.”
“Yeah, I was thinking of going for a ride. I’m heading back today.”
Afric nodded. “I’m going to take the Lady Linford mare out for a bit.”
Jess remembered there had been a horse-riding scene during filming. But that had been before … “Are you sure you should be riding at the moment? You know, with the pregnancy …”
“Oh, I’m not, you know ...”
What did that mean? She’d lost the baby?
“It’s not what you think.” Afric folded her arms. “You really saved my ass, you know. And I owe you the truth, but I need you to swear you won’t tell anyone.”
“Okay.”
“I wasn’t pregnant.”
Jess stared at her. “But that recording – the one that was leaked –”
“That was me, yeah.” Afric frowned. “But it wasn’t Spencer. It was someone else.”
“So why didn’t you –”
