by Karen Aldous
Whilst hiding her own beam of pride, it was a joy to see his, however much she worried about what he would do with the information. She thought it best to discuss that with him later, when his exhilaration had subsided.
‘I will keep digging and try to get hold of some primary sources. I only found this out yesterday. I need to go back to the library and see if I can find any other books from the same author. It’s bizarre that the children are named and not the mothers or mother, if it is only one.’
‘Perhaps they were never revealed at the time and Riquet told everyone they were his and his wife’s.’
‘Possibly. I’d love to get access to the love letters and find out who they are from, or to. I’m not sure if they are privately owned and purposely kept out of the public domain.’
Ben sucked in his breath whilst tapping the steering wheel. ‘It’s not a documentary is it, so I can throw in some artistic licence. I think it’s more than enough evidence to add the romantic intrigue you, so rightly, thought it deserved.’
Evie gave another satisfied smile as she gratuitously admired his profile. Was he now thinking romance rather than scandal? She hoped so.
‘You must let me read your new script when you’ve finished. I can’t wait to see what you do with it,’ Evie said.
‘By all means, of course. I can’t wait to get started.’
As Ben steered the car across the narrow bridge entering Roquebrun, Evie gasped seeing the sunlight glow on the spectacular village perched up and across the horizon in front of her. The buildings clung to the rock face. The familiarity was warming. She then peered down at the river and the beach below.
‘Oh, I remember coming here with my parents. We used to play on that beach, Cally and I. It’s still beautiful.’
‘It is. Maybe you’ve been to this restaurant before?’ Ben asked, turning the car to the right.
‘No, I doubt it. Mum always packed up our lunch. She and Dad had a folding chair each whilst Cally and I shared the tartan rug. They were happy days. We used to fish down there with Dad. We also drove to a village close by where the Statue of Liberty was created and saw a miniature replica.’
‘I’m not sure we’ve been there but I came here with my family a couple of times. Always active – canoeing, fishing, and walking for bloody miles. My mother does like hill-walking.’
‘Perfect, then.’
‘Ah, here’s one.’ Ben pulled into a parking space. Evie checked her face and hair in the mirror before opening the door, tidying any stray hairs. Then Ben was at her door and helped her down for which she, with her heels, was very grateful. A raunchy aroma of spicy orange and bergamot, she guessed, breezed up her nose. She inhaled a second time, not wanting to lose it as Ben took a firm clasp of her arm and, crossing the road, led her to the crowded restaurant. Trying to maintain balance, immediately, Evie witnessed its appeal. The evening sun settled on the shaded terrace and the view across the river and bridge was breath-taking.
‘Such a beautiful spot.’
Walking along to the front of the terrace, Ben said. ‘I think it’s so romantic. I wonder if Riquet ever came here.’ They suddenly heard a cheer. ‘Ah, here they all are.’
Taking a glass of champagne from a tray, Ben slipped it straight into her hand. Evie greeted the many faces she knew before Ben introduced her to those she didn’t. Another producer, a creative this and that. She had seen several of them around the trucks but had never met them. As she made small talk, Ben continued to edge her round with him for more introductions, two actors who she had seen on set, and a face she immediately knew, Ralph Kramer. Of course, the perfect Riquet, she thought – and looking every bit as dashing face to face as he did on screen. And, then the surprise.
‘Here’s our Riquet.’ Ben announced.
‘Oh,’ Evie said, surprised at the footballer standing in front of her. ‘Wow, I didn’t know you were an actor.’
‘Well, neither did I… and I think you’ll find Mr Kramer is much more suited to the eminent Mr Riquet. Ben is pulling your leg.’
‘Ah.’ Evie pulled a face and guffawed.
Resting a hand on Nathan Froshner’s shoulder, Ralph was fast to add, ‘But he has an equally important role. He is Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the Navy and Treasury Minister who sold the idea to the king. I think he has a great role and one to be envious of.’
‘Both great roles,’ Evie said, still surprised. Here in front of her were two very big legends of their own spheres, the A-list actor and the premier footballer. It was so surreal, she found herself shaking nervously in their presence. ‘And with all the challenges you have both stepped up to in the past, I’m sure both of you will make an amazing film. Two very strong-minded and strong-willed individuals fighting for their own agendas.’
‘Well, we hope so,’ Ben said, then added, ‘and this talented lady has given me even more material which I also hope should please you guys, and surprise you. There’s going to be a few females in the mix, so watch this space.’
‘Well, I’m looking forward to hearing all about it.’ Ralph said.
‘Me too.’ Nathan said as Evie bit her lip. The scale of this production was beginning to overwhelm her.
Ben squeezed her shoulders and gave her a knowing wink. ‘Don’t worry, they’re all sworn to secrecy.’
The chatter continued in the background as Ben briefed the actors and his two producers, Gaz and Daniel, on Evie’s research and the addition of peasant women characters.
‘Bloody hell, I’ll have more kids to support.’ Ralph jested.
‘That means you’ll be on my back even more, Kramer.’ Nathan said. ‘You need that gorgeous wife of yours for this role, not me.’
Ben laughed. ‘Maybe she can sort you out a costume.’
Evie joined in the laughter but out of the corner of her eye, an empty stare from Ben’s assistant Samantha unsettled her. Had she upset her, she wondered. She gave a friendly wave and a reticent one came back, urging Evie to suspect either Samantha did have feelings for Ben or that she was unwelcome for some other reason. She turned her attention back to the group. Nathan was asking about her research and how she had made her discovery.
After a delicious Salad Ayeronnaise with Roquefort, walnuts and lettuce, Evie wandered to the ladies. As she opened the door, in a low-backed, black cocktail dress and her long curls elegantly scooped up, Ben’s assistant was applying red lipstick.
‘You look lovely.’ Evie said glancing at Samantha’s reflection in the mirror. ‘How are you?’
Turning and winding down her lipstick, Samantha stepped forward to greet her, more warmly than she’d expected. ‘Thank you. I’m good. You look good yourself. What about you and little Charlotte?’
‘Both very well, thank you. Loving the research and meeting the stars.’ Evie ran her finger along the tip of her nose.
Samantha cleared her throat. ‘They are lovely, yes. And sounds like you’ve done well with the research.’
‘Thank you. Can I just ask, I mean, you didn’t look happy earlier?’
Shuffling back to her handbag at the back of the vanity unit, Samantha paused and twisted a few tendrils of hair before she said, ‘Oh, just tired. Being away from home is great for a few weeks but it does get to you after a while.’
‘Where’s home. Can you get away for a weekend to family?’
‘London, Tufnell Park is where I live but family are in Hampshire. Maybe in a few weeks. We have a break scheduled, I hope.’
Evie smiled, wondering if the slip of the tongue ‘we’ meant she and Ben. They seemed quite close. She wondered if they were once an item. ‘Must be difficult.’
Blowing out a sigh, Samantha collected her bag and, tilting her head, smiled. ‘Yes, sometimes – the heat doesn’t help. My room isn’t air-conditioned and the heat at night disturbs my sleep.’
Evie hovered at the door. ‘If it’s a good night’s sleep you need, I have a spare room which is air-conditioned.’
‘Well, I may need to take you up on
that. See you in a bit.’
Evie returned to Ben further down the table from where Samantha sat. She shuffled into her seat, the sun softening as it set and creating a glistening of gold on diners’ faces.
Ben leaned towards her. ‘I’m so happy you could make it. You’ve made my celebration extra special. Thank you.’
Resisting falling into his arms, she managed to keep her cool. ‘It’s been a lovely evening; heard some interesting tales. Thank you for inviting me.’
‘Let me know when you want to get back. I know you have Charlotte to think about.’
‘Yes. Maybe half an hour. I hate to drag you away from your party.’
‘These guys will be fine. We’ll meet up back at the house anyway.’
All of a sudden, a gathering emerged around them singing ‘Happy Birthday’ and a waitress weaved through carrying a large cake shaped as a director’s chair, blazing with candles. Ben covered his face with his hands for a few seconds, hiding his embarrassment, then took in a large breath as the singing came to an end.
‘Don’t forget to wish.’ Evie chuckled as the room fell quiet.
After three attempts, Ben blew out all of the candles and tossed his head up. ‘I think most of you know what I wished for, so wish me luck.’
From staring at the cake, Evie sat back, then realised all eyes were resting on her.
Chapter 21
As soon as Ben got in the car, Evie sat with her knuckles clasped in readiness. ‘So, why do I feel like I’m your latest conquest?’
Ben put the key in the ignition, then stopped and swivelled around to face her. ‘Look, ignore them. Yes, it’s pretty clear I like you but I’ve told them you have a partner, you have a family, and you probably don’t even like me. But they won’t listen. Honestly, they are really just playing a game with me and amusing themselves. I know the reality but I suppose I just play along with it.’
Evie folded her arms and raised her chin in the air. ‘Well, I certainly wasn’t amused. In fact, I’m not so sure about getting in the car with you. If I could get a bus home, I would. I hope you don’t try anything on.’
‘Evie, Evie, stop.’ Ben’s tone was curt. ‘I promise. You can trust me. Have I ever given you reason not to trust me?’
‘No, but those guys in there are expecting you to tell them… well, that you’ve had your way or something.’
‘So, that’s guys. If you want to know the truth, they don’t think you have a partner because they have never seen you with one. I haven’t, I know, but I believe you. I have no reason not to. You’re a lovely girl, I’d be surprised if you didn’t. But, please don’t let their jeering upset you. Guys just enjoy the goading. It’s a bit of fun to them, that’s all.’
She rubbed her eyes, forgetting the eye make-up that she had lashed on earlier. ‘Oh, shit. Well, I hope they don’t think we’re dating. It would certainly ruin my relationship if anything got back to… my partner.’ She nearly said ‘got back to the press’, but she really felt nervous about being caught out by Seb. It was fortunate no paparazzi were here tonight. Even so, any one of Ben’s crew could know Seb Wilde, and if he so much as sniffed a rumour that she had been on what could be construed as‘ a ‘date’ with Ben, she knew it would spell hell and there was no way she was ready.
‘It will definitely not come from me, and these guys know me. They can keep goading for all I care. I’ve made the mistake of telling them I like you, I’m sorry.’
Her edginess subsided listening to those words. It was flattering he’d told his crew he liked her, but were they reaching the wrong conclusion about them? ‘Oh, I don’t want to spoil your party. They’re a fun crowd. Must be great to have so much camaraderie at work. I worry, that’s all.’ Evie pulled out her phone from her bag and texted her sister. Just on my way, now. E x
Ben’s lip curled. ‘You are not taking any chances, are you?’ He then laughed.
‘It’s not funny,’ she said sounding indignant.
‘No, it’s not. But you are. You care and that’s sweet.’ He started the car and checked his mirror.
Evie had to laugh too. Not just at what Ben said, but the irony of the situation. She did trust Ben implicitly, but why? Thoughts suddenly entered her head about her sister walking home with a trusted friend. Oh, God, please don’t let anything awful happen.
As Ben turned the car around and headed back, she stayed silent. It was probably best that way. If she opened her mouth, there was no telling what would come out in Ben’s presence. He had a knack of extracting her honesty. She couldn’t now admit to him that she liked him too. That would be fatal. How nice it would be to move into a parallel world without Seb. But, oh, how hard to move out of Seb’s world. He would be furious. He would never accept her having another relationship. She could seriously risk losing Charlotte. That was unthinkable. As they neared Colombiers, her village, Ben finally broke the silence.
‘So thank you again for coming tonight, and I really can’t thank you enough for all the work you’ve done. You will continue working on the research, won’t you, and write some articles for the press for when the film is released?’
‘Yes, of course. I don’t want to stop being friends or working together. And on Monday, I’ll send you all the notes I have made to date.’
‘Superb. I’ll get the new script to you when I’ve written it. I’d value your approval. You’ll get a fee for reading too. And, if it’s ok, I’ll have a chat with the guys as to what we need for the press releases too. Things like how the film resonates with the area, and how much information should go into them.’
‘That would be good. I have to say, I’ve really enjoyed the work.’
She saw his shoulders relax as he turned. His eyes sparkled. ‘Well, you’re obviously a natural, and I feel I can trust you to do a good job. We work well as a team and I hope we can hire you on future projects. I know the guys think you’re amazing.’
Evie stroked her bag in her fluster. So many compliments gave her comfort, yet discomfort too. She wasn’t used to being valued and whilst it felt good, it meant real responsibility. She would be judged on every piece of work she did and that was scary, but, in a strange way, welcome. It was something which made her feel alive and in the process, yielded her her own identity.
‘That’s great to hear,’ she said as Ben turned at the end of the track. ‘Thank you for a lovely evening. And enjoy the remainder of your birthday.’
Ben stopped the car and helped her out. ‘Thank you for my present. I’m sure I’ll see you out on the canal.’
‘Mmm, it’s my main artery. I’ll pop over if you’re not busy. Thanks for taking me. And, whoops,’ she caught his arm as she wobbled on the stones, ‘sorry I got snappy about the guys. No harm done, I hope.’ She felt his other hand on hers.
‘Absolutely not,’ Ben said as they approached the gate. ‘Loved your company. Goodnight.’
Evie felt the warmth of his hand diminish as he let go. She reached for his shoulders and brushed his cheeks with her lips, feeling his arms clasping her lightly at the waist. How tempting it was to remain there and kiss those delicious lips. She stepped back. ‘Goodnight.’
When Ben got back to the house, lights flashed and a huge roar erupted as soon as he opened the door.
‘Happy birthday,’ they cheered at once.
‘Hah, nice one guys. How the fuck did you get back before me? You shouldn’t have done this.’
‘We had no one to way-lay us.’ Ravi smirked.
Jamie, one of the crew who hadn’t joined them at the restaurant, handed him a beer. ‘Did you have a good meal?’
‘Brilliant mate, thanks.’ He took a mouthful of beer and joined the crowd, wishing Evie could be beside him. ‘Cheers everyone.’
‘Cheers,’ they chorused.’
Jamie slid one hand into his back pocket. ‘Didn’t expect you back so quick; thought you might be a while with little Evie.’
Ben pushed his shoulders back. ‘I’m going to remind you guys, there�
��s nothing going on with me and Evie. She’s put in a hell of a lot of research work and I’d like to continue working with her without all this goading. I don’t want to piss her off, if you know what I mean. Nor her partner. Lay off, please.’
Ravi nodded. ‘I agree. She didn’t look impressed earlier.’
Samantha perched herself on a stool and took a large gulp of wine. ‘Well maybe if you stopped drooling all over her, she wouldn’t get so pissed.’
‘What do you mean, I don’t drool over her.’ Ben peered around the room searchingly, noticing averted eyes and bodies turning away as if to keep out of this argument. He gripped his chin whilst glaring back at Sam. Perhaps he was more obvious than he thought he was being. But Samantha had no right to say it.
Together, as if diverting tension, Gaz and Ravi stepped towards him. Gaz asked, ‘So these changes in the script. Got any ideas yet?’
Ben rubbed his chest. ‘Oh, wow, yes. I’ll get working on it tomorrow. I know I won’t get all the facts until Monday, but I’ve certainly got enough to get going on it. I’m really excited, I think it will add such a big punch to the story.’
‘Yes, if done right. We’ll have to arrange casting for it, which may take some time. We can’t afford to hang around. Anyone come to mind?’ Gaz asked.
Ben immediately thought of Evie. Ok, so they would have to darken her complexion and hair but what a perfect suit. Beauty, brains and lashings of charisma. ‘Not immediately, but I’m sure once I start writing, the character will come. Certainly Mediterranean or Basque.’
‘It could be an unknown,’ Gaz said. ‘We’ve got two top names for billing.’
‘That’s true,’ Daniel, the other producer, agreed.
Gaz nodded. ‘Yep, at least we’re back in London in ten days. We can audition.’
The following morning, Ben outlined several scenarios he considered possible to add to his script but – possibly due to the birthday hangover – he just couldn’t get Evie out of his head. He thought it would be easy to just weave in a few love scenes. Throw in a few lovers and clandestine meetings and all would be straightforward. All he imagined, however, was Evie. Beautiful, fun, energetic Evie cycling along the canal; sensual Evie falling into his arms like she almost did last night; the maternal Evie embracing her child. Stop, stop tormenting yourself. It was unreasonable to contemplate getting any closer. The last thing his debut feature-length film needed was a scandal. He had to find some mechanism to eradicate her from his mind… that fresh smooth complexion, those evocative eyes and, last night, in that dress, with her hair up, that long slender neck just…. he bashed his head into his palm. Stop! Stop!
