by Di Morrissey
Jason wrote a name and number on a bit of paper and handed it to her. ‘I’ll phone her later today so Mardi will know who you are when you call.’
Dani and Tim’s lives settled into a routine in the valley with Tim staying Monday to Friday at Cricklewood with Lara, and Friday night till Monday morning with Dani. He started riding lessons with Mardi, a cheerful young woman who handled new riders with firm and calm instructions. She soon had Tim sitting comfortably in the saddle and quickly gaining confidence with exercises in a large outdoor yard near the stables.
Lara found herself increasingly fascinated digging into the family past, and spent more and more time at the historical society going through records and newspapers. She even began calling on and chatting with people around town who remembered her grandparents. But occasionally she sensed some of the oldies were a bit reluctant to open up and talk freely. They were inevitably polite, but sometimes evasive and vague. And Lara was convinced it wasn’t just the result of a fading memory. She had the impression they were holding back, being cautious, as if there was something they didn’t want to talk about.
Lara ran into Carter at the local produce shop and he took her for a coffee and they passed a pleasant hour chatting about their careers and travels. He mentioned their hike to Isabella’s original home and they laughed at the goanna streaking up Ginny. Lara told him a little about her detective work into her family history and was tempted to tell him about the strange message in the letter that had been dropped into her mailbox. She hadn’t told anyone because it seemed so absurd, a bit of dramatic nonsense. She enjoyed Carter’s company and, being of a similar age, they found it easy to relate to each other.
By contrast, Dani found Roddy was like a perpetual whirlwind. He made another dash to New Zealand, a trip to Sydney to see his lawyer and organised for Russell Franks to be flown over for the media launch, as well as hiring a PR firm to handle the press and promotional side of the film. He stopped by The Vale mid week for a home-cooked dinner and stayed the night. He talked all evening about the film deal rather than the creative aspects and didn’t ask to see Dani’s paintings, which she was rather glad about.
‘Garth is excited that Isabella is finally going to be recognised up there on the big screen,’ said Dani.
‘I hope he realises it’s not going to be word-for-word from his book. The director needs freedom to move,’ said Roddy. ‘I’ve been talking to a developer from down south who’s keen to work with the set construction so it becomes a permanent site. He’s talking with the council about the land for that. Patricia reckons the council is getting more and more enthused about the film project. Everyone can see a way to make a buck. Even had restaurant and food people lobby to get the catering contract.’
‘Claude and George might be interested in that,’ said Dani.
‘Tell them to give me a call. Best deal gets the gig.’
‘But it really is a long way off happening, isn’t it?’
‘Yeah, in a way. But by normal industry standards we’re moving pretty quickly with this one. There’s something about it that makes everyone want to get on board real fast.’
‘The mystery that is the magic of Isabella, eh.’
‘Spot on, kid. Spot on.’
Angela and Tony had rung earlier to invite Dani to another party with their friends at Riverview, the beautiful house on the river that Jason had renovated. They suggested she bring Roddy along. When she mentioned it over the second coffee, he accepted immediately.
‘Great idea. I can do a bit of networking. Classy place, huh? So they have money?’
‘I have no idea, Roddy. You’re not going around with a hat asking people to invest in the film are you?’ Dani was only half joking.
He lifted his shoulders. ‘People love the idea of being in showbiz. Anyway, it’s a good tax lurk.’
Roddy was discreet but he managed to generate quite a buzz at the party and always seemed to have a group around him.
Barney and Helen took Dani aside.
‘So what do you think about this film? Be wonderful to see Isabella’s real story told,’ said Helen.
‘I gather it’ll be pumped up a bit . . . you know, with all the colour and controversy,’ said Dani.
Helen wrinkled her nose. ‘You mean all the horse shit, ’scuse me.’
‘Well, it does make it more interesting, more action,’ interjected Barney. ‘That’s what movies do. The main thing is that it’s a big hit so we all get a share.’
‘You’re investing?’ asked Dani in surprise.
‘Why not? Got to support the local scene. We all stand to benefit. Think of the tourists who’ll come here,’ grinned Barney.
‘Be careful, I wouldn’t sink my life savings into a film,’ said Dani worriedly.
‘Nah, not that silly. But, like the lottery, you gotta be in it to win it,’ laughed Helen.
Dani was shocked that on the strength of the local grapevine people were prepared to part with their hard-earned cash to be part of Roddy’s Isabella bandwagon.
‘Wait and see how the media launch goes,’ suggested Dani.
During the evening several other locals approached her about the chance to get in on the ground floor with the movie before it went public. She wished they wouldn’t ask her opinion as she had no idea whether the film would work and be successful, and she felt vaguely responsible.
She found Roddy and pulled him to one side. ‘I have to get up early tomorrow morning. I promised Tim we’d go to the beach first thing. He’s sleeping over with Len at Max and Sarah’s.’
‘Oh, too bad. Party’s really starting to jump. I’ll drive you home, come on.’
‘I can get a cab . . .’
‘It’ll take forever. Are you ready?’
‘Er, yes, I’ll just say goodnight to our hosts and Ange and Tony.’
As she threaded her way through the big living room to the terrace a few people stopped Dani to say how exciting it was about the movie and her scintillating boyfriend. ‘Just a friend,’ she said lightly.
Roddy drove Dani home, followed her inside and poured them a nightcap.
‘A successful party. What did you think?’ he asked, putting his feet up on the coffee table.
‘Yes, I really like Ange and Tony’s friends. And that fabulous house.’
‘Yeah, I got a lot of interest. A few definite bites. Now, they approached me, I wasn’t out there touting,’ he added.
‘I just worry about people being prepared to put up their money at this early stage,’ said Dani.
‘Honey, that’s how you make a killing. Get in early. And without investment there’s no budget to make the damn thing.’ He saw her expression didn’t change and he swallowed the last of his drink and took her hand. ‘C’mon, let’s go to bed. You need a cuddle.’
Dani didn’t protest. Roddy’s charm and personality overpowered her. She was worried about the whole Isabella film project, her work, the diametrically opposed views of Jason and Roddy, her future. ‘I’m just wondering what the hell I’m doing here,’ she said.
‘Yeah, this place is a bit rundown and bloody isolated,’ said Roddy, misreading her comment. ‘Come on, guarantee you’ll forget where we are in three minutes flat.’ He gave a cheeky grin and led her into the bedroom. Dani followed willingly. But as Roddy slipped her clothes from her body she suddenly wondered how had Isabella managed on her own with no physical comfort from a man. She must have been a strong woman. And a lonely one.
*
The invitations and press release for the official media launch announcement of Isabella caused a stir in the valley. Gossip, rumour and tantalising snippets in the local rag now seemed to be backed by action and serious financial substance, and it had everyone talking. The local newspaper and radio interviewed Roddy who said the details about the film would be revealed at the launch. He managed to put the spotlight on the financial opportunities it offered to local investors and business people.
‘You look stunning, Mum!’
Lara smiled while Dani did a twirl in her sparkly top and short white skirt that showed off her long tanned legs. They’d both shopped in Hungerford’s small shopping mall and been pleased at finding new outfits and accessories to wear to the launch.
‘You look terrific too, darling. Do you think we’ll measure up to Roddy’s expectations?’ asked Lara. ‘Sounds like he’s going all out for this film.’
‘I hadn’t planned on going to a red-carpet function while I was up here,’ said Dani.
Roddy had told Dani the function would be upmarket and that Roz, the PR whiz, was doing a brilliant job. But Dani got a bit bored every time she saw Roddy and every conversation focused on the film. She’d been busy painting in her studio after a session with Max about how to prime and mount her canvases before starting work. She was very conscious that these paintings would have a life of their own when they left her hands and she hoped they’d spark interest in the history of Jason’s Birimbal development.
Tim enjoyed staying with Lara during the week and his riding lessons were working out very well. Jason seemed to have taken an interest in Tim’s riding. He had developed a routine that enabled him to drop by when Tim was having a lesson. Tim told Dani that Mardi, his riding instructor, was a friend of Jason’s and that he’d given her the horses for the school.
‘That was generous of him,’ said Dani. ‘Does Jason ride there?’
‘Sometimes. He’s so good. He says one day we can go riding on Kerry’s horses.’
‘Did he indeed. You’ll have to have a few more lessons before taking off for the hills,’ said Dani, making a note to speak to Jason about this.
Tim, dressed up for the media launch, had tried to adopt a nonchalant air but was pleased when Dani and Lara broke into applause at his appearance in the trendy pants, new shirt and casual jacket he’d chosen on their shopping spree.
‘So what’s this place Roddy’s chosen?’ asked Lara as they drove away from Cricklewood.
‘Some private garden that’s pretty special. The owner rarely lets it be used as he doesn’t want it trashed with weddings or the like. Roddy charmed him into agreeing to the launch,’ said Dani.
They followed the map printed on the back of the invitation featuring a photograph of Isabella Kelly with the line – ‘Rod Sutherland Productions Presents . . . Isabella, the Movie’. There was a number on a post on a little-used road behind Riverwood with coloured lights around the trees as the only indication this was the setting for the film party launch.
Lara drove cautiously along the bush track and then they came to a long gravel driveway with lanterns and flame torches. Guests were heading along a terrace with a low stone wall marked with massive urns filled with flowering shrubs. ‘God, I hope it’s not a hike, I shouldn’t have worn high heels,’ said Lara.
‘Wow,’ said Tim.
‘You said it, Tim,’ said Dani as they looked down at the scene below.
Along the broad path that curved down to a level lawn where a marquee strung with lights was erected there was a dry stone wall topped with carved statues. Most guests were standing or sitting at small white tables and chairs on the lush lawn enjoying the sunset over the river. A quartet played background music as waiters in white jackets circulated with trays of food and drinks. The lawn appeared to be an oasis in the centre of the gardens, which radiated in colourful sections of trees, shrubberies, flower beds, archways and trellised canopies. A fountain and reflecting pond lit by pink lights was at the far end of the lawn.
Roddy was wearing a white linen jacket and dark blue pants, a red silk handkerchief in his top pocket. Dani noticed he was wearing a heavy gold chain and watch she’d never seen before. An attractive woman with hair highlighted in different shades of red was beside him. She wore a short red dress and large sparkling earrings. Dani assumed her shoes and dress were from a very hip Sydney designer.
Roddy gave Dani a kiss and introduced Dani, Lara and Tim to, ‘Roz, our marketing and public relations director.’
They chatted for a moment about the stunning setting and as another group came in behind them, Roz ushered them on, pointing to a waiter. ‘Do help yourselves . . .’
‘Where’s the movie director?’ hissed Dani over her shoulder but Roddy gave a wink and lifted crossed fingers.
‘What’s that mean?’ whispered Lara. ‘He’s a no-show or he’s dropped out of the deal?’
‘Guess we’ll find out,’ said Dani, and, looked around at the guests. ‘There are so many people here I’ve never seen before.’
‘There’s Toby, Tab, Lennie and Julian, see you later.’ Tim shot off to where the kids were gathered at the entrance of the marquee.
Dani was pleased to find some familiar faces, so many of the people she now regarded as good friends – Helen and Barney with Angela and Tony, Max and Sarah, Claude and George, Patricia and Henry Catchpole. She recognised a few parents from Tim’s school and then she spotted Jason, though she didn’t see Ginny. Lara had been drawn aside by Carter Lloyd and then Dani heard her name and turned to see Greta, the director of the art gallery.
‘This is quite an event,’ said Greta. ‘Certainly will put the valley on the international map. I’ll have to see if the art gallery can be involved, sponsor the local premiere or something.’
‘That’s a long way off,’ said Dani.
‘Things are certainly moving along. My husband is keen to invest. And it makes your subject very timely. How’s the painting coming along?’ she asked with genuine interest.
‘Slowly. I’m feeling my way. But I’m enjoying it and I feel I have a clearer idea of what I’m doing,’ said Dani. ‘Max has been so helpful.’
‘He’s a generous spirit. And a fantastic artist.’
‘He’s very modest. I think his work is amazing. Don’t you think he’d sell well in Sydney or overseas?’ said Dani.
Greta smiled and leaned closer. ‘Funny you say that,’ she said in a stage whisper. ‘There’s a major dealer coming through on his way north. I’ve known him for years. He’s scouting for a big New York gallery, I want him to see Max’s stuff. I haven’t told Max yet. I’ll just spring it on him. He is very self critical and hides work he doesn’t think is good enough.’
‘I know what you mean,’ said Dani slowly. ‘It’s not that he’s a perfectionist but with his paintings he’s always striving for something that’s just out of reach. Does Sarah know?’
‘I’ll tell her closer to the time. Keep painting, Dani. Don’t try to make every picture perfect, the more you do the more you learn, I’m sure you know that. Well, I’m off to look around these gardens before it’s dark. I hear the roses are unbelievable.’
Dani watched Greta disappear and thought again what a nice woman she was. She hoped something would come of the art dealer’s visit for Max.
‘Evening, Dani. Do you have a drink?’ Jason signalled one of the hovering waiters.
‘Not yet. Been chatting.’
Jason’s glance flicked to Roddy and Roz welcoming guests. ‘So are there going to be any big surprises tonight?’
‘I have no idea. I kind of tuned out of the details,’ she said. ‘I just hope the movie works.’
Jason gave her an amused look as she took a glass of champagne. ‘You mean it’s not signed in blood? I wouldn’t be hosting an event like this on the off-chance.’
Dani didn’t want to be disloyal to Roddy, nor did she want Jason to think she was distracted from her work – which he was paying for. ‘This is all part of it, I gather. Like your plans, things go in stages. Before people invest money in a film or a new lifestyle they want to know what it’s all about, what bang they get for their buck.’
‘Well, I’m not putting any bucks into this scheme,’ said Jason firmly.
‘You’re not a moviegoer?’ said Dani. She hoped Jason didn’t spread his pessimism around.
‘Love ’em. Never been a fan of Frank’s work though. And to be honest he seems a bit past it. Living off a few controversial flicks in the
seventies and eighties. They must be paying him heaps. But his work doesn’t seem suited to an Aussie bush flick,’ Jason said.
‘You’re such a cynic.’ But privately she agreed with him.
Guests were being ushered to stand to one side of the wide gravel path that wound up from the river through an avenue of trees across the centre of the lawn, past the marquee and up the hill. Obviously from the attendants stationed along the path someone was going to make an entrance. Everybody looked expectantly towards the floodlit trees at the edge of the lawn.
Dani spotted Garth and stood beside him. ‘This is all because of your book,’ she said quietly.
‘Oh, I wouldn’t say that. Sooner or later others would have discovered Isabella.’
‘Have you talked to Russell Franks about the script?’
‘Oh, I’m sure the great man has his own ideas. I’ve just put down the basic facts.’
‘But, Garth, Roddy used your book as the inspiration, I hope you have a deal sorted out,’ said Dani.
‘Oh, my, yes. A wonderful contract. Nothing happens till the film is completed of course.’
‘So nothing upfront? Option payment or anything?’ asked Dani, realising that he hadn’t seen a penny yet.
‘Don’t worry, Dani. I’m sure everything will come together. It’ll be wonderful publicity for my book when it’s done and published,’ said Garth.
Dani hoped Garth was right. Some people just had no business sense. Especially creative types. She suddenly wondered which camp she was in. She was generally pretty smart about business deals but if it was one of her paintings that was going to get big public exposure, would she hold it back waiting for money upfront, or put it out there and trust, as Garth was doing?
‘I’m sure it will,’ she said trying to sound enthusiastic.
Over the public address system in the marquee came Roddy’s voice. ‘Ladies and gentlemen . . . Please stand clear . . . and raise your glasses to toast . . . Miss Isabella Mary Kelly!
There was a loud chorus of music, rather reminiscent of the theme from The Man from Snowy River, and the sound of galloping hooves as out of the trees came a huge black horse and, mounted side-saddle, a woman dressed in period clothes, her long black skirt looped up showing her foot in the stirrups. She wore a bonnet and high-collared blouse, and in her gloved hands she brandished a stock whip. She reined in the horse, which pranced, its neck arched, tail swishing. The crowd gasped to see her pull a pistol from a holster by the saddle. She fired a shot in the air, kicked the horse into a fast canter and charged along the pathway to the cheers of the crowd.
