[Berkeley Brigade 10] - Shadow of Murder Read Free Page B

writing up four copies of the scenes they would be rehearsing. It was not a valet’s job to act as amanuensis, of course, but Villier was more than a valet. He and Reg might have been brothers, so close was the relationship. They even looked alike.
    Both were thrilled with the notion of Prance having his novel dramatized. In fact, it was a foregone conclusion that Villier would attend as many of the rehearsals as his valeting duties allowed. He was on thorns to get a look at the actors.
    “I’ll get into the attics tonight and see if I can find some costumes,” he said. “Costumes will give the proper air to the rehearsals, don’t you think?”
    “Excellent idea, Villier. Something white and floaty for Lorraine, I think. Romantic, innocent. And for Maldive, the villain, that dark cape we had made up when I was writing my spy novel. I never wear it.”
    “Perfect. I adored the dashing way you used to flip it over your shoulder. I’ll show Vance how to do it. Such fun! I can hardly wait.”
    “Fun, and a deal of hard work, Villier. But then we’re used to that.”
    “Don’t you think we’ve earned a glass of your excellent sherry, milord?” Villier said roguishly. He was allowed to call Reg milord when they were alone.
    “No, Villier,” Prance said severely. Before Villier had formed his pout, Prance said, “We have earned champagne!”
    “Oh you,” Villier said, and gave his master’s elbow a light tap.
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Chapter 3
     
    Corinne greeted Prance and his group and he made the introductions. She led them to the gold salon, where she explained the house rules while the actors gazed all around. The rugs and any small, valuable trinkets had been removed. Covers had been placed over the upholstered sofas and chairs, leaving the art on the walls and the window hangings to give some indication of the room’s usual grandeur. They were also impressed by its dimensions, by the twin Adam fireplaces along one wall, the wheat silk wall covering, the plasterwork and the elegance of the furnishings that could be seen.
    She told them politely but firmly that the furniture was valuable, and they must treat it with care. No cups or glasses placed on the side tables without a saucer beneath, no wet or muddied shoes on the parquet floor and please to be extra careful of the tapestry on the north wall as it was old and extremely valuable.
    Prance assured her they would all behave like civilized people and she left them, closing the door behind her. Prance distributed the scenes Villier had written out for them. Villier was not present for this first rehearsal as he was busy in the attic finding costumes, then airing them out and pressing them.
    The first job of the morning was to read through the lines for the scene in which Lorraine first met the hero, who bore the name James Sinclair until the climax, when he was revealed as the true lord. This first scene occurred in the drawing room at St. Justin’s Abbey, which was based on Newstead Abbey, where the gothic novel was first conceived during a Christmas visit to Lord Byron.
    The initial read through went without incident. Chloe’s voice would require some work to strengthen it but Sean’s was acceptable and Vance performed like the professional he was. Prance realized from that first morning that he was made for the part. The scenes came alive when he was speaking. After the read through, Prance arose and paced about the room, explaining where the proscenium was to be imagined, and placing a chair and few small side tables to indicate where Lorraine would be sitting, and where Sinclair would enter. He made notes of all his ideas in a new notebook bound in blue leather, which he had purchased for the purpose.
    Prance had hoped to foster a sense of camaraderie between his actors, but he sensed that the others did not care for Vance. Worse, Vance had a sad tendency to sneer at not only the amateurs, but even at Sir Reginald’s direction. His “Sir Reginald” soon