The Austen Playbook (London Celebrities #4)(90)
Their backs straightened in unison and they both produced a wide smile of very white teeth. It was like someone had flicked a switch on the backs of Newscaster Barbie and Ken, and if Sabrina had heard that thought, the chance of Freddy being able to patch up their quarrel would sink to an optimistic one percent.
“It’s a truth universally acknowledged that everyone loves a good whodunit. Good evening,” Nick said, with that slick charm and hint of flirtation that made him popular with elderly ladies across the country, “and welcome to a very special episode of The Davenport Report—”
“And Sunset Britain.” Sabrina picked up the catch effortlessly. “Coming to you live from the grounds of Highbrook Wells in rural Surrey, where we’re joining forces in a network first.” For an instant, her green eyes locked with Nick’s brown. “For tonight only.” There was a subtle emphasis on the last words.
The corner of Nick’s mouth compressed as he turned easily towards the active camera. The crew moved around with silent, discreet precision. “We’re here at The Henry, Highbrook’s private theatre. It was built several decades ago for the playwright Henrietta Carlton, but is only now having its maiden voyage, so to speak. Final preparations are in full swing behind me for tonight’s debut performance of The Austen Playbook, the stage adaptation of the game that went viral across the UK last year. At eight thirty tonight, the curtain behind me will rise, and people at home will pick up their phones, ready to cast their vote on the outcome of the story that unfolds.”
“We have with us Elizabeth Bennet, Emma Woodhouse, and Lydia Bennet,” Sabrina managed to cut in smoothly, bringing the camera back to her. “Also known as Maya Dutta, Sadie Foster, and my baby sister, Freddy Carlton.”
Sabrina’s baby sister managed not to roll her eyes on live television.
“It must have been a unique experience, preparing for a play when even the cast don’t know which direction the plot will take?” Tactfully, Sabrina directed her first question at Sadie, giving Maya time to stop shaking. Out of view, Freddy squeezed her co-star’s elbow, trying to send silent support vibes.
“Fortunately, I enjoy a challenge,” Sadie said with a laugh, smoothing back one of the blond ringlets that were artfully arranged beneath her bonnet. “And I’m a massive Austen fan, so I leapt at the chance to be part of this adaptation.”
Surprisingly, since it was difficult to imagine her retracting her forked tongue and curling up with a good book, that was true. Freddy happened to know that Sadie had spent an absolute fortune on a piece of memorabilia that had come up for auction last year.
“Even if it’s not quite the Austen of the books,” Sadie added, with a targeted little grin to make herself seem approachable and down-to-earth. “Fewer balls in the assembly room, more bodies in the library.”
Nick turned towards Maya, who was darting anxious looks at Sadie. Freddy glanced between them, and added hastily, “It’s been a lot of fun to rehearse.” Bit of a stretch these past few days. “And we hope everyone at home will enjoy getting involved.”
“If you haven’t already downloaded the free studio app so you can vote during the performance, and have your say on who finds their true love and who ends up a corpse in the library,” Nick said, with a flash of teeth, “we’ll have instructions shortly.”
“An authority on true love, are you?” Sabrina was all purring sweetness, and his smile took on an edge.
“Oh, I don’t claim to be an expert.” He winked at the cameras. “But I’m working on it.”
Sabrina adjusted the lapel of her shirt. “I’m sure.”
Suddenly, Nick looked at Freddy. “It must be quite something for you, having the opportunity to perform in the location where your grandmother, Henrietta Carlton, wrote her most famous work, The Velvet Room?”
Freddy stiffened. Sabrina’s movements also momentarily hitched. She obviously hadn’t expected that turn in the conversation, either. Apparently not a pre-prepared question.
“Um,” Freddy said through a dry throat, her mind racing. “Yes. It is. I—”
“It’s such a beautiful little theatre,” Sabrina interjected, so efficiently it completely covered Freddy’s hesitation, “that it’s wonderful it’s finally getting the chance to shine. And with such a prominent cast.”
“Yes.” A flicker of annoyance crossed Nick’s handsome face. “Major names in both theatre and television. And film. I believe even our home-grown action hero, Joe Ferren, is donning a pair of breeches tonight.”
The rhythm of Sabrina’s breathing changed audibly, and Freddy cleared her throat. “Yes.” It was her turn to step up with a diversion. Hastily, she produced the diplomatic answer that media training provided. “It’s always brilliant working with actors from different media. Everyone brings different skills and experience, and this is a great ensemble. Perfect cast chemistry.”
From the corner of her eye, she saw Sadie move. The other woman drew herself up, and it was so exactly reminiscent of a snake uncoiling that Freddy could swear she heard a low rattling begin. Maya seemed to sense something as well, and went as rigid as Sabrina, and that sense of impending disaster became so thick in the air that Freddy found she was holding her breath.
“Yessss.” The human serpent drew out the word thoughtfully, her eyes fixed on Freddy, who stood tensely, waiting for the attack. When it came, it was a direct hit, but in an unexpected direction. “We have had excellent chemistry.” Sadie twinkled into the cameras. “You’ll definitely want to tune in tonight. We’ve had romance blooming onstage—and off.”