Dreaming of Mr. Darcy by Victoria Connelly Read Free Book Online Page B

felt sure that her entire store of blood rushed to her face, because she felt as if her cheeks were on fire.
    â€˜Kay,’ she managed to say. ‘Welcome to Wentworth House.’
    â€˜Very apt,’ Oli said. ‘Seeing as I’m Wentworth.’ He looked around at the group that had gathered on the landing, and everyone laughed. It was as if he were a king holding court.
    â€˜Right,’ he said, breaking the spell as he retrieved his hand. ‘Who’s for a drink?’
    â€˜I am,’ Beth declared.
    Teresa stepped in, holding up her hand. ‘One drink,’ she said. ‘We’ve got an early start in the morning, in case you’d forgotten.’
    Oli clapped his hands together. ‘The Habour Inn it is, then. For one drink,’ he added.
    Kay watched in bemusement as everyone bundled downstairs, and she couldn’t resist following. The front door was flung open.
    Oli exclaimed as he almost smashed into a young woman standing on the step, ‘Gemma! What took you so long?’
    â€˜I was carrying all these,’ she said, gesturing to the two suitcases and a bundle of carrier bags.
    â€˜Oh, my hats!’ Beth said, nodding to the bags. ‘I found this divine hat shop here in Lyme. Take them upstairs, will you, Gemma? I’m in the double at the front.’
    â€˜I bet you are,’ Kay heard Gemma say under her breath as she squeezed into the hallway.
    â€˜I’ll give you a hand,’ Kay said, stepping forward and smiling at the pale-faced actress.
    â€˜Oh, you’re not coming with us?’ Sophie said. ‘And Gem—you’re coming, aren’t you?’
    â€˜I’m a bit tired,’ Gemma said.
    â€˜She’s always tired,’ Beth said. ‘Come on, Oli.’
    Kay watched as they all left. ‘Hi,’ she said, turning to Gemma. ‘I’m Kay.’
    â€˜Gemma.’
    â€˜Gemma Reilly?’ Kay asked, thinking that life couldn’t get much more exciting. ‘I saw that film of yours last year.’
    Gemma pulled a face. ‘Sorry about that.’
    â€˜But I liked it!’
    â€˜Did you?’ Gemma said, sounding genuinely surprised.
    The two of them made slow progress up the stairs with the suitcases.
    â€˜I did. You were great.’
    â€˜Well, you’re the only person in the country who thinks so.’
    â€˜But it was one of those roles, wasn’t it?’ Kay said. ‘I mean, it probably didn’t really stretch you—acting wise—the character was just a spoilt little rich girl, wasn’t she? But you were so convincing.’
    â€˜Was I?’
    Kay nodded as they reached the landing. ‘And by the end, I really warmed to her, you know? I began to understand her.’
    â€˜Thanks,’ Gemma said. ‘That means a lot to me.’
    Kay smiled. ‘I’m afraid you’ll have to share.’
    Gemma’s face fell. ‘Not with Beth?’
    â€˜No.’ Kay laughed. ‘Beth grabbed a double. With Sophie. Is that okay?’
    Gemma sighed with relief. ‘That’s fine,’ she said, and the two of them entered the room. ‘Sophie’s one of those people you feel like you’ve known forever—in a good way, I mean.’
    â€˜But not Beth?’
    â€˜Beth’s an acquired taste,’ Gemma said with the tiniest of smiles.
    â€˜Can I get you anything? A cup of tea?’ Kay asked. ‘I was just going to make a quick bite to eat. Not much, just some soup or something. You’re welcome to join me—if you’re not going to the pub, that is.’
    â€˜I won’t be going to the pub,’ Gemma said, sitting down on the edge of the bed. ‘I think I’ll just have an early night with a book.’
    â€˜Okay,’ Kay said. ‘I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.’
    Gemma nodded, and Kay left the room, closing the door and returning to the living room downstairs. She saw the