The Midnight Rose by Lucinda Riley Read Free Book Online

here while we try and find somewhere discreet for you to stay. Lucky old you,” Steve added, smiling, “a little more luxurious than the box room above the local pub I’ve been billeted to. And it means you’ll really have a chance to soak up the atmosphere here.”
    A strikingly handsome man with chiseled features wandered over and held out his hand to her. “May I introduce myself? James Waugh. I’m playing Lawrence, and I think we have a number of, how shall I put it, intimate scenes together.” He winked at her, and Rebecca took in his immediate charm and expressive blue eyes, which had undoubtedly helped to propel him to the forefront of young British screen actors.
    “I’m delighted to meet you, James,” she said, standing to take his hand.
    “Poor thing,” he said sympathetically, “you must be feeling rather shell-shocked, having just arrived from the States and having to face the furor over your engagement to Jack Heyward.”
    “I  . . .” Rebecca was unsure how to reply. “I suppose I am,” she finished lamely.
    “Congratulations, by the way.” James was still holding her hand. “He’s a very lucky man.”
    “Thank you,” she replied stiffly.
    “And if at any point you’d appreciate a run-through of our scenes together before we film, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Personally, I’m terrified,” he confided. “Working with all these luminaries of film and theater is rather daunting.”
    “I know,” said Rebecca, warming to him somewhat.
    “Well, I’m sure you’re going to be wonderful, and , if you fancy some company while we’re stuck down here in the middle of nowhere, just give me a shout.”
    “I will, and thank you.”
    James gave her one last meaningful glance, then let go of her hand and walked away.
    Too shy to go and mingle with the other actors, Rebecca sat back down and studied her schedule, contemplating how, in one breath, James had congratulated her on her engagement and then in the next made it quite clear that he would like to see more of her.
    “Rebecca, the cast and crew are going back to the hotel for dinner in a few minutes,” Steve said, appearing suddenly at her side. “The location caterers are arriving first thing tomorrow morning, but I’m going to ask your new best friend, Mrs. Trevathan, to put something together for you from the kitchen for tonight. She was very taken with you, said you needed feeding up.”
    “That’s sweet of her, I want to read through the new script anyway,” she replied.
    “Are you all right, Rebecca?” Steve’s eyes were concerned.
    “Yes, maybe just a little jet-lagged and, to be honest, overwhelmed by meeting so many incredible actors. I’m nervous I won’t make the grade,” she confessed.
    “I understand, and if it’s any help, I’ve worked with Robert for many years and he never makes mistakes when he’s casting his films. I know he thinks very highly of your skills as an actress. If he didn’t, no matter how famous you are, you simply wouldn’t be here. Okay?”
    “Yes, thanks for that, Steve,” she replied gratefully.
    “Well then, I’ll see you tomorrow. And enjoy the night in your palace. No one can get to you here, that’s for sure.”
    Steve moved away and began to shepherd the actors out of the drawing room. When everyone had left, Rebecca stood up and had her first chance to truly take in her surroundings. The July sun was sending a glow through the enormous windows, softening the austeremahogany furniture which filled the room. Sofas and easy chairs were dotted around it and a huge marble fireplace formed the centerpiece. Rebecca shivered, feeling the sudden chill of evening and rather wishing it was lit.
    “There you are, dear.” Mrs. Trevathan appeared through the door and walked across the room toward her. “Steve tells me you need some supper. I have a slice of homemade steak and kidney pie and some spuds left over from his lordship’s lunch.”
    “ ‘Spuds’?” asked