The Scarlet Wench by Marni Graff Read Free Book Online Page A

door?”
      Simon gauged the opening of his pocket door. “With a bit of maneuvering.”
      “Maneuver away. We switch the long table for two of the round ones and he’s satisfied.”
      “What do I do in the meantime for a table?”
      “You put the two rounds in here, one to eat at and one to work on when you’re not in your studio.” She gestured to one end of the table. “Now grab hold. Ramsey Lodge aims to please.”
      They scrambled to bring in the long table and switched it for the two rounds, moving dishes and flowers and candles, then rolled the rounds into Simon’s kitchen. Grayson lounged against the doorframe without offering help. Maeve found a pale green cloth that didn’t match the others but did fit the table. She placed her vases down the center and lit the candles while Simon reset the table.
      Thank goodness Maeve was on the ball. Simon thanked her as the first actors came into the room.
      “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She slipped away.
      Satisfied with the new arrangement, Grayson created his pecking order by seating Gemma and Fiona on either side of him, with Poppy and Helen next on one side and the Dentons on the other. Burt was allowed the other end. Simon knew the stage manager didn’t plan to eat at the lodge every night.
      Grayson kissed Nora’s hand as she came into the room after putting Sean to sleep.
      “So lovely to see you again, my dear,” the director practically purred.
      Nora blushed and pulled her hand away before sitting down at the round table where she would eat with Simon and Declan. Simon noted Declan’s scowl at the director. Grayson opened his mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by Helen.
      “I think we should all join hands and thank the spirits for bringing us together.” Shiny discs on the turban she wore glistened in the candlelight and bobbed with her movements, throwing blue streaks into the room.
      “I think you’re dotty.” Gemma raised her wine glass and knocked back half.
      “Helen, please—” Grayson warned. He took his place at the head of the large table, leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind as to who was in charge.

    *

    8:30 PM

    Simon moved among the guests seated along the long table, refilling teacups and wine glasses. Fiona Church picked at her food, but Gemma Hartwell ate with gusto, and Callie took mostly empty plates back to the kitchen after the main meal. Everyone seemed to enjoy the raspberry crumble they were eating for dessert; Agnes would be chuffed.
      At one of the remaining round tables in the corner, Nora and Declan lingered over the same dessert Simon had wolfed down. Simon poured tea for Poppy and listened to the conversation. Grayson Lange held court over his cast and minor crew while the Dentons made a stab at polite conversation.
      “I understand you live locally, Mr. Marsh?” Lydia asked.
      Burt looked up from his plate. “Burt.” Then, “Windermere.”
      “A man of few words,” Rupert chimed in. “I like that. We actors tend to be verbose, you’ll find, Burt.”
      “Tell me about it,” Poppy said, accepting more tea from Simon.
      “I, for one, hardly ever talk unless I have something important to shay—say,” Gemma declared, waving her wine glass.
      “Spit it out, Gemma,” Fiona said. “We’re all panting to hear your words of wisdom.”
      Simon saw Nora stifle a giggle at the exchange and watched Declan reach for her hand under the table. Maeve would have enjoyed these shenanigans.
      Gemma threw down her napkin. “You’re just ticked off you’re not Elvira!”
      Fiona leered across the table at her. “For someone used to playing maids, are you really up to being the star?”
      Grayson clapped his hands. “That’s enough, ladies, no bickering.”
      Simon paused to refill the Dentons’ tea.
      “Wonderful meal. I’ll gain a few stone if I’m not careful.” Lydia’s smile was infectious.
      Simon returned it. “I’ll pass your compliments on