The Diana Rivers Mysteries - Volume Two: The Diana Rivers Mysteries Collection, #2

By Faith Mortimer

Welcome to the 2nd Diana Rivers, Mystery Suspense Murder Boxed Set featuring the fourth, fifth and six books in the bestselling series, ‘Camera Action Murder, ‘CHILDHUNT! and ‘A Deadly Learning.’ All three books feature our heroine Diana Rivers - writer, sometime actor and amateur sleuth. Diana loves nothing more than getting embroiled in the middle of a mystery – especially one which involves MURDER!
Camera Action Murder!
Diana Rivers hadn't intended to visit England that summer but the invitation to take part in a film-shoot seemed too exciting an opportunity to miss. Life had been quiet for the last year or so & she looked forward to renewing old friendships and meeting a handful of well-known film stars.

The only possible fly in the ointment was the venue. Years before, Diana had suffered a terrifying experience in England - an encounter which she thought she'd resolved. Reassuring her partner Steve all was well & that terrifying episode was behind them, she went ahead & confirmed their acceptance.

Little did she know that the filming was only a minor part of the show as she is drawn into events which threaten to spiral out of control. When a beautiful young actress is accidentally killed, Diana's thoughts are opposite to everyone else’s. Was it an accident or ...MURDER?

A second body leaves everyone reeling - this time there is no doubt. A callous and vicious murderer is at large. Diana is fast embroiled in discovering the hard facts, not knowing she is placing herself in great danger. Watch out Diana! You could be next...
CHILDHUNT!
Two weeks before Christmas. The villagers of Agios Mamas, in Cyprus, are preparing for the season's festivities. Without warning terror strikes the heart of the sleepy little village.

Two small children disappear without trace and a frantic search is called.
Who has targeted and stalked the family for the last six years; knowing their every move?

What is the kidnappers' ultimate goal? Will local author and amateur sleuth, Diana Rivers and visiting CID Police Chief Inspector, Adam Lovell find the children in time?

Join Diana and her friends as they try to unravel the horrific nightmare which has hit the village.

A Deadly Learning.
When author and private investigator, Diana Rivers travels to Portugal for a holiday, murder is the last thing on her mind.

On the first day of her visit, nothing bodes well at the International College of Portugal when a woman's body is found interred behind a wall during renovation work. The striped plastic tape around the crime-scene portrays a sense of unease.

What with students practicing sexual rituals in the sand dunes, a suspicion of a drug factory and money laundering plus a rash of killings, her plans for a quiet break go awry.

Diana is in her element.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Faith Mortimer
• Release date: Mar 26, 2014
• ISBN: 9781498992374

Book preview

THE DIANA RIVERS

MYSTERIES COLLECTION

Volume Two

Boxed Set of

3 Mystery Suspense Novels

by Faith Mortimer

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Camera – Action – Murder !

Childhunt

A Deadly Learning

Copyright © Faith Mortimer 2014

The right of Faith Mortimer to be identified as author of this work has been asserted in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

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All Rights Reserved

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No reproduction, copy or transmission of this publication may be made without written permission.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents originate from the writer’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.

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This Edition Published in 2014

by Topsails Charter, Southampton

About the author:

Faith Mortimer: born in Manchester, England and educated in Singapore, Malaya and Hampshire, England. Qualified as a Registered nurse and later changed careers to oversee a number of travel and sport related companies.

Faith is married with a family. Once the children attended University, she decided to join them in reading for a Science degree. Faith obtained an Honours Science degree in 2005 and believes the dedication and stamina needed to sit for a degree while in full-time employment, gave her the confidence to finish writing her first novel.

She has now written and published eleven novels and a volume of short stories. All are available in paperback and as eBooks from your favourite online book store.

For more information about Faith and her writing please follow on Facebook. www.facebook.com/FaithMortimer.Author

http://twitter.com/FaithMortimer

Website: www.faithmortimerauthor.com

Where Faith writes a regular blog about all manner of things!

Acknowledgements

A Big Thank You to my editor Catherine and to my husband Chris for their invaluable assistance and patient support.

TABLE OF CONTENTS (click on title to go to book)

CAMERA – ACTION – MURDER !

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CHILDHUNT

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A DEADLY LEARNING

CAMERA – ACTION – MURDER !

by FAITH MORTIMER

A Murder Mystery Novel in the Best Selling

DIANA RIVERS series 

Camera...Action...Murder!

Faith Mortimer

Fifteen Years Ago.

For some reason, Diana didn’t want to go any nearer the stage, which was surprising since she had once loved it. Instead, she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. She stood quite still as she stared towards the back. She remembered.

She remembered the deathly silence once her friends had disappeared backstage to the dressing rooms. She heard the door slam as it echoed along the corridor. She recalled the director was always berating the cast for allowing doors to bang shut during rehearsals saying ‘silence backstage was as important as during an actual performance’. Diana remembered smiling while she imagined what her friends were up to. She didn’t mind finishing off the painting on her own, there wasn’t much left to do. Then, some minutes later, she remembered the sudden plunge into darkness as the auditorium and stage lights were suddenly extinguished. She made a tentative laugh and called to her friends, telling them to stop arsing around and to put the lights back on. Then there was that silence: a silence which seemed to go on and on until...she heard it. A single muffled footstep off to her right and on the stage. There was a rustle, and she felt something light brush against her foot upon the ladder and then something took hold of her shirt. She screamed and in her terror shied away from whatever had touched her, and then she slipped. She somehow knew that whatever was lurking there was evil and she had to get away.

Knowing the theatre layout, she rolled from the foot of the ladder, kept low and slithered across the stage as quietly as she could towards the front apron. She kept her wits about her, guessing where the edge of the stage was, and once she reached it knew she could slip down onto the floor in the stalls. There was a series of rapid footsteps away from her, a click, and suddenly there was a single light shining down upon the stage.  She cast a look around and saw nobody there, but knowing they would return within seconds she realised she had to get to safety. Scared and hardly daring to breathe, Diana tensed when she heard the footsteps coming back. Where could she go? And that was when she had the idea. The prompt’s pit was just ahead. Two rolls and she disappeared over the edge into the pit. She was lucky that the last prompt had left a cushion on the seat which broke her fall...

...Diana withheld the scream which was threatening to undo her and crawled as quietly as she could beneath the stage. Her shirt was torn by whoever had grabbed her, and she heard it rip once more as it caught on a protruding nail. If only she could make it to the rear of the theatre and the fire-escape doors...or she could run to the dressing rooms and be safe with her friends. She remembered choking back her sobs of terror and reaching the corridor; help wasn’t far away...she heard footsteps.....

Chapter 1

Diana Rivers hadn’t intended to visit England that summer. The novel she was writing wasn’t going too well, and the last thing she wanted was another disruption in her world. For a woman who seldom let obstacles get in her way, life was currently—if she was honest—not going according to plan and even a little boring.

The previous few years had been eventful. Diana had been instrumental in discovering and solving two murders, a fifty-year-old mystery, and helped prevent a serial killer from murdering her last chosen victim.  Since those momentous events, things were now definitely a lot quieter.

Being bored was a new experience for Diana. It wasn’t because she disliked living in an old stone house halfway up a mountain in the foothills of the beautiful Troodos Mountains in Cyprus...far from it. Neither did she resent being a mother to two-year-old Poppy or wife to handsome Steve. The truth was, she hadn’t settled down to write more than a few chapters of her latest novel since her daughter’s birth.

Poppy was adorable: a playful, happy little girl and a normal two-year-old. She ran rings around her father, and Diana was overjoyed that at long last they had been blessed with a child in their marriage. Diana knew the problem was of her own making, and despite having loads of ideas floating around in her head for at least two new books, she couldn’t get past those first few stumbling chapters. She knew she really needed a diversion and a break, but so far, she was being her usual stubborn self and not admitting this to anyone.

Steve recognised the signs and had suggested a holiday to entice her away, but to no avail. Diana told him she could handle the situation, and the result was definitely stalemate.

So, when the email arrived from England that morning with an invitation to visit and stay with the Macphersons in Cheltenham, Steve was delighted when Di announced, What fun it would be to go. He should have thought the idea through more thoroughly because wherever Diana went in the world, chaos and mystery seemed to follow her. What’s more, he thought darkly, after everything she went through the last time we were there, I’m amazed she’d even contemplate it. He should have known...

Look, Steve, we’ve received an invitation from Duncan and Isabelle Macpherson to go and stay with them. But that’s not all. You remember that play we acted in the last time we were in Cheltenham? It was called The Holbein Legacy, and this is the most exciting part of all...guess what? Diana said when she rushed into Steve’s workshop that morning waving a print of the email under his nose.

Steve paused what he was doing and looked at her with a patient, albeit puzzled, expression on his face. She looked flushed and excited.

Well? she asked.

Di, how can I possibly begin to guess what’s in the email? Just tell me. I’m in the middle of rewiring this lamp, and it’s bloody tricky because there’s hardly any wire to play with. Chinese junk again.

Tssk, Mr Grumpy! You’re going to be impressed when I tell you. They’re only going to make a film out of the play! Can you imagine? And we’re invited over for a few day’s visit to meet some of the film cast. I wonder who they’ve chosen to play our roles.

This time, she did capture his attention. I see what you mean. That is interesting. Let me have a look then.

Diana passed the sheet of paper over to Steve and shot him a triumphant look. I knew you’d be fascinated.

Steve read the message through and looked up at Diana. It says we’re invited because we were members of the original stage cast of The Holbein Legacy. We’re being asked to take part in a day or two of filming and a photo shoot with the original cast. How extraordinary. That means they must be inviting all the others too. I wonder if anyone we know will be there and which film stars will come. It doesn’t say.

Not all the original members will come...Emily for one, if you remember.  She’s sadly no longer with us, and there are bound to be a few more we know nothing about. It’s so easy to lose touch.

You’re right. I’d forgotten about Emily. Do you reckon Duncan’s still a womaniser?

I bet he is. Despite Isabelle’s hooks in him, he always was quite the Casanova. Diana laughed.

So you’d like to go then? Visit the Cotswolds and stay at the Macphersons’? What about Poppy? And are you sure you want to go away? You haven’t wanted to lately if I suggested it.

Diana looked pensive. Steve, so many questions! I do like the idea of a few weeks or so away and seeing some of the old cast. Staying at the Macphersons’ swanky house and meeting some film stars will be amazing! But as for Poppy, I’m not sure. I don’t really think a two-year-old would be welcome in Isabella’s home, do you?

I’m not sure you can call it a home. It’s almost a stately home displaying Isabelle’s family treasures. And I agree. I don’t think we can take Poppy. Perhaps we could ask Robert and Libby if they’d help out for a few days. Or Geraldine...she loves kids too.

No, we’d better not ask Geraldine. As much as she loves Poppy, she has the bar at The Magic Teapot to run and her own grandson to look after. I wouldn’t want to burden her any more. No, Robert and Libby are a great choice, and they’ve offered before. Besides, it’ll be good practice for when their own baby arrives next year.

But Di, don’t forget we’ll be staying near Cheltenham. That’s what we’re talking about. Are you sure? It’s bound to bring back old memories, and I don’t want you upset.

Yes, I know, but what happened was a long time ago, and I’ve put it firmly behind me. Besides, as you say so often, I attract trouble, and there’s nothing I can do about that! So let’s do it. And I’m positive about Robert and Libby being happy in looking after Poppy.

If you’re really happy, darling, then I‘ll go along with it. Shall I leave you to ring and organise your cousin?

Yes, I’ll do it now. Are you coming in for coffee, or shall I make it and we’ll have it in the courtyard?

Give me five minutes, and then I’ll have conquered this Chinese puzzle. I’d like it in the courtyard, since it’s such a lovely morning.

Diana left Steve with his wiring and headed towards the kitchen. She knew she was taking a risk revisiting the scene of a previous unsolved crime, but she was sure she could handle it.

Chapter 2

The drive from the south coast up to the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire was one of Diana’s favourite scenic routes. It was no wonder thousands of tourists visited the area. The Cotswolds were well known for gentle hillsides (wolds), sleepy villages, and for being so typically English.  She loved the non-cemented dry-stone walls everywhere. The eighteenth- and nineteenth-century walls represented an important historical landscape and were a major conservation feature.

Diana spent some years in Gloucestershire in her twenties, which was when she first met Steve. She was already a member of Duncan Macpherson’s theatre company when Steve joined. Within days, the two young actors had fallen in love and spent whatever free time they had together. They explored the surrounding countryside in an old MG roadster, which was Steve’s pride and joy, and learnt a lot about the ways of the local farmers. During the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries—the medieval period—native Cotswold sheep were famous throughout Europe for their heavy fleeces and the high quality of wool they produced. Cotswold wool commanded a high price, so the wealth generated by the wool trade enabled wealthy traders to leave their mark by building fine houses and wonderful churches, known as wool churches. Whenever Diana caught sight of sheep on the hillside, she was reminded of this and thought it one of the classic Cotswold images.

Diana and Steve had arrived in England three days before and lost no time in driving down to Hampshire where Diana’s cousin, Robert, lived with his wife, Libby. Di was particularly fond of her cousin and his new wife, especially since she had played a hand in getting them together. Robert had suffered the loss of his first wife and baby daughter some years previously in a tragic accident. When Libby arrived on the scene, Diana thought the attractive nursing sister the perfect partner for her kind and considerate cousin.

When Diana first rang and asked if they would mind having Poppy for a few days, she heard the enthusiasm in Libby’s voice at once. Diana was relieved. Although she hadn’t left her precious daughter with anyone else before, she trusted Robert and Libby implicitly.

We’d love to have her! She’s such a dear little thing and so good. We’ll have tremendous fun taking her out, and it’ll give Robert a good excuse to take time off. He’s been working extra hard lately and needs a change. When can we expect you? Is there anything special we need to get in for her?

Diana ran through some details and then, after having a quick word with her cousin, said she and Steve were looking forward to seeing them a couple of weeks later. The intervening time flew past, and Diana felt her feet hadn’t touched the ground since she had first received the invitation.

Steve and Diana stayed with Robert and Libby for a few nights, and Diana swore Poppy remembered them from their previous visit a few months before. Within minutes, she was rushing around the English household, terrorising their Labrador puppy, Sam, and Diana was confident her daughter felt happy and safe there. Having settled Poppy, Diana and Steve left her on the living-room floor with Sam and set off for Havershall House. The drive up had been enjoyable but uneventful.  With barely a half hour to go, they were feeling relaxed yet excited at seeing a lot of the old co-members of the cast once again.

It must be fifteen years since we were last here at the house, Steve mused, changing down a gear to let a small herd of cows head into a field. He paused to wave at the herder and resumed their journey.

Diana nodded. Easily. We finished the season of The Holbein Legacy and then did a short spell of Shakespeare for the festival. God, that was exhausting! I hated doing Romeo and Juliet over and over again. And what about the Merchant of Venice...? She laughed. "Remember Clare Thomson as Portia when she’d put on weight and her costume pants split up the back during her big speech? ‘The quality of mercy is not strained’ etcetera, etcetera, and eek! Suddenly there she stood, exposing a shocking pink pair of satin French knickers! All I can say is, it’s a good thing thongs weren’t in vogue then! And as for ‘mercy not being strained’, her bottom was certainly straining in those pants. Ha-ha!" She wriggled down into her seat, giggling, and Steve joined in.

I do. What a fright we all had. Duncan nearly had a fit. Who was playing Shylock that time? Was it Russell? He nearly dropped his stage knife in shock...he was standing right behind her. No one knew whether to laugh or keep a straight face. Ah, good times. We had a lot of fun, even if the pay was appalling.

Diana wiped her eyes. Don’t make me laugh anymore. My mascara’s already run. I want to look presentable. No doubt all the others will be looking their best. I’m going to be up against some exquisite film stars, I bet.

Steve took his eyes from the road for a second and glanced at her. You look good to me, and there’s only a faint smudge under your right eye. That’s it, you’ve got it.

Di dabbed at her eyes with a tissue and took the opportunity to drag a hairbrush through her long glossy hair. She smiled at her husband. Are you sure?

Hun, how can I not be sure when I’m sitting next to the most gorgeous green-eyed woman in the world. You look perfect to me.

You’re only saying that because you know Duncan and Isabelle have enormous beds in their guest rooms, and we won’t have any little intruders tonight.

Steve chuckled. Yes, Poppy sure does pick her moments. But I honestly had forgotten about the beds. Things are looking better all the time!

We’re nearly there, according to that last signpost. It can only be another mile or so.

They sat in silence until, rounding a bend in the road, they came across an imposing pair of gateposts set before a gravelled drive, flanked with huge rhododendron bushes. Diana looked around her. I remember them and being told those old weathered posts have sat there for over two hundred years.

He laughed. They still look distinctly phallic to me!

Steve steered the car between the gateposts and began the four-hundred metre or so drive up to the imposing building standing at the end. The present house standing in the grounds was a neo-classical design by Robert Smirke and was built in 1819. Over the years, the original house had been added to since its early beginnings, and Diana remembered there was a canal leading from an eighteenth-century water garden down to a lake. She had always admired the gardens, despite never having had the opportunity before to explore the vast acreage properly. With this visit she hoped to rectify that. Glancing up, she noticed a length of crenelated wall on the second floor. She assumed there would be an adjoining flat roof and vowed to explore it if she got the chance. The view would be stunning.

Someone must have been instructed to wait and welcome the expected visitors because before Steve could even consider where to go, a young man dressed in what could only be the household livery hastened down the steps from the front door to show him where to park their car.

Hiding a smile, Diana muttered to Steve, I thought servants in uniform were a thing of the past.

Welcome. Welcome to Havershall House. I’m John, and Mr and Mrs Macpherson are waiting for you in the drawing room with refreshments. I’ll get one of the members of staff to show you to your room and escort you down when you’re ready.

Steve and Diana’s room was on the west corner of the house, overlooking both the front and side gardens. The latter led to a proper maze, while in the front Diana could see the lake with the main lawn sloping down towards it. A fountain stood just off the drive with a statue of a wood nymph, a tiny deer at her feet. Surrounding the grassy areas and acting as a backdrop, lush deep woodland framed the area.

What a gorgeous view, she said. I can see the lake from here. I hope we get a chance to explore later—I’d like to stretch my legs after our drive. How do you feel?

Steve joined her at the window. Fine, actually, but a walk around the grounds sounds good. Look who’s just appeared from around the corner of the maze hedge.

Diana peered in the direction he indicated. I think it’s Russell with Isabelle. Yes, it is. He hasn’t changed much, has he? A bit greyer than I remember, but we’ve all changed. She looks the same too, although she could be even thinner, if that’s possible. So, if Russell’s here, I wonder who else we’ll see.

Most of the old gang, I should imagine. Now, soon as you’re ready, we’ll go down. I remember from last time where the drawing room is. Doesn’t that sound old-fashioned? We don’t need a maid to show us.

Hang on a minute, those two intrigue me.

Why?

Well, think about it. Russell and Isabelle were never the best of friends when we were last here. I wonder why they’re together now.

Di, they’re two people simply strolling around the grounds. Perhaps they bumped into one another.

Yes, but—

But what? he asked, irritation evident in his voice.

Oh, nothing. I just think it’s strange because when Emily and Russell got together he was really off Duncan and Isabelle.

Remember, we’ve been away for a long time. People can change.

You’re right, I—oh, listen, Isabelle sounds like she’s having a whinge. Now why am I not surprised? She laughed.

Despite feeling it was impolite to listen to other people’s conversations, Steve was intrigued. Both he and Diana strained to hear the conversation across the distance between the house and the maze hedge. Russell looked like he was about to go off in a different direction when Isabelle caught him by his arm.

It was a good idea of yours to rope Sebastian in to deliver the costumes here. And by the way, the costumes are perfect, Russell.

Thank you. I believe we both have a good eye when it comes to period dress. Those last-minute minor alterations to the two main female costumes have made all the difference.

Yes. But I still can’t understand why Caroline gets to wear the better dress. Surely Joanna Bullen as the leading lady should wear it? Caroline’s only a minor actress after all. This irritates me no end. You know how I feel about the little slapper. She let her hand drop from his arm.

I do know, and yes of course, Joanna is the star. But Isabelle, her costume is quite magnificent in its own right. Besides, the one Caroline will be wearing is far too short for Joanna. There’s a good six inches difference in height between them, and the fitter couldn’t or wouldn’t alter the dress, as it would be ruined. It is an antique after all.

Even so, she grumbled, Caroline shouldn’t be the one who shines above everyone else. I find it extremely annoying.

More to the point, did your boys finish painting the boat? Was the paint you bought a good colour match in the end?

Yes. They’re a bit short-staffed around the estate, so they were slow, but they’ve finished it at last. They’re so idle at times. It’s in the boathouse. Do you want to see it? I’m not sure I have time to take you down there, and it’s a bit of a trek in this heat. You could go by yourself. Isabelle was on form, Diana noted: as petulant and complaining as ever.

No, no. I’m sure it’ll look good. You did a grand job finding a picture of a boat of the period. I don’t need to see it until tomorrow. It was a good idea of yours to use it.

In that case I’ll leave you. I really must check luncheon is in order, and I need to change. Goodbye, Russell. I believe our business is now finished. We needn’t speak about this any further. The costume shop will receive my cheque in the post tomorrow.

Russell stood watching Isabelle while she hurried round to the front of the house. He gave a tiny shake to his head as if he couldn’t believe her attitude.

Oh! What do you make of that? asked Diana in a quiet voice.

It sounded like Isabelle has chosen some costumes for the film. I never knew she was interested in the wardrobe. I’ve no idea what she meant about a boat though. Perhaps it’s to be in one of the shots. Now, are you going to gaze out of that window, spying on the guests, or can we go down and have something to eat and drink? I’m starving.

Of course not, darling. Just let me tidy my hair and put some lippy on, and I’ll be with you.

***

Walking into the room and seeing so many familiar faces was like it was only yesterday since they had all last met.

Their host, Duncan, was the first person to lay down his coffee cup and greet them.

Steve, Diana! How wonderful of you to come and all the way from Cyprus, too. How are you, my darling? he enthused while kissing Diana and holding her just a mite too long and close. You’re looking as beautiful as ever. I believe you have a daughter now? I must say motherhood becomes you. Steve, my boy! You’re looking fit and well. How are you enjoying life? Are you still working? You’re surely too young to retire. Come and help yourselves to tea or coffee. He turned and called over their heads to a small cluster of people gathered by the open doors leading to the garden. Isabelle, my dear, come and see who’s arrived.

Diana studied Duncan once he released her and saw he too hadn’t aged much. His hair was still thick and dark, with just a sprinkling of grey here and there. His body looked lean and fit beneath his casual polo shirt and trousers. She remembered his clear blue eyes and recalled how they used to light up whenever he first met a pretty girl. Duncan definitely hadn’t changed. Diana smiled inside; despite his philandering, Diana always thought he acted appropriately when it came to running the company. His private life was his own affair.

A woman broke away from the party standing near the open doors and made her way over to where Steve and Diana waited. Duncan’s wife, Isabelle, was blonde and petite. She was about fifteen years younger than Duncan’s fifty-five years, but the passing years hadn’t been quite so kind. Although no expert, Diana was sure Isabelle had undergone facial surgery, and her bosom appeared larger and firmer than she remembered. Once she drew close, Diana could see she wore a substantial amount of make-up, and her lips were overly full and fleshy. Botox and a facelift! My, my, Di thought as they greeted one another. She really has gone to town with the facials this time.

Isabelle had never been beautiful. When she was younger, she was the perfect plain Jane. Her hair colour was true mouse, although it was obvious an expensive salon had added the blonde streaks, and her eyes were a muddy grey-brown. Her figure was forgettable too; ‘as straight and as interesting as an ironing-board’ Steve once said to Diana after crossing words with Isabelle. She also remembered her acerbic tongue. Steve and Diana never could understand why the handsome and witty Duncan had married her. Except, perhaps it was because the then Miss Havershall was rich. It was Isabelle who owned the house and surrounding land. Havershall House had belonged in her family ever since it was built, and because she had no brother, Isabelle inherited the estate when her father died.

Isabelle held out a cool and powdered cheek to Diana. She kissed the air between them, making sure their faces didn’t quite touch. "How nice of you to come...Diane isn’t it? My goodness, but you’re so brown. Don’t you ever worry about all those facial lines or skin cancers living in such a hot place? I don’t think it would do for me, and Duncan likes his little English rose just so. Steven, you’re still looking so handsome. Now I can see how the sun certainly suits you." This time she presented her face to Steve and greeted him properly.

"Diana, I’m Diana."

Do come and have some coffee, Isabelle said, ignoring Diana’s mutterings. She tucked Steve’s arm firmly in her own and led him over to a well-laden refreshment table. Diana looked cross and then laughed under her breath. They had never got along in all the time Diana had been a member of Duncan’s company, so Isabelle was hardly going to change now. At least Duncan still appeared to like her!

Why the amused smile? Have you been given the royal brush-off from the ice queen too?

Diana spun round, hearing the deep voice in her ear and beamed. Russell! How lovely! I was wondering when you’d show up, Diana squealed, hugging him to her and planting a big kiss on his lips. She stood back to get a proper look at him. Actually, Steve and I saw you from our room before we came down. You were coming out of the maze. It’s so good to see you after all these years. How have you been? What work have you been doing lately?

Russell laughed, shaking his shaggy dark locks at her. Slow down, I’ve been fine. You might remember when I left the company—Duncan’s company, that is—I took time off from acting and did something completely different. Since I already had my teacher’s training qualification, I went back to teaching. I teach speech and drama with English, part-time at the local school. When I found the acting bug again, I joined the Playhouse Company in Cheltenham. You remember the Playhouse Company always performs at the old Montpellier Baths.

Diana did indeed remember the Playhouse Theatre but not much about its history and said so.

Russell expanded. You might recall the Playhouse Theatre started life as the Montpellier Baths in 1806. Because the first mineral springs were discovered in Cheltenham, it was transformed it into a spa. Gentry from all over the country came to drink the waters because it was so healthy. In 1898, the baths were bought by the Cheltenham Corporation and converted into a swimming pool and slipper baths. Just before the end of the Second World War, the Cheltenham Council realised the town’s lack of theatrical facilities and converted the swimming pool into a theatre, and in April 1945, the first play was performed. It was that old pot-boiler, Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw. Since then the auditorium and ‘green room’ have undergone refurbishment. It’s a great theatre, and the Company members are very friendly.

It seems you’ve learned your history well, Diana teased once he had finished. Do you find it a friendlier place than when we were all together at the Everyman?

Russell’s eyes darkened as if in pain or anger, and Di realised with a shock he still thought back to those black days of his. After a second he seemed to snap out of it, and standing more upright, he replied, We had some good times at the Everyman. It’s a great place, and I’m proud to have starred in a theatre which was opened by Lilly Langtry. Do you know the theatre underwent a three-million-pound refurbishment in 2011? It looks quite something now. I hope you get a chance to look over the old place while you’re here. That is, if you feel up to it and can ignore what happened?

You’re as bad as Steve. I’m up to it.  What happened is history, and yes, it would be good to visit. I read about the refurbishment earlier. Changing the subject, do you know who else is arriving today?

I only know about a few of the old crew. And we’re expecting Caroline, of course. He bent and whispered in her ear. "She’s Duncan’s latest find, and where he’s concerned, quite a girl if you like them blonde, and very keen to get on, if you get my meaning. Personally, I think she may be nothing more than a little gold-digger, who’s a bit free and easy with her favours, but perhaps I’m just feeling jaded with Duncan and his starlets. I’m from the old school, of course. Going back to the old crew, there’s Clare, Joanna, and Patrick, who are all here. There will be others, but I forget who Duncan said was definitely coming. The film stars or starlets I don’t know at all. So we’re in for an interesting few days. Oh, here’s Patrick now. I say, what a face on him! I wonder why he’s looking so worried. He knows everyone from the old cast. I always remember him being calm and steady. Patrick, we’re over here!" He waved, and Diana turned to see a bearded fellow with a short ponytail standing in the doorway and looking round. If Russell hadn’t said who he was, she didn’t think she would have recognised him. He looked very dishevelled.

Patrick ignored Russell’s raised arm. Instead, he took a deep breath, turned towards Duncan, and rudely pointing a shaking finger at him, called, You! I want a word now, if you please.

There was a hush as everyone stopped talking and turned to see what the fuss was.

Chapter 3

Duncan stopped what he was doing and glanced over to the doorway. When he saw Patrick’s agitation, Diana noticed he hesitated before arranging a broad smile on his face.

Patrick! Of course, but can’t it wait until you’ve had a drink and met up with everyone? Duncan moved swiftly forward, covering the short distance between them. Wouldn’t you like to do that first?

No. It can’t wait, I’d rather...I have to speak to you in private. It’s urgent.

Fine then. Shall we step into my study? If you want to discuss something, we won’t be disturbed there.

Diana swore she heard Duncan mutter something to Patrick while grasping his elbow and hustling him out of the door. Someone behind her tittered, while the rest merely raised their eyebrows and carried on with their conversations.

Oh. Er, I wonder what that was all about? she asked in a whisper.

Russell shrugged and made a move towards the refreshment table. No idea, but no doubt we’ll find out before the day’s over. If one thing’s certain within a group of actors, it’s that no secrets remain undisclosed for long. We just can’t keep quiet! It seems Duncan’s going to have a busy and possibly stormy few days one way and another. He’s already had words with Isabelle today. I heard them bickering in the library before I took a stroll this morning. I couldn’t make out what they were saying, but you remember what they’re like, I’m sure. Here we are. Would you like coffee, tea or something stronger? There’s plenty of wine, of course.

Coffee, please. I have a feeling this is going to be a long day, and I need to stay awake. We saw you just after we arrived. You were with—who’s that? Diana said, widening her eyes at the girl who had just entered the room. Let me guess...a blue-eyed blonde, who’s slim, young, and of course, impossibly pretty. Don’t tell me. I take it that’s Duncan’s latest?

Yes, except her eyes are green actually, like yours, Russell said, grinning at Diana. Would you like to meet her? I’d be interested to hear what you think of her.

You know her?

Of course. I make it my business to know all of Duncan’s friends.

Diana shot Russell a look, thinking it a strange thing to say. Lead the way, she said in a quiet voice.

Diana judged the girl to be in her mid to late twenties, and up close she saw she was even more attractive. Her skin was a pale honey tan and completely without blemish apart from a sprinkling of tiny freckles across her nose. She was dressed in a close-fitting dress with a low back and pencil skirt. The colour was an electric green, and Diana was amazed that anyone could look so good in such a bold colour. She wore her blonde hair loose around her face and had threaded some matching green and silver beads through it to complete her ensemble. Without feeling the slightest bit jealous, Di thought she looked gorgeous.

Russell looked on amused, while watching Diana study the young actress with interest. He introduced Diana to Caroline.

So, you’re another original member of Duncan’s company. He’s talked about his protégées so many times, I feel as if I know you all already. You must have had great fun when you first staged The Holbein Legacy. Are you all geared up for tomorrow? It’s going to be an exciting day, and I’m so thrilled to have a starring role to play.

When Diana frowned and looked puzzled, Caroline laughed and turned to Russell. Doesn’t she know what we’re doing tomorrow?

Probably not, as she and Steve—that’s him over there with Isabelle—have only just arrived, he answered drily. Besides, Duncan hasn’t explained the sequence of the events for the next few days because Isabelle wanted to wait until everyone was here.

Caroline pulled a face at the mention of Isabelle’s name. "Oh, her! She always wants to try and take control. Why can’t she stick to what she’s best at? She’s not a member of the Company and certainly not an actress. She leaned nearer to them as she whispered, Actually, it’s very odd because she’s not being herself at the moment. One minute she is a right pain in the arse, and the next she’s acting all coy and almost sweet. She certainly is a strange woman."

As Diana raised her eyebrows at her words and glanced across to Russell, Caroline  laughed delightedly. Her voice sounded silvery and tinkled against the backdrop of mostly male voices in the room. "Oh, don’t mind me, sweetie. As a rule, Isabelle and I never hit it off. Neither of us likes each other, and everyone knows it. She hates the fact that Duncan wants me to have a starring—albeit a minor starring—role in his film. She’d rather I played the maid or a whore. In fact the old bat as much as called me one last week. She gave a melodramatic sigh and rolled her eyes. Never mind, she doesn’t know what Duncan has planned later on, and I can’t wait to see her face after he’s told her. Catch you later, darlings. I must go and find him. Any idea where he is?"

In his study with Patrick, I believe.

That old bore! Duncan will be champing at the bit to get away from him. I wonder what grief he’s giving Duncan now. If it isn’t about giving his dull girlfriend a better part in the film, then it’s usually a whinge about some old play of his. He does drip on. I’ll just have to go and drag Duncan out, won’t I? With a whirl, she turned and clipped her way across the polished wooden floor. Diana glanced down, noticing her very high stiletto heels, and winced. She grinned.

Oh, no wonder she and Isabelle don’t hit it off. I think I’d be a bit peeved too, if she walked over my wooden floors wearing those things. Do you know what she meant about Duncan, and would Patrick’s ‘dull girlfriend’ be his old flame, Joanna?

I’ve no idea what she meant. But yes, Caroline certainly doesn’t give any quarter where Isabelle is concerned. I think she deliberately plays up when she can, knowing she’ll get away with it because Duncan dotes on her. She’s more than a little minx. I do wonder, though, because it isn’t Duncan’s house, and Isabelle—. Russell stopped.

Diana turned back to look at him. Isabelle what?

Nothing. I was just musing out loud. Ah, here’s Sebastian. You might remember him from before.

They were joined by a young man sporting an expensive-looking camera on a thick strap around his neck. He was shorter and squarer than Russell, and although his hair was dark like his father’s, it was cut sleekly above his ears. He had a pensive look about him as he cast his eye around the room before settling on Russell. Although it was years since she had last seen him, Di thought he looked very familiar.

Seb, come and meet Diana. She’s one of the original company members. I don’t suppose you remember her when you were little?

Sebastian grinned sheepishly. No, Dad. I can’t remember everyone in your long life. Hi Diana. Sorry, but I don’t remember you at all.

Di returned his smile. If I recall, you were about seven when we left Cheltenham, so I’m not surprised. What’s the impressive-looking camera for?

Ah! I’m this week’s official photographer. For the still photos that is. The actual filming will be done by a film crew from Lodestone Pictures. They’ll be the ones who will shoot the screenplay. I’m really pleased to be here, and it was all last minute stuff. The stills photographer was originally going to be my boss, but he’s gone down with some dreadful food-poisoning bug, and after Dad had a word with him, he suggested me to Duncan. So here I am.

It’s given you a fabulous opportunity. It was lucky Duncan had chosen your company in the first place, Diana said.

Yes it was. Apparently, he owed Barry, my boss, an enormous favour from way back and gave him the contract. I was surprised when Barry first told me. It’s bad luck he’s laid up, but it’s a fortunate break for me. I get to photograph everyone, including all the beautiful ladies in their finery.

So what exactly does your work here entail?

Sebastian looked around the room before replying. Apart from today, when I’m just taking casual shots of everyone enjoying themselves, I’m to take as many photographs as possible once everyone is in costume, he said, raising his camera and sighting Diana in the lens. Say chess, please.

Instead, Diana gawked. In costume? No one told us that! What costumes?

Russell intervened. Costumes from the Tudor period. They’re exact replicas of what the real cast will be wearing for the film. Since the period is Tudor, then you’ll be wearing a full-skirted gown, with a headdress. And the men will be in suits with frilly ruffs and codpieces...for our sins, he added ruefully. But don’t let on we’ve told you, for God’s sake. As Caroline said, Isabelle wants it to be a secret, and she’s planning to surprise us all at dinner tonight.

But Russell, it’s summer time. We’ll be so hot in long dresses—all that brocade and ermine. It’ll be stifling.

I know, but I’m told it won’t be all day, just an hour or so for different scenes. It should be fun.

Diana looked doubtful for a second, and then her face brightened. You could be right, and it might be fun. Oh well, at least we get the chance to dress up again. Steve and I haven’t done anything much lately, except for the Shakespeare at Kourion amphitheatre in Cyprus. That’s always enjoyable, but we only get to perform for three nights.

Russell nodded then turned to Sebastian. You were looking pensive when you first walked in. Is everything all right?

Sebastian dipped his head at his father’s question. It’s nothing, just something personal I have to do. Anyway, I may be fine, but I don’t know about Duncan. Before I came in here, I heard him having an almighty ding-dong with someone in his study.

Diana looked at Russell and winced. That must have been Patrick. We wondered what was bugging him.

Chapter 4

When Diana and Steve finally found themselves free later that afternoon, they wandered down to enjoy the fresh wind blowing across the lake. The weather had peaked to perfection, and they had discovered that more sunshine and cloudless skies were forecast for at least the first part of the week.

Aren’t we lucky? The good weather is a godsend for the photographic session tomorrow. I heard from Clare that Duncan was pinning almost everything on these next few days to promote the picture. She says he’s got some backing from Lodestone Pictures, but she’s guessing it’s probably not enough. Wasn’t she funny during lunch? I couldn’t stop laughing at her stories. She hasn’t changed a bit, said Diana taking Steve’s hand in hers.

Clare? Yeah, she’s always been good value for money, and I’m glad to see she’s done well for herself. She told me she’s just finished the second series of her hospital soap on BBC and said if the ratings are as good as they’ve been for the present series, then a third is planned for next year.

They sat down on the lawn, a stone’s throw away from the water’s edge. Steve lay back and gazed up at the sky, while Di played around making a daisy chain. The sweet smell of freshly mown grass was all around them; somewhere they could hear a lawnmower in the distance. After a moment, Di carried on. I bet she’s so excited about being in it, the picture I mean. Imagine working your way up from provincial theatre into television and then having a great part in a film. Duncan’s quite convinced it’ll be a major production, you know.

Steve rolled over on to one arm and leant on his elbow watching her thread her daisies. I’m sure he does, and I hope he’s right. What about you? Do you miss all of that life? You know, treading the boards, the smell of the greasepaint and the roar of the crowds.

Di laughed. Silly! No one says that. Yes and no, I suppose. I always knew I was never going to be a fantastic actress. I enjoyed it while I had the opportunity. But seriously, I was never going to make the big time, and I was happy with the parts I played. Sometimes I landed something really good I could get my teeth into, and I gave it my best, but Clare was by far the better all-round actress and deserves everything she has. I’m not in the slightest bit jealous. And you know what? It wasn’t until I got talking to Russell this morning that I remembered all the petty little squabbles that actors seem to enjoy. You must remember them too. I know of two such arguments today already. There was Duncan and Patrick, and Russell said Duncan and Isabelle were bickering earlier too. I’m glad not to have to worry about things which are so often trivial. Some actors have huge egos, and I’m glad to be out of it. Anyway, I’m now playing the best and only lead role I’ve ever wanted. I’m with you, I have a gorgeous little daughter, and I’m doing what I really want to do, which is writing. It’s funny how I came to realise that soon after I met you. You must be my muse. She gave him a playful punch on his shoulder.

Ow! And am I glad you did? I think we’re happier now than we’ve ever been, he said, pausing to lean over and giving her a kiss behind her ear. But seriously, I think the biggest surprise of all is Joanna. As assistant stage manager back in our time, she was desperate for parts and grateful for one-liners and walk-ons. She’s another who must be dead chuffed to be in the film, albeit in a minor role.

Di looked up from her daisies and nodded. She was mad keen on Patrick back then. Didn’t they almost get married? I was sure they would be by now and with at least four kids in tow.

Funny you should say that, you’re right! And I do believe she still fancies him. I noticed her watching him like a hawk during lunch.

Yes, she was. I wonder what happened between them. Diana placed her daisy chain on top of her head like a circlet. I hope they didn’t have a big bust-up. They seemed so right together.

"You look charming—very reminiscent of Galadriel in Lord of the Rings. Did you know daisies signify innocence? Anyway, Russell might know about Patrick and Joanna. It seems he kept in touch with most people. When you think about it, a lot’s happened since we were last here."

More to the point, what was Patrick complaining about earlier? I don’t remember him ever having a go about anything. He was always so placid and nice...a bit boring, if I’m honest. Shall we walk some more? How about we go and check out the boathouse? It’s in this direction, I think. There might be something we could use on the lake. I fancy going out in a boat while we’re here, and it looks so cool and inviting out on the water. Russell and Isabelle mentioned something about a boat earlier. Come on, let’s investigate.

Half-hidden beneath a group of weeping willows, they discovered the boathouse. The building had seen better days, judging by the dangerous-looking slope of the roof. The door was closed but opened to Steve’s touch, and they peered inside. A dank smell greeted them, and Diana noticed the green mould growing on the walls.

Ugh! It looks like this place is hardly used. There’s nothing except a few old tools on a work bench. It’s a bit dark and creepy in here. Look at those spiders’ webs! They’re huge.

It’s probably isn’t used much. I can’t see Isabelle rowing anywhere, can you?

Diana giggled. I most definitely cannot! Look, there are a couple of boats over there.

Diana pointed towards the far wall. In the dim light, Steve could see a rowing boat and a larger, much sturdier craft, which had an outboard engine bolted onto the stern. A motorboat was in the water and tied alongside to the dock.

Without waiting for his answer, Diana entered the building and walked towards the rowing boat. It looks quite well made, Steve, and someone has recently given it a new coat of paint. This must be the one Russell meant. I wonder if Duncan and Caroline use it. Perhaps he rows her out to the island for a romantic picnic or whatever, she said, laughing and rolling her eyes at the suggestion.

You have a filthy mind sometimes. I’d have thought Duncan was more used to the motorboat. That’s much easier and less hard work. Maybe they’re going to use them tomorrow during the photo shoot. Any shots taken from the water would look great with the house in the background.

A slight crunching sound behind made Steve turn towards the door, and he was startled to find Isabelle standing just outside the boathouse.

Whatever are you two doing in here? The place is terribly dangerous, you know. You’ve only got to look at the rafters—they’re pretty rotten. Please, come away. I’d hate the roof to fall down with you in it.

Isabelle! You made me jump. We were exploring the grounds and came across the building. We were looking at the boats. Come on Di, Isabelle’s right. The whole place does look a bit iffy.

Why are you interested? They’re just old boats, Isabelle asked with a fierce look directed at them.

Diana and Steve glanced at one another before following Isabelle back into the sunlight. The difference in temperature and light outside the boathouse made Diana shiver. It was cold in there, she said in explanation when she noticed Isabelle staring rudely at her.

Just remember, you’ve been warned. Keep out. It’s dangerous and out of bounds, and that includes the boats. Besides, the paint’s still tacky on the rowing boat and you might smudge it. I’ll make sure Duncan puts up a notice warning people to keep away. Now, I must go up to the house because it’s nearly time to dress for dinner. Are you coming? She brushed past them, giving Steve a tight little smile. I’ll see you later then.

Di and Steve trailed up the slope behind Isabelle at a slower pace. Making sure Isabelle was out of earshot, Diana hissed. Huh! What a snotty madam! I’d forgotten how awful she can be. I wonder why she was so aggressive. It’s not as if we’re yobs intent on causing damage. And the paint on the boat didn’t look tacky to me, although I never actually touched it to find out. Anyway, the place might be in danger of falling down, but it was hardly as bad as she made out, was it?

Mmm. She’s a strange one. Power freak springs to mind, but we’d better do as she says. And that includes you, madam mine! He laughed, drawing her into his arms and nuzzling at her neck. We don’t have to spend the whole of the next hour and a half dressing, do we? How about we undress first? I’ve got a cunning plan. Would you like to hear it?

Maybe. You never know your luck.

Chapter 5

When Diana and Steve entered their bedroom, the first things they saw were their costumes for the next day, laid out on their bed.

What in the world? Oh, what an amazing dress! Look, Steve, these must be our costumes.

Despite Diana’s earlier protests about wearing long dresses in the daytime, she was soon tearing off her summer dress and sandals to step into the emerald-green full-skirted velvet dress.

Oh, Steve, it’s so exquisite! Isn’t it funny how women’s dresses were made to give a conical shape to a woman and the men’s silhouettes were wide and square? I expect it was how they thought men and women were supposed to look, figure-wise. You know, even back then, the materials were sumptuous. They loved silks and satins and used the finest linens and velvet with abandon. And they added layers to enhance the ensemble.

I know about the fabrics, but I’ve never thought much about the layers.

Each one was necessary, and there were a minimum of four. They were smock, petticoat, kirtle, and gown. It all depended where you were in Henry VIII’s reign because the additional layers were farthingale, forepart, and partlet. The finishing touch was a headdress which was either the French hood or the English or Gable hood. Making a dress back then must have taken ages. I remember reading somewhere that for Anne Boleyn’s coronation dress, yards and yards of satin were used. Nowadays, it would be far too costly to reproduce. This dress here is gorgeous, but nothing like as much work has gone into the making of it. Can you please hook me up? Diana spun round and then stood in front of the mirror. The deep-green velvet matched her eyes and contrasted strongly with her reddish-brown hair.

Oh, beautiful, she breathed. If I’m just one of the crowd in tomorrow’s photo shoot, then I can’t wait to see what Caroline and the other film stars will be wearing. Let’s see yours on you, then. I want to see if I’d fancy a courtier of the Tudor times. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you dressed in tights!

***

Dinner was a sumptuous affair and something at which Isabelle excelled. She had been brought up in a world where fine dining was important, and as Diana gazed along the enormously long table set with exotic flowers, exquisite crystal and silverware, she noticed how everything was laid to perfection. Although it was a certainty Isabelle hadn’t laid the place settings or polished the cutlery and candelabra herself, she made sure each placing was the correct number of inches away from the next. Diana pitied the person whose task it had been. Isabelle could be a Tartar.

Diana was glad she had brought an assortment of evening clothes with her. She took time choosing a pale ice-green and gold dress, which she knew suited her looks and figure. She looked at everyone with interest, and saw that apart from those guests she and Steve had already spoken to, there were a number of newcomers seated at that night’s dinner. Once Diana was shown her place between Russell and Patrick, she noticed she had been placed opposite two film actors who were household names in many British homes. Holding in her excitement, Diana tried not to openly stare at beautiful character actress, Jessica Roberts, nor to openly drool over tasty Johnny Speer. She particularly remembered Johnny in his last historical film where he played a swashbuckling pirate in a dazzling white shirt. She deliberately tried to imagine Steve in the same. When she switched her hot gaze to her handsome husband in his white evening dress shirt and remembered what they had been doing the previous hour, she nearly choked on her champagne. She felt her face flame. What did she want with film stars?

Whilst the dishes were brought from the kitchen, Diana looked around at the other seated guests. There was a sprinkling of faces she either recognised vaguely or not at all, and she decided they were either minor film actors or something to do with Lodestone Pictures. All in all, with the gorgeous coloured dresses topped with sparkling jewellery and the men in their evening suits, it was a glittering affair and reminded Diana of a charity dinner where a ticket cost a small fortune. Everyone introduced themselves to their nearest neighbours, and within minutes the ice had been broken as they raised their knife and forks for the first course.

There was a faint tinkling against a glass. Ladies and gentlemen, if I can just have a moment of your time, I’d like to introduce you to Andrew Downs from Lodestone Pictures. Andrew is the executive producer for Lodestone, and without him, The Holbein Legacy would still be in my dreams. Andrew is representing our financial investor in the project, and I’d like you to make him especially welcome during his short stay with us. Please, Duncan paused, smiled and spreading his arms expansively continued, be extra nice to him!

There was general laughter over Duncan’s light-hearted little gesture, and a polite clapping of hands followed when Andrew Downs stood and took a short bow. No one could help noticing the awkward smile on his face as he glanced at Isabelle, who simpered in response.

Steve grinned at Di, while Russell muttered in her ear. Money always talks.

Diana picked up her wine glass and using it as a shield, mumbled behind it. Maybe, but surely we’re here simply as guests. The film has nothing to do with us really—we’re just the original cast. But after seeing the costumes, without meaning to be unkind, I’ve a sneaky feeling Duncan’s using us as cheap advertising.

That’s exactly what I mean, my sweet. Remember the old proverb—a leopard never changes its spots. Despite his grand bonhomie, Duncan’s almost as bad as Isabelle in some ways. He’s always used people to suit his own ends, and that’s often included his lady friends.

"You do surprise me, Russell. I never knew that. So what about Caroline then? Where does she come from and feature