The Viscounts Daughter

"Not exactly, that's not my back but my fronts you are fondling." I replied with a smile.

"And very nice front's indeed. Do you come here often?"

"When I'm with you, I come a lot." Now I knew my descent was complete, not just allowing Rich to do many very rude things to me, but now engaging in double entendre with slang words. I loved every second of it!

We got out of the pool to find that Mrs. Warren had left towels and robes for us. I was unaware of her doing so. Evidently Mrs Warren had mastered the art of discretion. Rich and I walked hand in hand to the terrace where breakfast had been set out. Later Rich was reading the other script he had been sent. Having scanned it quickly he handed it to me. "I like this, but it's another uniform part."

I read the synopsis and liked the idea. The story was about a British officer who marries an Indian woman. Nothing to create a fuss these days but at the time of the setting, the nineteen-twenties it was akin to social suicide. The couple would be shunned by both the British and the Indian society. I could see it was a challenging part and in my mind I thought it would good for Rich, probably because I would like to see him in the fashions of the twenties, which I had always thought very elegant. Without thinking I blurted. "I think it is a good part, and I am sure that Ashley would encourage you to do it. She said you had the talent to do something more demanding." I stopped, red-faced. I shouldn't have brought up Ashley.

Richard leaned over towards me with a little smile. "And how do you know what Ashley would recommend?"

"I met her, once at a charity Gala. She talked about you when she realised that we had both grown up in Broughley. I didn't let on that we were any more than childhood friends."

"I see." He drew the words out slowly. "So from this short acquaintance you know how Ashley would react to this part?"

"She did say that your acting was getting better with every production, she also said that you were projecting emotions very well. She put that down to a love affair. I just thought that if that is what she thought then she would urge you to take this part."

"I shall have to go to India, for about six weeks, you know."

I ruffled through the leaves of paper and found the page. "It says February into March next year."

"When is Charlie home?"

"Half term will be at the end of February."

"That's convenient. You and Charlie can come out to see me for a week or so. With your and Ashley's blessing I will tell them that I will do the part. I wonder who will take the part of the wife?"

A tinge of jealousy tickled my emotion. "I'll have to interview them first." I tried to glower in vain, Rich just laughed. Another thought struck me "Wait a minute." I cried. "Don't you have to audition or something?"

"No. Most of the money for this film will come from India. I have worked there before in Anglo/Indian productions so I am a known quantity. The producers would have listed my name and a few others as possible when they approached the bankers and the funding would be granted on condition that certain actors are on board. It's the same in Hollywood. The producer has to have a big name star signed up before he can get the funding. Because of the stuff I have done in India and for Indian joint productions I suppose they think that I am box office. It's a weird world I work in."

I had a conversation with Mrs. Warren, saying that if she felt embarrassed by Rich swimming in the nude, I would ask him to desist. Her face was a picture. "Madam, if it offended me I would have left his employ. It is his property to behave as he wishes. Anyway there are many women who would pay to see him like that, I see him and get paid. As far as I am concerned it's a perk of the job. And Crabby Morgan gets the benefit as well."

"Crabby Morgan?" I asked.

"Yes. Crabby is just about the last fisherman left in the village. I go down a couple of times a week and tidy up his cottage. If he's been night fishing he will be in bed when I get there, so after I've done the cleaning I slip into bed with him. He makes me happy, he is happy and you and Mr. Leigh get the best fish, lobsters and crabs. You'll see him sometimes putting into the beach. I go down and get my pick. I have some really nice Sea Bass for dinner tonight. Poached with a lemon sauce, salad and new potatoes I am sure you will enjoy them."

"What a wonderful arrangement." Then quickly added. "And I am sure I will enjoy the sea bass tonight."

"It makes the world go round, Madam."

We stayed at the cottage until the beginning of October when Charlie would be home for one of her weekends. We drove back via Cirencester to pick her up and Rich was greeted by a gaggle of girls thanking him for the photos and others hoping to get a personally signed greeting from this nearly famous film extra, as Rich deprecatingly described himself. Charlie acted very nonchalant as if she was used to this celebrity. Once we were back in the car and on our way, Charlie leaned over from the back to kiss Rich on his cheek. "Hello daddy."

After the weekend Rich took Charlie back to school. I felt for him as our daughter was in a talkative mood, rarely needing answers she would make his ears ache with her chatter. After he had dropped her off he would be would be going back to Elstree studios where he was shooting a further episode of the series for the BBC.

CHAPTER 6 - RICHARD

The last two months of the year passed so quickly. It seemed as if after leaving the cottage with Andrea, the days flew. The BBC series was filmed back to back and by the middle of December there were six episodes in the can. Then Christmas was upon us. I spent the festive season in Broughley. The actual day was with Andrea, Charlie and the Viscount, then on Boxing Day Andrea, Charlie and I went down to my mum and dad's place. New Years Eve was almost an anti-climax. We saw the New Year in at Andrea's home. It was a quiet evening without festivity staying up just long enough to raise a glass to the New Year and then to bed. Andrea and I made love quietly and slowly, re-affirming our connection.

Shortly after the New Year the Viscount announced he was going to town for a couple of days. Town in aristo-speak means London. Andrea raised her eyebrows at this announcement and later I asked her why. "Daddy usually says he has a niece he needs to visit." She told me. I must have looked puzzled so Andrea explained. "He books into a top-class hotel and is joined by a lovely young lady for a meal and the night."

I understood now. "So it isn't always the same 'niece'?" I suggested.

Andrea shook her head. "No. I believe there is a man at the hotel that organises his 'niece'."

"That will be the Concierge. I believe they are well known for arranging company for lonely men."

"Oh. So you know all about it?" She challenged me.

"Knowing about it doesn't mean using their services, my darling. In my business there are always many very lovely young ladies who would be willing to provide if I would help them get a part. However I always had this picture of the loveliest young lady in my mind and she was all I wanted. Her name was Andrea."

"Good answer." Andrea replied with a smile. "That gets you a special treat tonight."

We took Charlie back to school and I assured her that she and her mother would be coming out to India to spend a couple of weeks during her half-term break, which would be early in March. Later that January I was making plans to fly out to India. Andrea insisted on packing for me although I didn't need to take that much. Most days I would be wearing the costume provided by the production. Andrea was almost as excited as Charlie had been about joining me in Jaipur.

When I mentioned where the film was being shot Andrea immediately presumed that was the famed Bollywood. I had to set her right. "Bollywood is not a place, Andrea. It's a word coined to describe the studios that specialize in the production of the light-hearted musical dramas that the Indians love. Most of them are shot in and around Mumbai. Actually they have been making films in India since the nineteen thirties. The Bollywood extravaganzas are quite a recent addition. I would imagine that we are shooting in Jaipur because there are many locations there which reflect British India."

I was flying out on Air India and was going to book for Andrea and Charlie with the same carrier, when the Viscount stopped me. "Let me book for Andrea and Charlie. Being a Viscount doesn't really get you favours, but I do get a good deal out of B.A." He did. My flight was booked by the production; otherwise, I would not be flying first-class. Andrea and Charlie would be flying first class for the price of Business Class with an automatic upgrade.

Andrea took me to Heathrow and we said our farewells with a close cuddle and many kisses. The girl at check-in wore a big smile upon seeing our display. I arrived at Sanganer Airport to be met by the car sent by the production.

It was thirteen kilometres from Sanganer to Jaipur, thirteen kilometres that almost turned my hair white. The Indians, due to the heritage of the British Raj drove as we do in the UK, on the left. That was a rule given lip service only. Ostensibly, my driver drove on the left; in practice, he would use any space wherever on the road. He wasn't alone in this practice as every other driver used the same tactic; they had to! The road was clogged by every kind of transport possible, from large trucks and coaches through to the overloaded vans and cars of the populace and down to carts hauled by mules, bullocks or even men. Consequently we would be overtaking the slower vehicles and heading directly at vehicles coming the other way, only avoiding an accident at the very last minute by squeezing into a gap accompanied by horns from all and sundry.

Indian drivers are of the opinion that using the horn automatically cleared the road for their personal use. Consequently, all road trips are accompanied by a cacophony of horns, hooters and bleating animals. If I were a religious man, I would have been on my knees praying for the whole of that journey.

The hotel I was booked into was more of a palace than I had imagined. I was given a suite comprising a large day room, high ceilinged with huge fans revolving slowly to keep the air moving. Large windows led out to a balcony that overlooked the extensive gardens. The bedroom was only a little smaller than the day room with windows that also accessed the balcony. The bathroom was a symphony of marble with every facility you could expect. After the flight and that terror drive, I needed a shower. This was India so it wasn't too much of a surprise that the shower didn't work. I left it on and went out to the balcony.

The smell of India assailed my nostrils; it was a fragrance, a mixture of everything that is India, dung, dust, spice, Jasmine and a soupcon of curry. I breathed it deeply. The sound of India could be heard also. From afar, I could hear a susurration of many voices, the noise of traffic, the unforgettable putt-putt of the tuk-tuk's, the three wheeled town taxis, and the tinkling of bells. I relaxed, leaning on the balustrade of the balcony. It may have been ten minutes later that I was disturbed by another sound, that of water splashing. The shower had decided to work! I had left it on cold and I was rewarded with a reasonable stream of tepid water. That was fine for me. I showered and then lay down. I had little sleep on the plane so it wasn't long before I drifted off.

Later I went down to find some food. The restaurant was more of a lounge. With big chairs and sofas settled in groups around knee-high tables. I looked around and from the corner of my eye noticed someone waving. I looked and was very surprised to see Ashley waving at me. Her lovely smile was unmistakeable. I threaded my way through other groups and she welcomed me with a hug and then a kiss. "Am I a surprise, darling? I would bet that you didn't expect to see me here?"

"You are a surprise Ashley. Don't tell me you are part of this production as well?"

"Yes, Richard. A little bit last minute I know. Guess who I am playing."

I stood back a little and put my brain in gear. "Mrs. Anderson?" I ventured.

"You are so clever, darling. That's me." Mrs. Anderson was the only one of the British who would accept my characters' choice of wife. Ashley came close and whispered. "Perhaps for a while we could re-visit our close friendship?"

I shook my head. "Much as that would thrill me, we shouldn't, Ashley. I am in a very good relationship and my lover and our daughter will be here later this month."

"Don't tell me, Richard that you have finally found someone?"

"To tell the truth, Ashley, I found her years ago but at that time we couldn't be together."

"I knew it." She exclaimed. "I knew that your heart was given years ago. Oh, Richard I am so happy for you. And you have a daughter you said?"

"Yes. Charlie is coming up to thirteen now."

The information startled Ashley, however she was unable to reply as that moment Gupta Rahni, the director of the film joined us. He was accompanied by a beautiful Indian woman wearing hip-hugger jeans and a brilliantly turquoise blouse. My memory recognized her yet couldn't place from where and when. "Richard! I am so very pleased to see you well. Have you recovered from that flight?" Gupta enquired politely.

"Thank you Gupta. Yes I am very much recovered."

"I would like you to meet Meera Jalali who will be playing your wife in this drama."

I put my palms together fingers pointing up in front of my chest. "Namaste, Meera."

Meera smiled widely acknowledging my action. She did the same. "Namaste Richard Sahib." She gave a little bow. This was a remnant of a traditional courtesy in India known as 'touching feet.' They didn't actually touch feet; it was symbolic. The bow demonstrated that she acknowledged me as of superior caste. I didn't see myself that way but caste is ingrained in Indian society.

"It's good to see you again after all these years." Her name had kicked my memory. Meera had taken a small part of a film I had made here some ten years ago. She had been just sixteen then.

"You compliment me, Richard. I didn't think you would remember me."

"How could I not, Meera. You played that part very well; your acting made it easier for the others to play their own part. In addition I do remember beautiful ladies." Meera gave me a lovely smile in thanks.

Gupta was not here for social reasons; he was in business mode. "Richard, I need you in wardrobe tomorrow. I will have a car here at eight o' clock prompt, you as well, Miss Marne. In one week we will be going up to Shimla to do the scenes at the school and those on the train. We will be doing run-throughs all this week. I will see you tomorrow. Come Meera!"

Meera gave me a light smile and went off with the director. Ashley watched them go and then turned to me. "Do you remember what I said all those years ago? I said my fame would fade and that, my darling illustrates how right I was. You have a leading part whilst, I have a bit-part." She smiled bravely although I could hear the hurt in her voice. She brightened up. "Another woman has just fallen for you, Richard."

"Now what does that mean, Ashley?"

"Meera. You remembered her and complimented her acting. She was delighted to be remembered. You could have coffee and cream in bed if you played your hand well."

"Coffee and cream?"

"Yes. Meera on one side and me on the other."

I sighed. "Ashley I am a one woman man now."

Ashley laughed. "I really must meet this paragon when she arrives here. The one who has tamed Richard Leigh."

"You have met her." Ashley looked at me with surprise written all over her face. I went on. "When you meet her, you'll remember."

The next week was hectic. First I was fitted for the costumes I would wear; they were perfect replicas of the real thing as there are plenty of details of the army uniforms of that period. The uniforms fitted snugly and were made of sturdy cotton. This was the British army's' answer to hot weather. I would be sweltering in this costume. As my character resigns his commission I would also need civilian clothes. They were almost as bad. It appeared that the British in India believed it impressed the natives by denying it was hot. Hence I was outfitted with three piece suits, high wing-tip collars and ties. The only concession to the heat was that white suits were acceptable for daytime wear.

It was lucky that around Jaipur there were many bungalows, built by the British but now owned by Indians who had ridden the economic boom in India to become very wealthy. As the owners were very happy to let them for a week or two we had a good choice of sets, and some very well kept gardens. Gupta had scoped all possible locations and chosen those he would use. We spent much time with run-throughs. It gave the lighting and camera director's opportunity to decide how much light and camera angles they wanted and the actors to see how the dialogue they had learned, worked with the other players parts.

Gradually it came together. After much argument and trying options, Gupta was satisfied with the lighting and camera positions. Then we, the actors took our place and read through our lines, matching action to the dialogue. Many photos were taken for continuity. This was where all the hard work was expended. If this was done properly then the actual shooting could go easily.

Wardrobe had finished all the costumes within forty-eight hours so by the end of the week we were actually able to get some footage in the can. This footage did not have dialogue. These were long shots. Couples wandering around the gardens as Meera and I made our way from the house to the garden. Because of Basil and Deeta's (my and Meera's characters) association they were shunned and the long shots showed the other guests moving away or turning their backs so as not to converse with Basil and Deeta. Such was the gulf placed between them and the society of the time. Meera as Deeta wore a startling blue saree. I had to admit that a woman wearing a saree took on elegance at the same time as the dress.

The next week we decamped and travelled up to Shimla. Shimla was in the foothills of the Himalayans and was a popular place for the British to stay when the summer heat would make the plains almost unbearable. Having resigned his commission, Basil had found a teaching position with a school there. He and Deeta had decided to stay in India, as Basil was wary of the coldness and vituperation that would come Deeta's way in England. They also hoped that they could be married in Shimla.

There is a narrow gauge railway that runs from Kalka up to Shimla. Nowadays they use diesel locomotives, but for the filming, which would take place during the journey, the staff had proudly cleaned and polished one of the preserved steam engines. This was actually the first filming. The scene shows Basil and Deeta standing in the end vestibule of the carriage looking out at the fantastic Himalayan scenery. The line winds around as it climbs and in many places as it curves the view out of the window was of a ravine hundreds of feet deep and nothing to stop the train from toppling. The camera caught the stupendous views as Deeta thanks Basil for giving up so much to be with her. He replies that giving up her would have been giving up everything. Deeta takes his hand and places it on her breast and they kiss.

We then shot the whole scene again, because Indian audiences would be offended by public display of affection. Gupta was delighted as we got it all in one shot. "Richard, Meera, I knew that I had picked the right people for these parts." The cinematographer and the lighting man were relieved that we didn't have to do it again; they had been cramped into the other side of the vestibule. Happily they packed up their equipment and left.