A trip to Los Angeles for world-traveler Joy Countess du Lau d’Allemans continued to have international tones to it as she re-connects with her Brazilian polo-playing friends at the Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club for lunch before traipsing of to the Will Rogers Polo Club where they would be meeting with an independent producer who is working on a polo-related film and had arranged for the club to have some horses available so that they might take some action shots and stills for their project.
The short drive to Will Rogers State Park brought the foursome to the friendly confines of Will Rogers’ private polo field and a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Joao, the tall Brazilian 8-goaler was the first one out of the car, greeted by a smiling film agent who was working for the producer. Facundo popped out of the back seat and opened the door for the countess, whose long legs swung out of the Mercedes sedan, mesmerizing the agent as she stood to her full 6’ 1” height. Long blond hair, a patrician profile and a golden tan were accentuated by a starched, white conservative riding shirt, jodhpurs and meticulously polished brown English riding boots.
“Who is this?” asked the agent, who reached his hand out and introduced himself as Jim Safstrom, “and is she going to play too,” he smiled.
“Joy is just here as a friend,” Joao explained. “She’ll hit the ball around with us a bit, but she just came along for the ride,”
Disappointed, Safstrom couldn’t break his eyes away from the bronzed beauty who had soft brown eyes and a classically beautiful face. As Joao, Facundo and Jeff headed up to the barns to change and bring the horses to the field Joy found herself surrounded by the camera crew, the agent and finally, the producer. Joao looked back over his shoulder as he walked away, smiling at her. She flashed back a smile of reassurance.
“I’m Wayne Logan,” he offered, approaching her with a welcoming smile. “I’m the producer, “he offered, and I understand that we are going to see you riding today as well,” he offered.
He shooed the others away and leaned against the car as he drank her in. “You’ve got that Grace Kelly air about you,” he said. “You must have done some acting before,” he probed.
“I’m afraid not,” she answered in a hushed, honey-sweet voice.
“Well then,” he plodded on, “you must be modeling, either
that or your another professional polo player,” he laughed as he covertly appraised her striking physical presence.
She thought that she’d left her Ford Agency days behind her, but it was a question that continued to come up over and over again. But acting, no thank you.
“I’ve bee approached before,” she said, “but really have no interest in the film industry.”
“Ouch,” replied Logan. “You cut me to the quick,” he said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
“I just don’t think it’s something I’d like to pursue,” she said. “I have nothing against it
Before Wayne could pose another question to the tall beauty the boys had returned with the horses. Facundo and Jeff were already on the field, tapping a ball from one end to the other. Joao led a horse up to where Wayne and Joy were now standing and handed her the reins. He deftly dismounted from his horse and held the side of her horse’s bridle while she prepared to mount.
“You’re really going to do this, aren’t you,” he asked incredulously as she put one boot in the stirrup and threw her long leg over the back of the chestnut mare. Joao handed her a pink mallet, and they swung their horses around and rode off to join Facundo and Jeff.
The cameras went to work as Joao and Joy played a 2-on-two pickup game with Facundo and Jeff. A long drive by Joao sent the ball flashing down the field to a galloping Joy. Two taps on the offside and a neck shot through the goal posts brought cheers from the lightly assembled crowd and crew. Facundo brought the ball back into play, and the impromptu practice continued.
Joao and Joy continued to dominate their companions on the field with goal after goal being scored by the duo. Riding was nothing new to Joy, who grew up on a quarter horse ranch and rode from the age of five.
After about twenty minutes Logan signaled them off the field.
“I think that will do for now,” he called out to them. “Get rid of the horses and join me back on the field.”
The foursome walked the horses to the historic stables of Will Rogers.
“What’s that,” asked Facundo, pointing to a polo hitting cage, a wire enclosed mini-structure with a wooden horse situated in the middle.
“It’s a training aid for the raw beginner,” Joao responded. “Beginning players use them until they learn to ride. It saves wear and tear on the horses,” he added.
Grooms appeared and took the horses from the group, and they started walking back down to the field.
“You struck the ball well today, Joy,” Joao beamed.
“She carried the ball better than Jeffry did today,” Facundo interjected.
Jeff scowled and they all laughed good heartedly as they approached Logan.
“Please, join me,” he said pointing to chairs arranged around a hastily prepared table.
Caviar, sliced cheese, apples and strawberries were adorned on a silver platter while three coolers hosted bottles of Veuve Clicquot champagne.
“Veuve,” Joao asked and then turned to Joy (whose champagne of preference was Cristal). They shared a knowing smile before responding
“This is lovely,” said Joy.
“Beautiful,” said Joao, as Facundo and Jeff helped themselves to cheese and apple slices.
A butler seemed to appear from nowhere, opening and pouring from the first bottle.
“I’d like to propose a toast to the most beautiful polo player I have ever seen,” he said, “and her talented companions.”
All eyes turned to Joy as they raised their glasses in unison and sipped the chilled offering.
Logan complimented Joy on her riding and playing abilities, alternately asking Joao some technical questions that would help him in staging the polo action scenes for his movie project. Another bottle was opened and then a third.
“We really have to get a move on it,” said Joao. “we’re expected to get back to the yacht club and get dressed for dinner.
“Will you be in town for the next few days?” Logan asked.
“I think we’re going to drive up to Santa Barbara for the Pacific Coast Open,” Joao said. “We have a bunch of friends playing in it.”
Call my office with the details and I’ll join you,” said Logan. “I’d love to watch some high-goal competition with a personal guide,” he laughed.
Joao promised he would, and then guided his hand into Joy’s.
“And you, young lady,” Logan said, “I really want you to consider stepping in front of the camera for me.”
She smiled and told him that she would consider it, but wasn’t promising anything.
Joao led her across the field to their car for the short drive back to the yacht club.
—Joy Ford-legs that go on forever-looks to be the next Bond girl. 
Worldtour 