The house was exactly as he’d seen and looked even more magnificent than he could’ve imagined. He glanced over at his bride and noted she was now smiling.
As the carriage came to a stop in front of the house, a dark-headed man met them. Mr. Stanley, the agent charged with finding a new owner for this estate, greeted them as they stepped out of the carriage.
“Please overlook the grounds. They’ve been neglected since the owner died nearly two years ago,” he said. “They were once magnificent, and I know with the right gardeners they will be again.”
“I have no doubt,” Charles replied.
Walking into the house, Mr. Stanley gave them a brief history of the house. Cathryn didn’t stay; instead, she began walking around the entry hallway with its black and white marble floor. A large round mahogany table sat in the center of the room. A vase full of flowers completed the stunning room’s possibility. Just beyond the table were two joined staircases which led to the family rooms.
Stanley showed them to one of the drawing rooms which was done in shades of blue, down to the silk wall covering and matching upholstery on the furniture.
“This is beautiful, isn’t it, Charles?”
“Yes, it is.” He turned to the agent who was standing to one side of the room to let them take in the tastefully-done room. “Does the furniture come with the house?”
“If you want it, arrangements can be made. I have specific instructions to try and sell it as you see it. She wants nothing from the house.”
Glancing at Cathryn, Charles knew she’d made up her mind. “Draw up the papers.”
He noted his bride had a huge smile on her face but turned to check out a rug in the center of the room. She was happy, and he knew this was going to settle a lot of issues. Most importantly, they would have a home of their own.
“You’re interested in the entire estate?”
“Yes, house furnishings, all outbuildings and land,” he replied.
The agent nodded, overwhelmed, Charles was sure, that it was such an easy sale. “How will you be paying?”
“Cash. Have the papers drawn up, sent to my solicitor for him to read. If everything is as it should be, we can set up a meeting to handle the transaction. Shouldn’t take more than a few days.”
“As you wish, milord.”
Charles turned to Cathryn, who was now looking at a vase placed on a table. “Anything you want to add?”
“Keep the staff already here. We’ll figure out how many more people we need once we move in. I’d also like the house to be given a thorough cleaning before we arrive.”
“That is easily arranged, milady.”
“Before we leave, I’d like to walk to the stables,” Charles said.
“This way, milord.”
“While you’re doing that, I think I’ll walk through the house again,” Cathryn said.
He nodded and turned to walk outside with the agent. Charles wanted to get a better look at fencing and the stables in order for him to have an idea how much work was going to have to be done. The fencing was in relatively good condition, as were the stables when they arrived. He was introduced to the stablemaster first thing. The man, James, was knowledgeable about his entire domain.
“Make a list of what needs to be done. Fencing, horses, whatever needs repair or upkeep. We’ll go over it once my wife and I move in,” Charles told the man.
“I shall, milord.”
“My man of business will be in touch once he’s read the papers. I can’t imagine there being anything wrong with them.”
“They’ll be just as you wish them, milord. It’s a pity, but the widow has not taken an interest in any of this. I hope you realize what a sweet deal you’re getting.”
“Yes, I’m aware.”
They walked back to the house in relative silence. Charles knew while Arthur and Roxanne would be happy for him, they might also be cautious at the simplicity of the deal. Months ago, he wouldn’t have been able to do this. He’d be too uncomfortable with the strangers and would want to flee. That was before Cathryn did what she did best. Guiding him through the societal challenges.
He and Cathryn bid the agent good-bye and climbed into their waiting carriage. The man would see to getting this transaction ready. Once signed and money exchanged hands, Charles would be a landowner, an estate owner. Best yet, his wife was very, very happy.
