Carla was at a loss for words. Riquewihr was enchanting. Various shades of green that defied description bombarded the eye. It was like drinking cool clear water on a hot summer day. She felt drunk just drinking in the sights around her.
“There,” Falcon pointed to a knoll, “that’s the property I bought.”
Falcon maneuvered the chopper away from the trees that bounded the property on one side and gently landed the Black Hawk on a newly cemented landing and switched off the engine.
The silence that followed was broken only by the gentle whoosh of the wind.
Carla removed her headset and said, “I understand why you fell in love with this place. There is something almost magical here. Its so peaceful, so ethereal, you don’t want to close your eyes for fear that it may disappear.”
Falcon looked thoughtful before a smile broke through. “Anyone else would say its so far away from civilization. I must be crazy to want something tucked away at the edge of the world. But I know I could live here and be happy.”
“So would I,” Carla added without thinking. Then catching herself, “…if I were rich like you.” She groaned inwardly.
Just then, a team of golf carts came into view.
“Our ride,” Falcon informed her.
Carla smiled at the procession. It was so like Falcon to inject a modern convenience into a medieval setting. She told him so.
“They’re handy to have around and I think you would prefer that to a bull-drawn cart,” he joked.
“Are they locals,” Carla asked as a group of men approached.
“Yes, and I’ve hired most of them. I think they are generally thankful for the chance to earn extra income. And I figured with all the renovations that the house will require, it can’t hurt to have as much help as we can get.”
“Do they even speak English?” Carla asked. She was worried about her none-existent French.
“Some do. But I’ve hired a local lady who used to live in London. She moved back here after she retired. You can course any difficulty thru Estelle. She’ll be more than happy to help you.”
Carla resented the idea of having to consult with another woman. She imagined Estelle to be like the receptionist at the hotel, constantly batting her eyelashes at Falcon. Then she remembered she was just as much an employee as everyone else.
Falcon made the rounds of introduction as two of the men started unloading their bags from the chopper. Falcon commandeered one of the golf carts and soon they were on their way to the house. She had gotten familiar with the pictures from Falcon’s laptop, but she was still caught by surprise at the grand structure. Up close and personal, the steep gabled roof pitch looked imposing and solid
As they entered the premises, the architect in her kicked in. Just as she expected, the interior echoed the exterior walls, constructed oftimber frames and the spaces between filled with brick and plaster. The lofty ceiling was of squared oak timbers joined by wooden pegs giving the impression of a cage that ran all the way to the corners where the braces were situated.
She wasn’t particularly enamored at the sight of the braces and knew she had to do something during the course of the restoration. The windows were made of glass allowing some of the light to come in. But she didn’t care much for the grid system that divided the glass into small panes. She thought that single sheets of tempered glass would be even better attracting light into the interior.
“Thinking of knocking the old heap down?” Falcon asked.
“No. Its structurally solid. I was thinking more of how to preserve the traditional Tudor theme when I introduce more modern features,” she replied.
“Why don’t we settle in first?” Falcon asked.
Carla had completely forgotten about the living arrangements. She assumed she would be staying somewhere near.
“Estelle will show you to your room,” Falcon announced as a white-haired lady appeared.
Carla felt a sense of relief at the sight of Estelle. The lady had to be in her sixties, hair held tightly back in a severe bun.
“It’s nice to meet you, Estelle,” Carla greeted.
Estelle smiled graciously and then addressed Falcon. “I prepared the room next to yours. I hope that’s fine with you and Ms. Hornsby.”
“Please call me Carla.” She was silently elated with the room arrangements and hoped Falcon had no problem with it.
“That’s fine, Estelle,” Falcon agreed.
Carla was surprised that he joined them up the staircase but stopped short at the landing. “I’ll see you at dinner tonight. I’m sure you’re dying to explore the rest of the house. Estelle will accompany you if you need her. I’m off to town to attend to some business.”
