“Gentlemen, my apologies. My aunt passed away last week. I’m Essie Ferguson, the new owner.”
Ivan shook his head slightly. “I’m sorry to hear that, Miss. Your aunt was a lovely woman.”
“Yeah, that’s sad. Are you interested in remodeling? I’ll be glad to give you the estimate instead. I’m Ben from Continental,the largest construction company in town. We’re the biggest for a reason.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Ben.” Essie couldn’t help but be impressed by his professional appearance and attitude.
“While I was waiting, I walked around and found several urgent things you should take care of immediately on the exterior of your home. Guttering, the porch is sagging, and that back door is stuck closed.”
“Miss, I’d be more concerned about the wood rot on the roof. You’re going to have a big leak soon,” Ivan told her with a serious expression.
“He’s right,” a deep voice said in her ear.
Essie jumped three feet into the air. Well, probably not that high. The men took a step back from her sudden movement. She noticed they didn’t react to the voice.
“Are you okay, miss?” Ben asked.
Essie turned slightly and rubbed her arm. “A mosquito just bit me.” She glimpsed the old-fashioned man standing behind her. Edmund shifted to stand next to the group. He studied the men. After all she’d read overnight, Essie wasn’t afraid of the apparition. He hadn’t spooked her aunt. Surely, she was safe.
“That’s not the first time someone’s accused me of being a pest,” Edmund told her as she glanced his way.
She could imagine Esther giving him trouble over the years as he hung around chatting to her while everyone else was unaware of his presence. Essie pretended she couldn’t see him either. Having people gossip about the new owner of Ferguson’s Folly who talked to ghosts? That would sink any hopes she had of establishing a new business.
Leave it to Aunt Esther to give her another push to follow her dreams. Essie would investigate a bit more, but she’d made her decision.
“Gentlemen, I appreciate you coming and giving me some advice about what I need to do. I am looking to add somebathrooms and other features to the mansion and grounds. Would you be able to help me on some projects?”
“We’ll be glad to create a master plan for bringing your home up to snuff. Continental will even provide financing so you can get started next month,” Ben announced proudly before adding, “Bathrooms are tricky. You’ll need all new plumbing. That’s a big project.”
“I’ve added several bathrooms to older buildings before. Often, I can access piping in the vicinity to expand. I can start tomorrow if you would like,” Ivan told her.
Edmund walked behind the two men. He stood slightly behind them, studying each man before moving to Ivan’s side. Edmund even pointed at him to make sure Essie understood his recommendation. Relief flooded her at not needing to choose.
“How about this. Ivan, would you come tomorrow, and we’ll walk through the house and grounds to talk about my plans? Ben, let’s set up a date next week if you have availability to do the same.”
Ben pulled out his phone and checked his calendar. “Sorry, I’m booked solid. How about the following week?”
Essie agreed on a date and time, knowing full well she’d cancel that tomorrow after speaking to Ivan. Who wanted to work with a contractor who was never available? And Edmund thought Ivan was better.
Thanking the men, she watched them return to their trucks before looking around to spot Edmund again. He had vanished. “Thanks, Edmund. You show up and point before disappearing before I can ask why?” she mused aloud.
“He visited again, huh?” Sara asked from the porch.
Essie turned to face the housekeeper who had come outside when she heard the flurry of activity. “Edmund? Yes. Aunt Esther had set up appointments with two contractors. While I was talking to them, he chose one for me.”
“Interesting. Come inside for some tea. You can tell me what Mr. Woods said. I’m assuming Edmund chose Ivan Clarke?”
“He did. Okay. You have to share what you know. And a cup of tea sounds amazing.” Rubbing her forehead as she walked up the stairs, Essie hoped a bit more caffeine would fend off her looming headache.
Sara ushered her inside and led the way to the kitchen. There, Essie discovered the kind housekeeper had already set everything out. A plate of her favorite sugar cookies with blue icing stood in the middle of the table. Essie still didn’t understand why the blue ones tasted so much better, but they did. With a sigh of delight, she sat down and nabbed one with a bunch of icing and sprinkles.
“You are spoiling me,” she told Sara.
“Of course. That’s my job now. How did your meeting with Mr. Woods go?” Sara asked as she poured fragrant tea into two cups.
“He clued me in on some challenges,” Essie admitted.
“I told Esther not to leave me anything. I can always write you a check….”
