Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 49458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
After playing the games the birthday boy’s mother had organized and eating cake and ice cream, the guests collapsed on the soft grass to watch the star of the day open his presents. Several parents requested brochures of activities offered at Ferguson’s Folly and pricing. Essie was sure to share that she loved to make unique requests come true and encouraged them to consider the mansion for their special occasions.
Essie spotted Sara in the kitchen window watching the activities and hoped the housekeeper was okay with the changes occurring. Essie hadn’t noticed Sara upset but vowed to make a point to meet with her in the near future. Sara was an important part of Ferguson’s Folly. The mansion wouldn’t run as smoothly as it did without the housekeeper’s efforts in coordinating the extra staff.
“Everything’s going grandly,” Zander whispered as he wrapped his arm around her. “I need to work on something at my estate. I just heard from the pony’s owner. He’s on his way. I’ll help load Bubbles onto the trailer before taking off for a while. Will you be fine to finish the party yourself?”
“Of course. Thank you, Zander. What would I’d do without you?”
“I don’t plan for you to find that out,” he said softly.
By the time the last of the guests and the caterers drove down the driveway, Essie was exhausted. She headed inside to collapse. Who knew how tiring watching others have fun would be?
“Essie? I’m pouring you some tea,” Sara called from the kitchen as Essie closed the massive front door.
Groaning at how amazing that sounded, Essie headed there with a bit more of a spring to her step. “You are an angel, Sara!”
“I just dusted off my wings,” Sara joked and waved a hand toward the table where delicate teacups and a variety of small finger sandwiches and sweets awaited. “I thought you might like a pick-me-up.”
“Remind me to give you a raise,” Essie said as she dropped into a chair. “Have six-year-olds always had that much energy?”
“Since the world began,” Sara said with a smile. She picked up the teapot and poured the steaming tea into a cup. “Eat. I don’t think you had lunch.”
“I had too much to do. I did have some candy from the snack table.”
Sara shook her head. “I bet some big, strong man is going to have something to say about that.”
“Oh, don’t tell Zander. I won’t get my sticker.” Essie’s mouth rounded in a silent O as soon as that truth popped out of her mouth. “I mean, sucker. He’ll take the candy I slipped into my pocket away. I love those lollipops with bubblegum inside.”
Her housekeeper’s smile made Essie suspect Sara didn’t believe that quick excuse. Please let her think the heat is getting to me.
“I’ve been working on the master suite for you. Those rooms are ready for you to move in,” Sara said, surprising her.
“The master? Oh, I don’t need to switch to Esther and Edmund’s room.”
“Rooms,” Sara corrected, before adding, “Of course you do. That would free up the gold room you’re currently in and the green room across the hall for guests when you have overnight events.”
Essie reached for a sandwich and stuffed the delicious treat into her mouth to give her some time to answer. Sara was putting Zander and Essie together in a bedroom. She had plans for tonight, but how did Sara know that? After chewing carefully and taking a sip of tea to wash everything down, Essie met the housekeeper’s eyes.
“Not much happens around here that you don’t see, does it?” Essie asked.
“Staff discretion is an art form. I’m usually much more skilled in approaching things. I’m sorry if I’ve made you uncomfortable.”
“No, Sara. I appreciate you thinking ahead. For pure practicality, freeing up two rooms would increase our profit,” Essie said.
“You’ll enjoy the master suite. That’s not the one you remember from your visits here as a child. Esther redecorated the rooms after Edmund died. Staying on that floor was too painful for her. She never truly got over losing him. Esther wanted to leave that space ready for someone else to make their own memories there.”
Sara pulled a keyring with two large skeleton door keys and a smaller one out of her pocket. She gently pushed the ring across the tabletop toward Essie. “Go check out the rooms when you’re ready. I’ve refreshed the towels and sheets for you.”
“Three keys?” Essie asked, picking up the set to check out the old-fashioned elegance of the iron devices.
“You’ll want all three. Esther said that they were important. The largest key unlocks the master suite. It takes up almost the entire third floor. Those are the only rooms on that level. Maybe you’ll figure out what the other two open. I never could.”
“Thank you, Sara. I’ll go check out the area soon,” Essie said. “Hey. Can I ask if this bothers you? You know, the changes here at Ferguson’s Folly?”