AllFreeNovel
Share Us
There was still the nagging problem of not having enough rooms…
"Charlotte?" called Simon as he rounded the front yard from the back. "What do you think about opening up just one room to start with? It could be an exclusive experience for guests, something unique that sets you apart. The mural bedroom is complete, right?"
It was as though he could read her mind.
"Simon, that's a brilliant idea!" Charlotte exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Having only one room available would make it so much more special, wouldn't it? They'd have the whole inn to themselves."
"Exactly," Simon agreed, grinning. "And it'll give you time to finish the other rooms without feeling rushed. Plus, word will spread faster once people hear about this 'exclusive' offering."
"Let's get everything ready in the mural bedroom, then," she said, determination settling into her bones. "We'll make sure that first room is absolutely perfect for our guests."
As they set to work, Charlotte felt a buzz of anticipation coursing through her veins. She carefully selected linen sheets with intricate embroidery, adding soft, plump pillows that promised a comfortable night's sleep. Every detail was scrutinized, from the fresh flowers placed lovingly on the nightstand to the choice of scented candles that evoked a soothing ambiance.
"Are you nervous?" Simon asked, watching her fuss over the placement of a small painting above the bed.
"Maybe a little," she admitted, pausing to catch her breath. "But I'm more excited than anything. It's like a whole new chapter in my life is starting , and I can't wait to see where it takes me."
"Charlotte, you've poured your heart and soul into this place," Simon reassured her. "Your passion and dedication are evident in every corner of this inn. I have no doubt that our guests will feel the love and care you've put into it."
"Thank you, Simon," she said softly, touched by his words. As they stood there together, surrounded by the results of their hard work, Charlotte felt a sense of pride swelling within her. This had once been a crumbling manor house, but now it was on its way to becoming a haven for weary travelers.
"All right, enough sentimentality," she declared, shaking off her emotions. "We've got an inn to open!"
With renewed energy, Charlotte and Simon tackled the final preparations. They cleaned and polished until every surface gleamed, stocked the small library with an eclectic range of books, and arranged the cozy sitting room to welcome guests with open arms.
***
As the opening day drew nearer, Charlotte found it difficult to contain her excitement. She couldn't help but imagine the faces of their first guests as they stepped through the door, taking in the charm and history of The Old Crown Inn. She imagined them falling in love with the place just as she had, reveling in the peace and tranquility that seemed to seep from the very walls themselves.
"Everything is ready," Simon announced finally, surveying the inn with satisfaction the morning of. "Charlotte, you've done an incredible job."
It seemed an eternity until check-in time, but soon, the door of The Old Crown Inn creaked open, and a young couple stepped inside, shaking off their umbrellas. They looked around wide-eyed at the lovingly restored interior, marveling at the exposed wooden beams and the carefully curated antique furniture. Charlotte could see their enthusiasm and curiosity in every glance they exchanged as they took in the charm and history of the place.
"Welcome to The Old Crown Inn," Charlotte greeted them with a warm smile, stepping forward. "I'm Charlotte, your host. Please, come in."
"Thank you," the man replied, his cheeks flushed from the brisk sea breeze outside. "I'm Paul, and this is my wife, Lily. We've been looking forward to staying here for weeks."
"Ah, yes, I remember your reservation," Charlotte said, her eyes lighting up. "It's lovely to finally meet you both.
Simon, who has been standing beside Charlotte, stepped up. “Let me help you with your bags."
As he relieved the guests of their luggage, Charlotte couldn't help but bask in the satisfaction of seeing her dreams begin to take shape before her very eyes. She had spent so many days imagining what it would be like to welcome people into her home, and now that it was happening, it felt more rewarding than she could have ever anticipated.
"Thank you," Lily murmured gratefully, her eyes wandering around the inviting sitting room. "This place is even more beautiful than we'd imagined."
"Thank you," Charlotte replied, feeling a swell of pride. "I hope it will make you feel comfortable and at home."
She led them to the reception desk, where she checked them in and handed them their key. "Your room is just up the stairs, first door on the right. If there's anything you need during your stay, please don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you, Charlotte," Paul said warmly. "We appreciate your hospitality."
“I’ll show you up,” Charlotte offered. As the couple made their way up the stairs behind her, Charlotte allowed herself a moment of quiet reflection. She could hardly believe that after all her hard work and determination, The Old Crown Inn was finally open for business. The first guests had arrived, and she was filled with a sense of hope and excitement for what the future held.
Charlotte led Paul and Lily up the creaky wooden staircase, her heart pounding with anticipation. She couldn't wait to show them the charming room she had lovingly restored. As they approached the first door on the right, she felt a flutter of excitement in her chest.
"Here we are," Charlotte said, unlocking the door and pushing it open slowly. The sunlight streaming through the lace curtains cast a warm glow over the room, highlighting its unique features and cozy atmosphere. The pale blue walls seemed to reflect the calming hues of Chesham Cove itself, while the antique furnishings added an air of timeless elegance.
Paul and Lily stepped inside, their eyes widening with delight as they took in the room's details. From the intricate floral patterns on the handmade quilt that adorned the four-poster bed to the delicate china teacups resting on a tray atop the mahogany dressing table, it was clear that Charlotte had poured her heart and soul into creating a welcoming sanctuary for her guests.
