Page 63 of A Rogue to Forget

Chapter Seventeen

At first sight, Hannah considered Ravenscraig to be a rather underwhelming house. It was square with a four-poster portico over the front door. There were five large windows on the second floor and two on each side of the front door on the first floor. Admittedly, the grounds were large and well maintained.

Upon entering, the house became more appealing. Just inside the front doors was a sitting room with chairs for visitors to be ushered into. Walking straight forward, the entryway opened to a splendid foyer from which one could spot a large parlor to the right and to the left, a dining room and a large open space, which could be used for hosting a ball.

Straight ahead was the staircase, a beautiful creation with marble bannisters that widened as it cascaded onto the floor, creating the allure of welcome.

The house was bright with sunlight at the moment, but from the large intricate sconces and candelabra set on different surfaces, the evenings would prove magical.

There was already a staff of four at the house, who’d been hired by Mrs. Campbell. By their earnest expressions, they were eager to bring service and prove their worth. Soon there would be a pecking order of who would do what and Hannah looked forward to seeing to it.

No sooner had she and Henry walked through the house and selected which bedchamber would be theirs did Marta appear from the back of the house.

“A pair of wagons has arrived,” Marta said, hurrying past her to the front door. Once opening the door, she called out for the men to round the house to the back.”

Marta gave Hannah a happy smile. “Where would you like the trunk from your bedroom and your father’s desk to be placed?”

“The desk and bookshelf in the empty room at the top of the stairs to the left. Have them put my trunk in our bedroom, please.”

When Marta went to see about the delivery, there were knocks at the front door. Hannah considered that she’d have to see about hiring a butler. A maid hurried past to the front door.

Moments later, the same maid came to where she sat in the parlor adding to her list of things to do.

“A Mrs. Macleod and Mrs. Murray here to see you, Mrs. Campbell.”

“Please show them in. From now on when they come, they are to be shown in promptly.”

The maid curtsied. “Yes, Madam.”

She, Felicity, and her mother spent the afternoon walking through the house and adding items to be done to Hannah’s already long list.

“I cannot wait to see how much this house will blossom,” Felicity’s mother exclaimed when they finally sat in a small sitting room from which they could look out through the large windows to the front lawn. “It is a beautiful home.”

“I agree,” Hannah said with a sigh. “There is so much to do. This weekend is an intimate family gathering when I am to meet the extended family. Then the wedding gala at the estate will be held next Saturday. Of course, I have to help Mrs. Campbell, which will leave me little time for the house.”

“You have all the time in the world, and we will be helping with the gala and of course with the house,” Felicity said with a wide grin. “Mother and I just finished my house, so we have plenty of experience.”

“True,” Mrs. Murray agreed.

By the time her friend and her mother left, Hannah was calm. “Marta.” She walked to find her. “I am going to my family home to walk through once more. Someone has already offered to purchase it.”

“Should I accompany you?” Marta said, but by her expression, she did not wish to.

“No. Silas is there. I will be fine.”

Upon arriving at the house, it was as if a sense of peace came over her. The familiar did that, she supposed. Since she’d decided to leave most of the furnishings, upon entering it was as if she still lived there.

Barks sounded and Betty raced to her, entire body wagging side to side. Hannah lowered to pick her up. “I have been neglecting you, little one.” She pressed a kiss to the furry head as the dog wiggled in excitement.

“She has been well taken care of,” Silas said, appearing from the direction of the kitchen. “Do you notice she’s fat now, Miss…er Mrs. Hannah?”

The pup was indeed quite plump. “I am afraid she’s become more attached to you than to me,” Hannah replied with a smile. “Thank you for caring after her. I am going to walk through one last time. Mr. Campbell informed me this morning that someone has already offered to buy the house.”

Taking a notepad and pencil from her bag, she walked into the parlor. The small table in the back of the room had remained, as they’d decided it suited the room. When Hannah turned to the front, she pictured the times she and her parents had spent in the space. Most times, they’d each been quiet, Hannah reading, her mother sewing, and her father going over figures in a ledger he brought from his study. If only she’d realized how precious those times were, that in a blink of an eye, they’d disappear, never to happen again.

Above the fireplace there was a painting, a floral depiction of a vase with lavender flowers. The day it had been hung, her mother had cried. It had been a wedding anniversary gift from her father.

She noted that it would go to the new house.