Page 40 of Weeping Roses
“Small!” I exclaim in utter amazement. “This place is huge.”
“If you say so.”
Valentin grasps my wrist and says with a warning, “Now, be a good girl and accept this is your life now. Don’t dwell on things that are out of your control and refrain from commenting because it will change nothing.”
“What are you talking about?” I shake my head in confusion, not really sure if he’s referring to the property or the way he has completely overtaken my life.
“Accept it and deal with it.” He replies roughly as the car door opens and I stare at the grim expression of the man in black waiting patiently for me to exit.
I step out into the brilliant sunshine of London and blink in disbelief as a man stands waiting with an anxious expression.
“Miss Scott-Stanley. Welcome to Briar House.”
I stare at him in surprise and he says nervously, “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m David Marchant, a representative from Harvey Williams. We are the agents of your aunt’s London business dealings and have been holding the keys in her absence.”
He bows his head. “I am so sorry for your loss. Miss Scott-Stanley was a valued customer of ours.”
He holds out his hand and I notice the bunch of keys in it and he says with a smile, “Please, allow me to show you around. There is a security system that you need to be aware of and several things you should learn before taking up occupancy.”
I stare after him as he heads up the stairs and a gentle push from behind spurs me into action.
It’s as if I’m in a trance as I follow him inside and I stare around with astonishment at the smart black-and-white floor tiles and white walls. There are green six foot potted plants in huge urns and elegant tables set against the walls minus any flower arrangements.
The entire house feels empty, even though it is furnished. Almost as if it was placed in moth balls which tells me she didn’t use it much. It has none of the coziness of Thorn House but is elegant and refined, whereas the country house was not. This is wealth on a grand scale, and I clutch my carrier bag tightly as I gaze around in awe.
Valentin and his men enter with me, and I’m mildly aware of his men heaving the boxes of paperwork from the cars and loading them into a room off the hallway. I follow David in a daze as he points out things I should know, but it doesn’t sink in.
Luckily, Valentin follows us and David soon addresses him rather than me when he realizes that Valentin is the only one listening.
I can’t believe what I’m seeing as we wander through magnificent rooms in a house that must have cost millions in one of Kensington’s most prestigious addresses.
I can’t even listen to what David is saying. My mind is buzzing with it all and it’s only when we reach the end of the tour and find ourselves once again by the front door, I manage to find my voice at all.
“Um, thank you. It’s a lot to think about.”
“Of course.” He smiles respectfully and holds out a monogrammed card. “Please take my contact details and call me with any questions, day or night. I am hoping to continue our working relationship and no question will remain unanswered.”
He steps back and I say quickly, “Um, I do have one question.”
“Of course.”
“The keys.”
He laughs in embarrassment as he hands them to me and I say quickly, “I mean, is this the only set?”
I’m mindful of the last time I asked this question and why, and yet from the looks of things, this house hasn’t been touched in some time.
“We have a spare set at the office in a secure safe.” He answers. “We are happy to continue the agreement, or return them to you if you prefer.”
“No, um, it’s fine, thank you.”
I’m surprised when he peers around him and then steps closer and says in a low voice, “This may not be the appropriate time, but I wondered if you could attend the office at your earliest convenience.”
“Why?” I’m confused, and he glances past me to Valentin and I can tell he is awkward around him, so I nod toward the street outside.
“I’ll show you out.”
I turn to Valentin and say firmly, “I won’t be a minute.”