“Come on, you stupid creatures.” I could feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. If this was what mountain life was like, I didn’t want any part of it. Uncle Gregory could give his house to the goats for all I cared.
“All right, you lot. I think we’ve annoyed the young lady quite enough for one day.” The man whistled an intricate little tune and started walking away. Hearing the sound, the goats immediately started trotting in his direction.
“Thanks,” I called after him. “Sorry – I didn’t catch your name.”
“I’m Matthew,” he replied, turning to wave at me.
“Thanks, Matthew. I’m Libby.”
“I know.”
***
Night was drawing in as I pulled up outside my uncle’s house, but even in the dim light, I could see that the place was huge. Getting out of the car, I couldn’t take my eyes off the mansion in front of me, struggling to believe it was really mine if I wanted. I took Shelley’s carry case out of the car, and he stopped mewing, as if his silence meant he approved.
Steps led up to a covered porch with a large, ornately carved wooden door. As I approached, the door swung open, and a large woman with a sweet smile stepped out to greet me.
“Ms. Fortune? Libby?”
As I nodded, she swept me up into a big bear hug.
“It’s so good to meet you!” She held me at arm’s length, looking me up and down. “You’re even more beautiful than in your photos. Your uncle would be so happy to know you’re coming to live here.”
“I haven’t decided that yet,” I said. “And who are you anyway?”
“Didn’t your uncle mention in his letter?” My rudeness seemed to completely pass her by. “I’m Rose. Rose Fincham. I’m the housekeeper and cook. Come in, come in.”
She gestured for me to come in, shutting the door behind us as I stepped over the threshold.
I placed Shelley’s case on the floor and opened the door so he could stretch his legs. Instead of dashing out like I expected, he cowered at the back of the case.
“Shelley! Don’t be so silly.” I reached in, stroking his fur and tapping the floor in front of him to encourage him to come out.
“I suspect he’s just feeling a little travel sick,” said Rose. “I’m sure he’ll come out in his own time.”
“Probably.”
I left Shelley sulking in his carrier and took my first real look at my new home.
I was standing in a large reception, which was larger than the whole of my old apartment. There were a number of closed doors all around and a staircase winding its way up to the first floor. Pedestals dotted about at regular intervals featured vases and busts while the walls were covered with oil paintings.
“That’s the library, that’s the lounge, the dining room’s through there, that’s where your uncle’s office used to be...”
As she took me through to the kitchen, Rose pointed out where everything was, but there was no way I was going to be able to remember it all. Heck, I was already lost and we’d barely seen anything of the house!
Rose took me through a small, nondescript door to the side of the stairs which opened into a large kitchen with a central table.
“Your uncle used to prefer eating in here rather than the dining room,” she explained. “Said it was more homey this way. But if you’d like a more formal experience, I’ve already set out a place for you.”
“No, no,” I reassured her. “Here’s fine.”
“Wonderful.” Rose’s beam lit up her face. “Now I didn’t know what you liked to eat, so I’ve prepared you a lovely stew for dinner with some home baked bread. I’ve made up the bed in the main guest room for tonight, but once you’ve had a chance to explore, you can choose which room you’d like to make your own. It’s the second door on the right as you go upstairs. Now please. Sit. Eat. You must be starving, you poor thing.”
I sat down at the table, where there was a loaf of bread and butter already waiting. Rose cut me a couple of slices and put them on a plate, putting it in front of me along with a butter dish and knife.
She then went to the oven and took out a generous bowl filled with stew, placing it in front of me. I inhaled deeply, the aroma making my mouth water.
She picked up her bag and grabbed a coat which was draped over one of the chairs.
“There’s more stew in the crockpot,” she advised. “If you let me know your favourite dishes tomorrow, I’ll make sure to cook them for you. Nothing like a good meal to make a place really feel like home. See you in the morning.”
“Don’t you live here?” I asked, as she turned to leave.
“Me? Live here? Not for all the money in the world!” Rose laughed, a loud laugh I could hear all the way down the hall until the door shut behind her, leaving me in sudden silence.
“How strange,” I said to myself, shrugging as I tucked into the stew.
Oh. My. Goodness. It was the best stew I’d ever had. Rose certainly knew how to cook. The beef practically melted in my mouth and the vegetables were cooked to perfection.
It would be worth staying here for Rose’s cooking alone.
When I was done, I rinsed out the bowl, leaving it on the side to put away later. I wanted to explore my new home first.
Going back into the reception room, I could hear Shelley yowling and complaining, still in his carry case.
“You stupid thing,” I said, shaking my head as I went over to him. “Look. You can get out now. The door’s open. You just have to step through.”
I put my hand in the case to show him, but he hissed at me, refusing to come out.
“Right. That’s it.” I reached in and grabbed him firmly
