by Sabrina York
Gina wondered if Mrs. Byrd hadn’t heard her last comment regarding everything being sold off. She sighed and decided there was no point in looking any further as she turned toward the door.
“Heavens. Where are you going?” Mrs. Byrd asked almost sounding as if she were upset.
“I don’t want to take up your time. There’s nothing here we can use.”
Mrs. Byrd walked over and took her gently by the arm. “But there is, my dear. Come along with me to the second floor.”
4
Dare she hope that a gem or two might remain somewhere hidden upstairs in the dust? Juliet would be thrilled if she discovered a few unique treasures for the main house. Gina followed Mrs. Byrd through the huge arched doorway into the next room. Everything was so enormous; she felt like she was a two-year-old toddler. The rooms were spacious, the doorways between them were grand, and the splendid, extremely over-sized staircase with the arched steps swept up to the second floor like something out of Gone with the Wind.
“This is simply breathtaking,” Gina mumbled.
“Isn’t it just?” Mrs. Byrd asked; she apparently had excellent hearing.
Gina smiled.
The staircase ran up the wall of the room. A beautiful, ornate and highly polished dark wood railing ran the full length of the stairs and continued along the entire length of the open hallway on the second floor. All the doors to the rooms were closed and reflected the elegant ambiance with their baroque, hand-carved wood.
“It would be an absolute pity if someone got hold of this historic beauty and tore it apart,” Mrs. Byrd said sadly, shaking her head.
“That can’t happen,” Gina said.
“It’s a possibility. We can only hope it will be bestowed to the right person.”
They reached the top of the stairway and Mrs. Byrd pulled Gina in the direction of some huge double doors. “Right over here.” Mrs. Byrd let go of Gina’s arm and dug into the purse hanging off her opposite arm. “Oh, my. I just had the darn thing. Wait. Here it is.” She pulled a key from her purse and stuck it into the door.
Gina opened the door. The room was utterly dark. She thought she saw shadows of objects only she couldn’t make out anything.
“Fiddlesticks,” Mrs. Byrd hissed. It sounded so indignant that a giggle popped free from Gina and both started laughing. “They promised me they would remove the heavy covers from the windows. If I remember correctly there should be a light switch on the wall next to you, Gina.”
Gina went to the wall and ran her hands along it, searching for the switch. She located it and flipped the bank of switches, worrying she might blow a fuse if the electric was as old as the house. Dazzling sconces lit up, followed by several sensational chandeliers dripping with crystals. The huge room appeared to be a formal ballroom.
“Wow!” Gina exclaimed. “How beautiful it would be to have one of these elegant chandeliers hanging over the walnut bar and another in the main sitting area.”
“I’m certain we could come up with an agreeable price,” Mrs. Byrd said.
Gina broke off her stare and looked at her. “They can’t possibly be thinking of removing them.” What was she doing? She was supposed to be acquiring treasures for the main house, not arguing her way out of a sale. Thank goodness Juliet wasn’t here, or she’d be rethinking her promotion.
“There, there, dear. They won’t all be removed. At least not until the house finds its new owner.” How peculiar for her to phrase it that way. “The owner left specific instructions in his will as to what could and couldn’t be removed from the mansion. I can sell up to three chandeliers and all but ten of the sconces.”
“I’ll take them,” Gina said before she had the chance to think about her decision. “Providing, of course, that they don’t use up my entire budget.”
“I’m sure they won’t.” Mrs. Byrd smiled at her. “Is there anything else here you might like?”
For the first time, Gina dropped her gaze to the floor and her jaw followed suit. The room was over half the size of a college basketball court and loaded with furniture.
“Oh, my gosh,” Gina remarked. “Where did all this come from?” There were bed frames with beautiful headboards, large dining tables, all kinds of chairs, Victorian lounges, end tables, side tables, oriental rugs, crystal, china, collectables, and knickknacks galore.
“The owner cleaned out all the rooms last year and gathered everything here,” Mrs. Byrd said.
“I was under the impression that he sold nearly everything off two years ago.”
“On the main floor, but not this floor or the basement. Apparently, those areas were chock-full of this.” Mrs. Byrd swept her arm across the area to bring home her point. “Why don’t I just take a seat while you look.”
After she was settled, Gina started her treasure hunt.
The doorbell chimed and Mrs. Byrd went to greet her new guest. Gina picked out everything she thought the house needed, along with a couple pieces for herself that she couldn’t wait to put in her new rooms. She sent photos to Juliet and her guess to the total cost and received a yes and a slew of smiley faces. She told Juliet that she would mark everything and arrange for some of the guys to come back to pick it up. The last message from Juliet mentioned the picture. Gina was so excited over her finds it had slipped her mind. Her response to Juliet was that she hadn’t noticed any pictures, but she would ask before she left.
“How’s it going?” Mrs. Byrd asked as she walked into the ballroom.
“I’m going to make a dent in your stock. No interest from the new arrivals?”
“Oh, quite the contrary. They purchased most of the items in the tavern.”
“I’m surprised there isn’t a line of people waiting to get in here. You did advertise it, right?”
“No. That was against the owner’s instructions. He only wanted people to know by word of mouth in Glenville. The owner was firm in his decision that everything left after his outstanding debts were paid would default to the new owner.”
“That’s strange,” Gina said.
“No stranger than Sam and Martha Schwarz wanting to find a buyer from Glenville to sell the Christmas tree farm to. Or the owner of the ski resort carrying the note for the place in the hope that a Glenville resident would purchase it, instead of an outside developer,” Mrs. Byrd pointed out. “We’re a family here in Glenville.”
“You have a point. Still the owner could have made a mint.”
“He didn’t need it and now we only have to make enough to pay his few outstanding debts. Then I’m to lock the place up tight. After your purchase it might be closed up earlier than we planned.” Mrs. Byrd patted her on the back. “Let’s get down to work. We’ll walk around the room and you mark all the items you’d like and we’ll see what we can do to help you give everything a new home at Forever Christmas.”
“Before we start were there any pieces of artwork or pictures left behind?”
“Heavens, yes; I forgot. Follow me.” She said and led Gina from the ball room to the room next door. “I didn’t want any damage to come to the art, so I had my grandsons move everything here.”
When she unlocked and opened the door, Gina felt like she was standing at the door to a museum.
“Are you looking for anything special?”
“I already see a few things I love. However, Juliet mentioned an oil painting of this mansion that she fell in love with.”
“Hmmm.” Mrs. Byrd squinted in concentration. “I saw a few of those. Let’s take a look over here.” She led Gina to one of the rows of paintings.
There on the floor sat a beautiful painting of this mansion that looked like it had been done when the place was still getting its finishing touches. The artist included a few stacks of red brick and at the far corner of the mansion stood a bricklayer finishing the last few sections of siding.
“This one is wonderful. I think I’ll take it.”
“There’s a few more you might want to look through before you’re done.�
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Gina knew she’d spent most of her budget. Even so Juliet did specifically request she find the painting. “Well, as long as I’m here.” Carefully she went from one to the next. All of the paintings nearby showed the mansion at different stages in its history. Suddenly she froze, enthralled with a painting. “When was this one done?” She asked as she pulled it from the stack.
“That’s the antique bar the men are carrying into the mansion.” Gina could barely believe what she was looking at.
“You’re right.”
“And the couple standing next to the sign?”
Mrs. Byrd moved in closer and studied the painting. “I don’t recall their names. However I do remember it was somewhere between 1900 and 1905.”
“You’re telling me that the bar wasn’t built into the house, but added later? Was that because this couple turned this mansion into a Bed and Breakfast?”
“Well, I don’t think the term had been discovered back then. I do know it accommodated travelers.”
“The sign says, ‘Mistletoe Lodge’.”
“Yes, dear. It was the Mistletoe Lodge for at least sixty-five years. The owners at that time were the people who purchased a good amount of what you’ve seen on this floor. But don’t quote me on that. You’d have to research it.”
“This has to be the painting that Juliet wanted.” Gina gently placed the treasure on the floor and hugged Mrs. Byrd. The main house has finally gotten its name.”
“The Mistletoe Lodge?” Mrs. Byrd asked. “Except it’s not a lodge, it’s a Victorian.”
“And this isn’t a tavern, it’s a neoclassical mansion.” Gina beamed.
5
“How’s it looking?” Gina asked as she approached the reception desk.
“We only have the one room left and that person has left a message that he will be a late arrival,” Della informed her.
It was the first weekend of December and the Mistletoe Lodge was abuzz with activity. Happy guests chatted with one another as they sipped on beverages and nibbled on warm baked goods. The new bakers were all fantastic.
“This is just the beginning of a very busy season,” Della said. “It’s going to be glorious.”
Gina laughed. “I hope you still feel that way the week after New Year’s when we take down and pack all the Christmas decorations and put up the decorations for that wedding we’re hosting. I almost hate taking down the Christmas decorations, this idyllic place truly comes to life during this time of the year. It’s a winter wonderland.”
“I have to tell you, every single person that’s walked through that door has commented on how beautiful the chandelier is. And the couple who were here last year have been going on and on about the improvements. They didn’t think it could get any better.”
Della was all smiles. Gina loved seeing that in her employees. Her employees. She still wasn’t used to that.
“Gina?” Della asked.
“Oh, I’m sorry. What were you saying?”
“I wanted to thank you again for picking up these two tall chairs that went with the bar. They make all the difference.”
“I agree. A little time off your feet can make the day less trying.” She glanced down at her watch and saw that it was still early. “You’re here for another hour, right?” Della nodded her head. “Then I think I’ll take Angel out for a walk,” Gina said.
“When are you going to leave her bed out here for good? I’d enjoy having her sit with me.”
“I might do it tonight. After the guests thin out and I’m waiting for our late arrival.”
“She sure is the perfect pup.”
“She is. I’ve only had her a few weeks and I’m already head over heels in love with her.”
“Juliet was super sweet to give you Angel.”
“I’ve wanted a Doberman since the first time I met Holly. But I didn’t want to ask if I could have one since I’m living here at the house.”
Gina and Angel were relaxing in the main sitting area. The last of the guests had said goodnight a little over an hour before and the two of them were enjoying the calm as Christmas music drifted softly through the room. All the Christmas lights were on outside, bathing the yard with a rainbow of colors. As if on cue large fluffy snowflakes started dancing in the air and Gina stared in awe. The first snowfall of the season was making its grand entrance as she watched it unfold.
Gina marveled over her good fortune. Great friends, a job she adored, and now a Doberman puppy to love. She still couldn’t believe Juliet asked her if she wanted Angel. She and Angel were learning more about each other every day. Angel was still all puppy, even so it was evident her first owner had set a solid foundation. Angel needed to be reminded, but for her age she was very well behaved.
A weak flash of headlights partially lit the room as a vehicle turned into Forever Christmas. “That’s our cue,” she said to Angel. She slipped the leash onto Angel’s harness and walked to the reception desk. She had just opened the check-in file as the door to the house opened. A man walked in and brushed the snow from his coat.
“Good evening, Mr. Brown. Welcome to the Mistletoe Lodge,” she greeted the very striking man as he entered the foyer. He was bundled under a smart fitting, three-button, dark gray cashmere overcoat. And if she wasn’t mistaken, it looked exactly like the one she’d seen in the online men’s shop the other day when she helped Juliet pick out a coat for Colton. And oh my gosh, that coat cost more than she made in two months of salary. Her hand tightened on Angel’s lead. The last thing she needed was a mishap with Angel running over to greet their new guest. She would have to fire herself for lack of professional conduct. He had an attractive purple and gray silk scarf wrapped around his neck, the ends neatly tucked into the coat.
“Good evening,” Mr. Brown answered. “I’m sorry to have inconvenienced you with my late arrival time. It couldn’t be helped. We were delayed in San Francisco due to the bad weather.”
“Don’t give it a thought.” She smiled at him as he stepped closer to the desk. His raven black hair only served to accentuate his mesmerizing green eyes. Gina wondered if he was one of the models she’d seen online. “You must be a lucky man.”
“What makes you say that?” His persona appeared calm and serene, but the sparkle in his eyes made her think that this man could definitely be trouble.
“We’ve been sold out since last December. The room you have was cancelled only minutes prior to your call.”
“You’re right. That is lucky, Miss…”
“Just Gina, no Miss needed.”
“Well then, Gina, you can call me Owen. Any chance a guy could get a nightcap?”
“Certainly. We have a full bar. Would you like it brought up to your room?”
“If it’s not an imposition, I’d rather enjoy it here. I have to tell you, I’m not one for all the holiday rigmarole, but from what I’ve seen so far, I’m impressed with Forever Christmas.”
“Is this your first time visiting Glenville?”
“Umm—yes.”
“May I ask if you’re here for business or pleasure?”
“Business.”
“Well, we’ll do our best to make your stay with us pleasant. Let me take your coat and scarf. I’ll hang them here, behind the desk on the coat tree. You can leave your things here behind the desk, no one will bother them.” Gina said as she took his items and carefully hung them up. “Make yourself comfortable,” Gina said as she pointed in the direction of the main room and the café. She walked around the side of the desk furthest from Owen. “I’ll be right back. I need to take my dog downstairs.”
“What a beautiful dog,” Owen said. “You’re not taking her away on my account, are you?”
“She’s still a puppy and as such becomes overly friendly sometimes. I don’t want her trying to crawl up in your lap.”
“She’s fine. Let her stay. What’s her name?”
“Angel. If you really don’t mind, then I’ll just have her lay down.” Angel did as sh
e was told.
“Impressive. Angel is very well trained.”
“She’s a work in progress.” Gina leaned down to give Angel a reassuring rub on her head.
“What would you like to drink?”
“I’d love a Hot Toddy. I don’t remember when I last had one.”
“Coming up.” Gina and Angel went to the café. Gina put Angel on a down next to the bar where she could keep an eye on her. She noticed Owen didn’t sit. He was walking around the rooms studying everything. He stopped at each of the Christmas trees and admired one of Juliet’s leaded-glass table lamps. He saw another of Juliet’s pieces on an end table next to one of the wingback chairs. He walked over and sat down in the chair to get a better look.
“Here you are,” Gina said a few minutes later when she returned with the drink and a selection of Christmas cookies. She handed him the drink and set the cookies, along with a small serving plate and napkins on the side table.
“Thank you.” He sipped the drink and made a contented sigh.
“We serve breakfast from six to eleven, and it’s included with the room.”
“Good to know.” Owen picked up a cookie and bit into it. Wow, this is really tasty.”
“Try some tomorrow when they’re fresh from the oven.”
“Homemade? You bake every day?”
“I don’t. Our bakers do the baking.”
They chatted as Owen perused his new surroundings.
“I don’t want to keep you up. I’m sure you’ve had a full day,” Owen said. “My schedule is up in the air at the moment. You mentioned when breakfast starts, but if I’d like coffee earlier is there somewhere I can get it?”
“Certainly, someone is in the kitchen no later than five in the morning. Anyone would be more than happy to brew you a fresh pot. You also have a coffee maker in the room. And a mile or so further into the farm we have a little bakery. It’s open from five in the morning to two in the afternoon, they serve breakfast sandwiches, lunch, coffee, mochas; you name it, they can make it.”