3
Alison told Louise the story of how
they found out about the new neighbor. The three girls had been taking an
afternoon stroll. When they had come upon the grand house. There was a trio of
two horse carriages; servants were bustling about. Curious and wanting to
welcome the newcomers Susan suggested the girls go and be hospitable by saying
“Hello” to them. So they went and asked one of the menservants where the owner of the household was. The polite Butler told them it was Mr. Darkshire and his
friend Mr. Benting. He also said the two men were resting from the journey, and
the three girls would have to come by some time later.
“Wow, have you gone back yet today?” asked Louise
“No we decided to go tomorrow so
they would be fresh and comfortable in their new home,” replied Alison.
“Well, tell us how your day went.”
Said Karen.
“It went well! Turns out the owner
of the store, Mr. Turner, is a tough one and no one ever want to work at the
store because of his temper. His son is the cashier. That is why I got the job
pretty quick. And they needed help,”
Louise smiled; “I also got pay!” she showed them the money.
“We should have a jar for it! And
put everything we earn in the jar,” Susan said!
“This one!” Alison came over with a
small jamming jar.
“I know this is all very exciting
but we need to eat and get ready for bed. We’ll talk more in the morning”
Louise said putting the coins in the jar.
The sun was just beginning to set as
the girls were washing up after dinner.
<::>
Susan
lay in bed. She couldn’t wait to meet
the new neighbors. It was very late, all the sisters were fast asleep, except for
Susan. Susan tossed and turned, suddenly an idea popped in her head, Should I? She asked herself. Then shook
her head, No, much to late for that but I
could go for walk. Yes. That is what I will do. Quickly she arose and
wrapped her shawl around herself. The night was cold but she went anyway.
<::>
“Hello Mr. Turner,” Louise said
politely to the young sub-store manager.
“Umm, Miss Hanson, today I’ve to go
out of town for business. If you would like, you can take care of the store for a
couple of days or do I need ask my father to come in?”
“Oh.Well, I think I can handle the
challenge.” She smiled. “Where are you going?”
“Business, not of much interest,” he
said quickly, “ But I will be going in the direction that you live and was
wondering…if you would like me to drive you instead of you having to walk?” he
finished in a rush of words.
“Thank you, but how do you know it
won't be much of a detour?” Louise raised her eyebrow.
“Oh,” he rubbed a spot on the
counter, “I know my way around. Nothing is to much of a detour for me.”
“Then I accept.”Giving him a silly
grin.“Let’s get to work.”
<::>
Three of the sisters walked up to the large house. “You knock.” Alison told Karen.
Karen nodded slowly.
“Are you too scared?” She challenged
her
“No!” Alison was shocked. “Just
because…” she trailed off.
“ I’ll knock.” Susan piped up and
before anyone could protest, she stepped forward and knocked loudly three times.
“Yes?” a maid asked when the door was opened by her.
“Umm, we are your neighbors from down
the road a ways.We came to say hello to…” Alison ended awkwardly.
“ Mr. Darkshire?” the maid helped
Alison politely.
“Yes, thank you.” She answered.
“Come this way.” the maid led them
into the high ceiling house. Looking around the house, Susan began to
wander. No one noticed as she slowly strolled to a door on the far right of the
room. Susan did this quite often; she would begin to wander without realizing it,
lots of the time she got herself lost. She observed the door knob for a while then
she casually turned the knob. The room was cozy, and full of bookshelves that
were packed with thick old books and volumes. Still in her wandering daze,
Susan began plucking a small book off the shelf. The novel had an intriguing
title and she couldn’t help but start to read it. Opening it to the first page,
she read aloud;
“The
Phantom’s Choice,” There was a rustle movement from the corner of the room.
Susan, who was suddenly pulled from her wandering daze, turned around and gave
a sharp gasp. A man had gotten up from a tall backed chair that was facing away
from her. Susan dropped the book and it landed with a great thud on the ground.
The man was semi-tall with rich dark brown hair, and dressed in a white button
up shirt that was quite wrinkled. His pants covered black leather boots with
silver spurs still on them. To Susan’s surprise the man seemed just as startled
and embarrassed as she felt. The man turned away and shook his head as if he
was imagining things he didn’t want to. And then just as sudden as he had done
so, the man snapped his fingers and ran over to his desk, either refusing to
notice Susan or forgetting she was there. Susan came out of shock and took this
moment to escape. Urgent and bewildered at what had just happened, Susan tried
to find her sisters, hoping no one had noticed her absence. Ah. She thought There they
are. Mustn’t have been gone to long. Susan casually stepped behind her
sister Karen. Only one person had noticed she was missing. Alison turned and
fixed her with a steely glare. She knows.
Alison always knew when Susan did something wrong, Susan could get away with things
when it was only Karen or Louise, but Alison…no way.
“This is Mr. Bentings study. Wait
here while I tell him you’ve come to say "Hello.”" The maid looked back at the
girls then went inside the room. She came quickly out, and with a smile, she said,
“You may come in.”
When they entered the room there
was a very young, cheerful man sitting in a chair near the hearth.
“Welcome!” he said with a grin. He
offered them a seat.
