The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor (16 page)

I grinned. “She sure did. And the funny thing is, that
is
a traditional color for a ballroom. So many places now are painted in pastels and neutrals that bold colors look out of place sometimes, but bold colors were very popular when this house was built. Cora-Camille wanted to go back to the manor's roots.”

“Well, if that's what she wanted, she sure got it,” he said and smiled. “What color is the sitting room going to be? I almost hate to ask.”

I laughed. “I think you'll like it. At least you'll like it more than the ballroom. It's going to be a light shade of coral. Almost like a pink.”

He winked at me. “We'll see. Now, not to change the subject, but will you have time to go out to lunch with me today?”

I shook my head. “I'm sorry. I took the whole weekend off to see Lucy, and now I'm feeling the pressure to get the walls started in the sitting room. I have to finish the walls and the trim, do the floors in the ballroom and sitting room, and finish the entry hall before the holidays start. They'll be here before I know it.”

“Okay. I'll be here for dinner, then. How's Lucy?”

I smiled. “She's having a great time with my parents. And I think they're having just as much fun as she is. I can't wait to bring her back here.”

He smiled back at me. “I'm glad you got a chance to see her. I'll talk to you later.” He left then and I got to work in the sitting room. The paint was indeed a delicate and soothing shade and actually complemented the color of the ballroom nicely. My plan, in keeping with Cora-Camille's wishes, was to keep the sitting room simple and free of “fuss,” as she called decorative adornments. I was able to paint the entire room with a first coat before hurrying upstairs to shower before dinner.

All six of us were there for dinner that night—Graydon, Vivian, Heath, Evie, Ruby, and me. The atmosphere was slightly livelier than it had been before I left for Florida. Vivian wanted to talk about the ballroom, which she loved. I sat next to her and we discussed ways to decorate the ballroom for her Christmas open house. Graydon listened to our chatter briefly and decided he'd rather talk to Heath about the farm. He did give his blessing to the color of the ballroom, but he said he would need some time to get used to it. Ruby liked it. She said the color was happy and cheerful. She even chimed in with some ideas of her own for the open house, such as what types of finger foods should be served. She indicated that she would love to be involved in cooking the desserts. I thought they were good ideas, but Vivian tactfully indicated her distaste for Ruby's input, saying that she hadn't decided whether the entire party should be catered by
professionals
. I don't know if Ruby felt the sting of Vivian's rejection, but if she did, she didn't show it.

After dinner Heath and I went for a walk. I steered him over to the slave cabins and we went inside the first one we came to.

“How long has it been since you've been in one of these cabins?” I asked him.

“A long time,” he replied absently, looking slowly around at the inside of the tiny dwelling.

“Is this the way you remember it?”

“Yeah, but it's a little more run-down than the last time I was in here. And there are more leaves and twigs in the corners.”

“I like visiting these cabins. They're so quiet. They're so different from all the fancy trimmings in the manor house,” I said. Heath reached for my hand and we walked out the door into the South Carolina twilight. The soft scent of pine wafted around us as we wandered slowly among the cabins.

“Not many people would choose to come out and visit these old slave quarters to find quiet. They'd go to the river or out on the veranda. That's one of the many things I love about you. You're so connected to history. You have a strong sense of place and respect for things that no longer exist. Are you sure you weren't born in the South?”

I smiled at him. “Do you think I'm spontaneous?”

He looked surprised. “I guess I never really thought about it. I don't know . . . it's probably not a word I would use to describe you. Why do you ask?”

I blushed. “It's silly, really. My ex-husband accused me of not being spontaneous.”

“You say that like it's a bad thing.”

“He said I was boring.”

“Now wait a minute. Just because you're not spontaneous doesn't mean you're boring. I happen to think you're exciting. You're smart, you're fun, and you're a wonderful mother to that little girl of yours. Spontaneity is not all it's cracked up to be, if you ask me. Maybe your ex-husband needs to grow up a little.”

It was as if Heath knew exactly what I wanted to hear, but more than that, I knew he was telling me the truth. He really didn't care that I wasn't wild and unpredictable. He seemed to like me just the way I was. His next words confirmed it.

“I love you, Carleigh. Just the way you are.”

I was speechless for a moment. I looked up at his handsome face, those dark eyes looking at me from behind his tortoiseshell glasses.

“I love you, too, Heath.”

I
floated on air the next several days. I worked steadily in a happy fog, completing the walls of the sitting room and beginning the floors in both the ballroom and the sitting room. Vivian and Graydon were pleased with my progress and Vivian began planning her holiday open house in earnest. One evening as we gathered in the dining room for dinner, I noticed that there were two extra places set at the table. I knew Heath was in his office in Charleston, working late on a case that was going to trial, so he wouldn't be around.

I nodded at the extra place settings and asked Evie, “Who's joining us for dinner?”

She shrugged. “I have no idea. No one told me anything.”

Graydon came in then and sat down. “Girls, why are you standing around?”

“There are two extra spots at the table and we were just wondering who's going to be here besides us,” answered Evie.

“Oh. I don't know. Maybe your mother invited some friends over. Sit down. You're making me nervous.”

Evie smiled at her father. We sat down and waited for Ruby, Vivian, and the dinner guests. Ruby came downstairs shortly and took her place at the table, and then we heard the front door open. Along with Vivian's, we could hear other voices, but I didn't recognize them. Vivian swept into the room and beckoned to the people standing behind her in the doorway.

“Graydon, I'd like you to meet James and Abigail, two of the people that were part of Harlan's Peppernell Manor investment group. I thought it was high time that we had a talk with them about the manor and its property and what the plans are for it. As far as the group is concerned, that is.”

I quickly looked at Evie, who was staring at her mother. Graydon betrayed nothing, though I suspected that he wished Vivian had informed him of this meeting. He stood up, smiling, and shook hands firmly with James and Abigail. He then introduced the rest of us at the table. He insisted upon small talk and friendly conversation during dinner, then when Phyllis had served dessert he finally asked James and Abigail what the investment group had in mind for Peppernell Manor.

James answered first. “As you know, it was Harlan's vision to convert this property to a commercial destination. The group is interested in furthering his goal by possibly looking into having an inn on the property, as well as a restaurant and a small conference or event center.”

“That's right. Our preliminary research has shown that there is a desire in this area for a facility that can host intimate parties, weddings, corporate retreats, and other events. Not large ones, mind you, but fairly small ones,” Abigail added.

Vivian was beaming. “Graydon, doesn't that sound wonderful? Imagine Peppernell Manor used as a backdrop for social events and weddings! I think it's a delightful idea!” she gushed.

“This is where we live.”

The words came from Ruby. She hadn't spoken since James and Abigail had been introduced, and I think we had all forgotten she was there.

James and Abigail clearly didn't know how to respond to her statement.

“Well,” James began, looking to Vivian for help, “well, don't you agree that it would be nice if other people could use Peppernell Manor for important events?”

“No.”

“But they would pay for such a privilege, and your family would be the beneficiaries of some of that money. A little bit extra never hurt anyone.”

Ruby stared at him without speaking.

Vivian jumped in, apparently trying to help James. “Ruby, we obviously wouldn't use the main house for the bed and breakfast. We'd continue to live here and build the inn elsewhere on the property.”

Ruby ignored her and turned her attention to Graydon. “You know this isn't the way Mother wanted her home to be used.”

“Well, I think it's only fair to at least consider what these people have to say.”

“What about the farm? What about the cabins? What about all the other special buildings, like the carriage house and the barn?”

“That's what we need to hear them talk about, Ruby,” Graydon answered.

She sat sullenly in her chair like a chastised child. James continued. “We think the carriage house would be a perfect spot for a small restaurant.”

I raised my eyebrows. Heath's home. They couldn't turn that into a restaurant! I desperately wanted to say something, but it wasn't my place. I wasn't part of the family and this wasn't my home. I looked beseechingly at Evie. She cleared her throat.

“Daddy, don't you think that Heath should be here to listen to these plans? After all, it's his house they're talking about.”

Graydon rubbed his eyes. “Yes, Evie. I think you're right. Vivian, we can't make any decisions without Heath.”

Abigail hastened to chime in. “You understand, of course, that these are just preliminary discussions. We're not looking to have anyone move out yet.” I exchanged glances with Evie.
Yet?
“Harlan talked to the group about it a little bit, but we never had the opportunity to learn more about the property before his untimely death.”

Vivian didn't seem to know when to stop talking. “James,” she began, “tell Graydon what your ideas are for those awful cabins.”

“Yes. Well, we had a look at those cabins and they are not in good shape, obviously. If we tore them down and replaced them with a shop, we could sell all kinds of Peppernell Manor–themed gifts in there. Heck, we could even sell pieces of the old cabins, and photos, too. People love that kind of thing. The shop could be the same shape as the current cabins, but of a much larger size.”

I found myself staring at James, mouth agape. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I tried to catch Graydon's eye. After what felt like an eternity, he finally looked at me.

“Oh, yes.” He cleared his throat. “Carleigh is living here while she works on restoring the manor to the way it was back in the 1800s. She's got an idea for the slave cabins, too.”

Vivian made a scoffing noise. “She wants to restore them. I don't think anyone cares about them. I certainly don't.”

James looked from me to Graydon. Ruby spoke again.

“What about Phyllis and Sarah?”

James and Abigail looked at each other, obviously wondering who Phyllis and Sarah were, while Vivian wheeled on Ruby.

“Do not mention that woman's name again, Ruby,” she seethed between thin lips.

“Which one?” Ruby asked.

“I was referring to Phyllis's ancestor,” Vivian answered tightly. She turned to James and Abigail and said, “You've already met Phyllis. She's just the woman who served your dinner.”

James and Abigail looked thoroughly confused, but they wisely did not ask about Sarah.

James made a display of looking at his watch. “I didn't realize it was getting so late. Abigail, we should probably get going.” They thanked Vivian and Graydon for a delicious meal and shook hands with Evie, Ruby, and me again.

After they had left, Phyllis came into the dining room to clear away the dessert plates. She looked darkly at Vivian, who noticed.

“Don't be impertinent, Phyllis,” Vivian warned. “I assume you were listening, and I don't want to hear one word. You've already made your views known. Well, let there be no mistake. You are the help in this house, and no more. We will do what we feel is best for our family and for Peppernell Manor. If that means your apartment and those awful cabins are torn down, then so be it. You'll just have to find another place to live.”

Phyllis said nothing and left the room. We all looked at Vivian, shocked at her words. I didn't think there was much love lost between Vivian and Phyllis, but this was unexpected.

Graydon put his hand on Vivian's. “Viv, you and I need to talk about a few things. First, you cannot speak to Phyllis like that. I'll go talk to her. I hope she doesn't quit after your outburst, because she's needed around here. And second, don't ever invite those people here again without warning me first.”

Vivian let out a “humph” and stormed out of the dining room. The rest of us sat in silence, staring at one another. After a few moments Graydon got up and walked into the kitchen. Ruby followed. Evie and I sat there a while longer, lingering over our coffee.

“Wow,” was all Evie said.

“Do you think Phyllis will quit?” I asked.

She sighed. “I hope not. I'm sure Daddy is trying to smooth her ruffled feathers right now. Ruby, too. She and Phyllis get along and Mother is nasty to both of them, so they have lots in common.”

“What do you think your dad will say?”

“It's hard to know. It sounded like he was expressing some interest in what James and Abigail had to say, but I don't really believe he wants that for Peppernell Manor. I think he was just being polite.”

“I'd like to sit down with him and talk to him about my ideas for restoring those cabins.”

“Sounds like you'd better do it soon, before Mother forces her plans on him. Want me to come with you to talk to him?”

“Yes,” I answered gratefully. “I'd appreciate that.”

“Wait until he's done talking to Phyllis, then we'll have a little discussion with him.” We remained at the table until Graydon came back in after several minutes.

“There,” he said, addressing Evie. “I have spoken to Phyllis and assured her that your mother spoke out of turn and that the rest of us do not share her ideas of a caste system around here. I think she'll stay.”

“Daddy,” Evie began, “I know Carleigh has spoken to you before about restoring the slave cabins, and this might be a good time to discuss that with her. I mean, now that you've heard what James and Abigail are planning. I think Carleigh's onto something. Maybe you should hear her ideas before you go deciding about anything the investment group has to say.”

“Of course you're right, Evie.” He looked at me intently. “Carleigh, what do you propose?”

“Well,” I began a little nervously, “the slave cabins are an important part of the history of Peppernell Manor.”

“Agreed.”

“When I first spoke to Cora-Camille about restoring the manor house, it was very important to her that we stick as closely as possible to the original aesthetic of the house to keep it connected to its history.”

Graydon nodded, but said nothing. I continued.

“It seems a shame to put such care into the historical accuracy of the great house only to ignore the historical accuracy—and importance—of the other houses on the property. That is to say, the slave cabins. I think it's essential to remember that people lived in those homes, too.

“I know I could restore them as closely as possible to their original state. And once that's done, you could take your time deciding what to do with the property. You could keep it and just live in it the way you do now, or you could give it to the state of South Carolina for use as a cultural center and park, or you could turn it over to the investors, who might even appreciate having restored slave cabins on the property since they could use that as a marketing tool. And they could still have their gift shop if that's what you decide—they'd just have to build one elsewhere on the property.”

Graydon was silent for a moment. “Carleigh,” he drawled, “I think you make some very good points. I think Vivian needs to hear your reasoning before she goes and makes foolish decisions on my behalf about Peppernell Manor. But tonight isn't the time to discuss this with her.” He chuckled. “She's hoppin' mad at me. I'll let her cool down and talk to her about it tomorrow. Are you going to be here in case she has any questions?”

I nodded eagerly. “Of course. I'll be finishing up the floors in the ballroom and the sitting room.”

“All right, my dear. We'll find you if Viv wants more particulars. You have my vote.”

I wondered briefly about Ruby's vote, but I didn't say anything. I was just happy to have persuaded Graydon. I suppose I should have mentioned that Phyllis was opposed to the restoration of the slave cabins, but that could wait until Graydon had spoken to his wife.

I went to bed that night with a feeling of elation. First Heath, now the slave cabins. The only thing preventing my happiness from being complete was Lucy's absence. As soon as we heard from the police that Harlan's killer had been apprehended, I would drive down to Florida and pick her up. And the farther from his murder we got, the more likely it seemed that it had been an act perpetrated by an angry business associate. It's funny that we never considered any other options.