Page 139 of Ghost

Gerald was slowly inspecting the room.“I’d be interested in having an appraisal done of everything in this house.It’s not been done in a long time, and it needs to be for insurance reasons.”

“Gerald, can we not talk about money for the rest of the day, please?”Ellen rolled her eyes towards Mason.“You’d think that was the only thing he cares about.”

Gerald scowled and then disappeared.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to that,” Mason commented.

“It can be tedious.”Ellen slumped for a moment.“This ham is so delicious.”Ellen took a dainty bite from a sandwich, which Sharon had made her.“The potato salad is a bit ho-hum, in my opinion, however.”

“I agree,” Mason said.“I think Patty’s is much better.

“Agreed,” Sharon said.“But these pickles are wonderful.”

“Sorry to interrupt, but your rooms are ready, and your luggage has been taken up,” Judith announced from the doorway.“The men are almost finished in the parlor.So, if you’d like to go and freshen up before they are done, you may.However, I don’t think it will be long before they’ll have it completed if you’d like to remain in here.”

“Thank you, Judith.I think that I might finish this lovely lunch first and then have a view of Francis’ setup.I may have a little lie-down afterwards,” Ellen said.

Mason was always amazed how she took control of a situation so easily.There was never any doubt about who was in control.

“I’m going to do the same,” Mason added.“I think I am going to want some of that pecan pie.”He looked at Sharon.“Please don’t let me eat the whole thing.It’s my all-time favorite.”

Sharon giggled behind her napkin.When she had swallowed her mouthful of the potato salad, she said, “You won’t.We may actually have to fight for it.”

Ellen and Mason laughed.

Suddenly Francis appeared, making Ellen jump.“As if it wasn’t bad enough with just one, dealing with two is just beyond my ability to cope.”Ellen turned in her chair and looked at Francis.“Would you please not do that?I could have a massive heart attack and my death would be on your shoulders!”

Francis moved quickly to stand beside Ellen.“I am truly sorry, my dear cousin.It is only that I am so excited.”

Ellen smiled.“You are forgiven...this time, but do not try my patience, Francis.”

Francis smiled.“I don’t know how it is possible, but I think Hobonny is even more lovely than before.The formal rose garden and fountain are magnificent.I had forgotten how much I loved the portrait of my father.And while I can appreciate the one of my mother, I would rather never see it again.”

Ellen nodded.“So noted.”

“Excuse me, y’all, but we have finished in the parlor if you would like to see if it’s okay,” a tall, slender man said.His hair reminded Mason of a flaming torch it was so red.

“Thank you...your name, please?”Ellen asked.

“Frank, ma’am, but everyone one ‘round these parts calls me Red.”

“I wonder why?”Ellen said smiling.“We shall be there shortly.Thank you, Red.”

Red smiled broadly.“Yes, ma’am.I’ll tell the others.

“Can the rest of you follow me into the parlor?”She looked at Francis, then Mason and finally Sharon.“Then the two of you,” looking at Sharon and Mason, “can fight over the pecan pie.But if you break anything you will answer to me!”

Everyone laughed as they all stood to move to the parlor.

Judith was just outside the door as they emerged.Ellen led the way for everyone, with the exception of Gerald, who walked by her side.When they entered the room, it was beautiful with the mahogany coffin, all the flowers that were delivered from Savannah and numerous floral arrangements from the gardens of Hobonny.There was even a large arrangement of white roses in a crystal vase.

Ellen stopped, her hand to her mouth.Sharon immediately went to her side and Gerald stayed right by her other side.“I don’t know if I’ve ever...seen anything so...I’m lost for words.”Ellen reached for her handkerchief, which was tucked in the sleeve of her dress.“Oh.Oh, my.I need to sit for a moment.”

Sharon helped Ellen to small chair not too far from the coffin.“Are you alright?”Sharon inquired softly.

Ellen only nodded.She looked up at Francis who seemed stunned into silence, and then Mason.“Do you approve?”she asked of Mason.

Mason could only nod.He, like Francis, was stunned.