Page 48 of Ghost

The limousine followed the hearse down the long gravel drive to Hobonny.

There were giant, very old, oak trees with Spanish moss hanging from them lining each side of the drive.

Mason watched Francis intently. At that particular moment, Francis was solely focused on the old plantation home.

Mason still had trouble understanding that anyone could live in such a grand place.

The first time he entered the house, it literally took his breath away with its beauty.

When the actual house came into view, Francis gasped. “It’s even more beautiful than I remembered.”

“This is one of most beautiful places in the world,” Ellen said.

“I remember as a child, coming up this driveway and each time was in awe of this plantation. I’ve seen castles, palaces and many great homes, but.

.. this is such a place that can never be compared to any other in my heart. I have so many fond memories here.”

“It’s still my home,” Francis all but whispered. “My Hobonny.”

“I find it hard to believe anyone actually lived here,” Mason said. “It’s just all so grand.”

“Yes, it sure is that,” Roy, Fred’s son, commented. “Daddy said it was the grandest house in all of Georgia.” He looked into the rearview mirror and nodded to Francis.

Mason knew then that Roy also had the gift. “I can believe that. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Mason added.

A woman stepped out of the house, wearing a simple black dress as they approached the front of the mansion.

Mason would say she was pretty but not beautiful.

Her chestnut brown hair was pulled back from her face and tied in a black ribbon.

She descended the front steps as the hearse pulled up and stopped.

Roy parked the limo right behind it, but back far enough that the rear of the hearse could open.

Fred and Martin exited the long black Cadillac and approached the young woman. Mason couldn’t hear what they were saying as Roy was just opening the door of the limo.

“I’m finally home.” Mason barely heard that as Francis had already used his ghostly skills and had gotten out before Roy even had. Gerald was standing next to the door of the car, no doubt waiting for Ellen.

There were four men who suddenly walked around the corner of the house.

All were wearing a green uniform of sorts.

Each had a logo, that Mason couldn’t read from where he was.

By the time that he had also exited the vehicle, Martin and Fred, along with the four other men, began to pull the coffin from the hearse.

Ellen, followed by Gerald of course walked towards the woman as she directed the men about where to place the coffin.

“Hello, Judith. It’s a pleasure seeing you again,” Ellen said, extending her hand. “I assume that everything is in order?”

“It’s wonderful to see you again, Mrs. Trudeau. I’m sorry it’s under these circumstances, though. And I’m very sorry I wasn’t here for your last visit, but I was in Atlanta, as you know, attending the wedding convention.”

Ellen waved her hand away. “Please, do not be sorry. My dear cousin has been dead a very long time. This is just closing another chapter for Hobonny.” Ellen turned to Mason.

“Mason, let me introduce to you Judith Simpson. She is the manager here and keeps everything running smoothly. She’s a treasure I could never do without. ”

“My pleasure, Mr. Montgomery. Ellen has spoken fondly about you.” She looked at Ellen briefly. “I may have to ask your opinion as to what to do with my kitchen. My cousin who lives in town says you’re a magician in renovations.”

Mason gave a short laugh. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Ms. Simpson.” Mason looked towards Ellen questioningly.

“Mason, perhaps you should look at how the kitchen functions here at Hobonny as well. It has been ages since any major work has been done in that regard.”

A white van pulled in behind the limo. Sharon got out of the front passenger seat. “Hi everyone,” she greeted everyone. “I have to say I love flowers, but there was so much fragrance in such a small space, I spent have the trip sneezing, so forgive my red nose and watery eyes.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Sharon,” Ellen said looking a bit distressed. “I didn’t even think about that.”

“Don’t worry about it, Ellen. I survived.” She looked up at the magnificent house. “I’m always in such awe of this place. You’d have thought I’d be used to it by now, but I’m not. It always takes my breath away.”

“Everyone that has ever come here had said the same thing,” Francis commented, smiling proudly. “It gets into your very soul, I believe.”

“I have some refreshments set up in the dining room,” Judith said, extending one arm towards the grand front door. “I’ll have the men take your bags up to your rooms as soon as they are finished in the front parlor.”

Mason extended his arm to Ellen, so she could use him to balance herself. “Thank you, kind sir.” She smiled up at him.

Francis had suddenly disappeared, not that Mason was surprised. He knew what this meant to him.

“I’m sorry about the heat,” Judith said. “I do have the fans on in each room and the cupola is open, but the heat and humidity are always dreadful this time of year.”

“I’m sure we can manage, Judith.” Ellen followed her into the dining room.

“I hope that there will be a little time for me to go over the books while you’re here. I think you will be pleased.”

“Of course, I will make the time.” Ellen glanced at Mason. “I’d like Mr. Montgomery to sit in on our meeting as well.”

That seemed to fluster Judith a bit. “Of course. Whatever you’d like. You are the boss, after all.”

“Oh, Judith, you’ve outdone yourself,” Ellen exclaimed as she saw the food that was covering the top of the buffet, which was rather long.

“We have lemonade, of course, iced tea and some soft drinks. If you’d like spirits or beer, I can have that brought out for you.” Judith looked around the room. “Just ring if you need anything else. So, please, help yourself and I’ll be back shortly and check in with you.”

“Thank you,” Ellen said as Mason pulled out a chair from the table.

Ellen sat and Mason helped her get settled.

“May I get you something from the buffet, Ellen?” Mason offered.

“I’d like a tall glass of lemonade with lots of ice. It is indeed quite warm."

There was a standing fan set in the corner of the room. “I’ll move the fan to where it’s blowing more on you.”

“Just don’t put it on high,” Ellen said quickly. “I can’t have my hair blowing all over the place.”

Sharon got the lemonade for Ellen, then asked what Mason would like.

“Ice water, please, Sharon,” Mason answered.

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.

“Ellen, we know Cousin Francis died a long time ago, but... we know that losing a loved one, a family member is hard, no matter how long ago it was,” Martin Royale said. “If there’s anything you’d like us to do, you only need ask.”

Ellen seemed to have pulled herself together somewhat.

“Thank you.” She looked around the room to the men in the green uniform, which were nothing more that pants and shirts of the same colour.

Mason could see the logo finally. It was a stitched patch with a large oak tree in a dark green on the white patch, and Hobonny in red stitching.

“May I know your names, please?” she asked, her voice low.

“I’ve been introduced to Red,” she added quickly.

“I’m sorry if I’ve been introduced to you before, but at my age I must admit I sometimes don’t remember things and it has been a long while since I’ve been to Hobonny for any length of time. ”

“Ma’am, I’m Stuart Henderson.”

The next one stepped forward. “I am Sam Anderson.”

“I’m William Jones,” He smiled. “Them two are my first cousins. My family have worked here since it was built.”

“How long have you worked here, William?” Ellen asked, a slight smile on her lips.

“Since as long as I can remember, ma’am,” He replied smiling. “There aint’ no place I’d rather be, neither.”

Ellen stood and walked over to him; her arms outstretched. She hugged the man. “It’s good to meet you, cousin.”

William’s mouth fell open, as did most them who didn’t know the family secret. William glanced over to Fred and Martin. “She knows?”

Fred and Martin smiled, nearly all their teeth visible. “Yep, she sure does,” Martin answered for them both.

William looked back at Ellen and slowly smiled. “Now I know why everyone calls you a great lady. Not many people, in your position, would ever admit that.”

“Times have changed,” Ellen said. “We all have our parts to play in this life, and I am not afraid or ashamed to call all of my family, family.”

The next man took a step forward. “I’m Hasha Royale and those are my great-uncles Fred and Martin.

Mason looked over at Francis. Francis was standing just behind Ellen. He was simply beaming at his cousin, Ellen. Most of the people, the living ones, were all blood relatives. From where Mason stood, he was sure that Francis knew all of this already.

“Well, Hasha, I guess that makes us... third cousins?” Ellen’s eyebrows were somewhat creased. “Oh, pish posh,” she said waving her hand in dismissably, “We’re cousins and that’s just all there is to it. How long have you been working here?”

Hasha smiled brightly. “I can’t remember a time I wasn’t working here, even though I’m only 19.

Although, I’ve only worked here officially since I was 16 and then only part time.

” He looked at his uncles. “I was raised here. Most all my family is here so it only made sense to stay here. The only time I left was to go to college. I have three more years to go.”

“And what are you studying while in college?” Ellen asked.

“Agriculture,” Hasha answered.

“Excellent career, if that is what you are interested in.” Ellen glanced over her shoulder at Francis. “How do you think things are going here at Hobonny?”

Hasha’s brow creased a bit. “I don’t think it’s living up to its full potential, if I’m being honest, ma’am.”

Ellen nodded. “I would like to sit down with you at some point while we’re here and listen to why you think that is and if you have any ideas. Would that be agreeable to you?”

“Oh, yes, ma’am,” Hasha beamed. “I would very much like that.”