a step behind me. The man at the door bowed and I held my hand out.
“Duchess Rousseau, it’s a pleasure.” The man shook my hand briskly. “I’m Stanley Wessex.” He motioned to the open front door. “Welcome home.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Our Very Own Royal Upgrades Homes
—College Daily
The inside was much more spacious than I would have thought. Two women stood just inside and curtsied when I entered the house. Stanley introduced them as his wife, who was the cook, and a slight woman named Jeanette, who was the housekeeper.
I took the time to talk with them each, but I was itching to run through the rooms. The furnishings were elegant, but nothing too grand. It felt like an ideal French chateau. After depositing our coats, Stanley led Alex and me through the rooms. He took the time to point out important furniture pieces and rooms that were used for something special.
“Two years ago we decided to upgrade the kitchens and bathrooms. The queen felt like it was a worthwhile expense and now I know why. She must have been close to finding you.” Stanley showed me the lovely kitchen, large enough to make food for a big party, but nothing like the industrial kitchen of the palace. “Margie has really enjoyed the changes.”
“It’s beautiful.” I liked the counters and soft colors of the walls. “I don’t think I would have picked anything different.”
“I’ll have to tell Margie. She worried that you wouldn’t like the things she chose and wouldn’t feel at home.”
“No, I love it.”
“I’m glad.” Stanley ushered us through the formal dining room, sitting parlor, and the more relaxed living room. As he led us up the stairs, he looked over his shoulder at me. “I’m afraid that we kept most of the renovations and upgrades to the main levels. We felt that if any of the family came home they would want to have a say in their bedrooms. There are eight bedrooms total, six bathrooms on the top level, and two bathrooms on the bottom level.”
At the top of the stairs was a landing with a desk and two hallways that ran in opposite directions.
“The right wing is typically used for the family, while the left wing is used for guests.” He started down the right hall. “There are four bedrooms on either side, and four bathrooms on the family wing. The one on the end will be yours.”
He led me straight to the last room down the right-hand hallway and opened the double doors. The room was beautiful. While the furniture was on the older side, it had a more antique feel rather than being outdated. The ornate furnishings and decorations were balanced by a simple, white bedspread and gauzy curtains. This room spanned the entire wing, which meant there were plenty of windows and natural light. The detailing along the walls and ceiling was beautiful. I looked around, trying to believe that it belonged to me.
“What do you think?” Alex asked from his vantage point in the doorway. He was leaning against the wall, his hands tucked in his pockets as he watched me.
“It’s beautiful.” I shook my head. “I can’t believe it’s mine.”
“We did update the master bath, of course, and the mattresses.” Stanley opened a door so that I could look at the bathroom. “Simple and clean. If you want to change anything to have a more American feel, it should be simple enough.”
“Thank you, but everything really does look great.” I smiled at him. “You’ve done a wonderful job of maintaining the home.”
“My pleasure.” Stanley smiled. “I’ll leave you to look through everything. I’m sure you’d like to have a peek without someone breathing down your neck. I’ll be downstairs helping Margie with the food if you need me.”
“Thank you.” I chuckled, relieved. I did want to poke around, but it felt odd with someone watching my every move. It was my home, but not my home. Like when you’re house hunting and you want to check the closets to see how much room there is, but someone’s stuff is inside.
“Well?” Alex was still leaning against the wall.
“Wow.” I laughed. “Completely surreal.”
“There’s a library.” He stood and motioned for me to come with him.
I followed him out of the room and into the other wing. He stopped at one of the doors and motioned for me to go in. I turned the handle and was rewarded with a beautiful sight. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that made my knees weak.
“Oh, that’s gorgeous.” I walked inside and sighed.