North Mansion Part 1

After an arduous twelve hour drive, the young man pulled into the seven mile long driveway to the North Mansion. As he caught sight of the mansion at last, the realization finally sank in. The recent death of his father left him not only the stone home he now saw and the title of Lord North, but also left him as sole guardian to his fifteen year old sister. He had been gone the past seven years, rarely getting the chance to visit his father and sister. Stepping from the car, he ran up the steps to the home and knocked. It would be the only time he would knock upon the door of the North Mansion.

            “Good evening, milord.” The butler opened the door within half a minute of the bell ringing

            “Good evening, Mr. (Roger) Flanders.” James said “And how are you?”

The man had been running the household since before James was born. The old man led the way out of the foyer.

            “I am well, sir. I had the room next to your father’s study made up for you, if that is suitable.”

            “Perfectly. I shall clear out my father’s study tomorrow if you could spare the time to help.”

            “As you command, milord.” The man replied “For now, I am sure you are fatigued and wish to rest. Shall I bring tea to the library?”

James smiled, even after so many years, the butler remembered him and his habits.

            “Yes, thank you. And my sister?”

            “I believe you will find her in the library already, milord.”

            “Well, tea for two would be much appreciated - I’m afraid my sister and I have quite a bit of catching up to do!”

James found his way through the familiar hallways lined with paintings and portraits he had often studied as a child. As he entered the library, the enchanting light from the fire danced on the books, the fragrance of wood burning mixed pleasantly with the smell of old books. He breathed deeply. How often he spent entire afternoons reading in this very room. Then he saw her, a girl curled up in one of the large wing backed armchairs, deeply entwined in an enchanting book.