Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 97032 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97032 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
The second floor, if possible, was even more impressive. A narrow corridor ran the length of the gallery, leading to a small, inconspicuous closet at one end.
My mom picked up the tour from there. “To the left and right of the corridor are two main suites, each boasting luxurious bathing closets and grand fireplaces that added both warmth and grandeur to the rooms. I always think of the women who must have sat at the dressing tables preparing for a party or preparing for bed. I wondered if they were happy here, as what I’m sure they thought of as the wilderness.”
We traveled down the right side of the corridor to see three elegantly appointed bedrooms, each with its own unique charm.
We moved on to the left side of the corridor, coming to a closet at the end before turning down the hallway. I was surprised to enter an armory and to see an impressive collection of battle weapons, each with its own history and significance, meticulously maintained and showcased.
My mom hurried me to the next room. “I loved that Ignatius Willow had another library up here connected by stairs to the lower library, creating a seamless connection between the two levels and providing a vast collection of knowledge as Aunt Effie often said. The mansion’s completion took years, with the back colonnade being a later addition that enhanced its majestic appearance. The entire estate exudes an Irish charm. A visit here is like being transported to the Irish countryside.”
I thought more English than Irish, but I didn’t comment. I did agree with my mom though about the mansion being out of place here in Willow Lake, PA.
“It makes me think that Ignatius Willow favored symmetry since there is an equal balance to this place both up and downstairs,” I said, recognizing how precise it seemed.
My mom cast a curious glance around. “I never noticed that, but I believe you’re right.”
“Where would Aunt Effie have stored the documents?” I asked, time running short before we had to get to the police station.
“The sizeable pantry off the kitchen was turned into an office years ago. All the original documents would be there, and Edna has scanned some so we have them on the computer, but there is still so much more that needs to be done. You can access the files through my name and password.”
“I appreciate that, Mom.”
“Well, you never know, you may find information that we can add to the Willow family history.”
The pantry turned office was a good size. It contained two small desks and several filing cabinets and some shelving. I had a quick look through some of the files, but I would need more time than we had to do a thorough search.
“I’m going to need to come back, Mom,” I said.
“No problem. I’ll let Edna know and, in the meantime, if you want to have your own key to the place you should apply for a board member seat. The board would snatch you up in a heartbeat. The present board is aging, and like Edna said the historical society needs young people to take an interest and see to the care and future of this place. I believe your Aunt Effie would love for you to carry on the work she started here.”
“I could do that and maybe there is room for Ian as well. He could bring a good prospective being from Scotland, and Amy might want to join as well.”
“The board would be delighted and there certainly is room for all of you,” my mom said, teary-eyed. “It would be nice to know the mansion will continue to have caretakers.”
“We better get going. We’re going to be late as it is to the police station,” I said.
We stepped outside and my mom shook her head. “I left my purse in the office.”
“I’ll get it and lock up the place. You wait by the truck,” I said and hurried back inside.
I grabbed her purse, locked the office door, hurried outside, and quickly locked the door. I turned to go to the truck and froze.
My mom lay on the ground near my truck.
I ran to her, dropping down beside her. Blood ran from a cut on the side of her head. I went to grab my phone from out of my back pocket when I heard a sound. I turned in time to see a guy, the hood on his sweatshirt pulled low over his head to hide his face making a mad dash for the portcullis. I got my phone out of my pocket to get a photo, but it was too late. He was gone. But I did notice he wore biker boots.
I heard a noise behind me and with my mom still out cold on the ground, I didn’t hesitate. I swerved around using my mom’s purse as a weapon since it was big and heavy. It caught the guy in the face, and he stumbled, and I whacked him again with it. He fell to the ground, giving me enough time to call 911. He heard me speaking to the dispatch person and he scrambled to his feet and fled. I finished with, “This is Sheriff Madison’s daughter. I am outside at the Willow Mansion. Please tell him his wife was attacked and needs an ambulance.”