The Red Wing Mansion

Chapter Five

Next Sunday

When I arrive at the Red Wing, there is a hamper of fresh food from Clue waiting on the door step.

"Aww!" I jump out of the car and run up to it.

Fresh milk, butter, bread, cheese, fruit, vegetables.

I grin.

Today I wasn't dressed to clean. Today I was moving in!

I wear a pair of black leggings, thigh high leather boots, and a grey woollen knit jumper and a scarf and mittens. And my hair is all styled in curls. And my make-up went on perfect. Pink lipstick and heavy mascara.

I felt really special looking at the mansion, all mine for 6 months.

And I brought my camera.

Rob set up working electricity for me in the stables. The only place electricity currently connected. The fridge and stove was there, including internet. The chains are gone from the stable doors too, which is also refreshing. Since it looked a little creepy before.

I take myself on the grande tour, to see what else Rob installed for me to stay.

Extra blankets. Oil lamps for around the house, to be lit at night, with instructions. Mountains of more firewood for my long stay. Brand new cleaning equipment lines the hall, so I could mop and sweep the floors. Even polish for the wood. Touch ups, I guess. I had my work cut out of me. But – I knew a lot of the time I could relax as well.

When I reach the master bedroom, it's still clean and sparse.

But on the master bed – is a note.

'Hello, Alix. I can't provide you hot water. You can boil it over the stove or fire, and fill the bath. But otherwise it'll be cold to keep clean. I hope that's the only inconvenience you'll face. Enjoy your stay. I'm visiting a relative overseas while you are sole caretaker. Call Steve if you need any help. He'll be happy to assist.'

He lists the number for Steve as a last point of contact.

Oh.

I didn't know Rob was going away-away.

I guess that doesn't matter that much.

I sit my ass down on the bed, and I notice it's a new mattress as well, which I appreciate.

It's pretty quiet here.

And by now I'm starting to think my ghost stories were just that.

Maybe my imagination was a bit... hyperactive.

I was all alone.

And I was happy with that.

It was time to bring in my suitcases and settle in for the 6 months on the Red Wing property.

****

Dark

An oil lantern gives me dim light. It'll burn for 6 hours. I lie in bed that night, early on. It's a full moon and it peeks through the tall trees in the front yard. I haven't laid under the covers yet.

I'm in a silky pink night dress, a short one, riding up my thighs, as I lay my head back down on the comfortable pillow.

I stare at the blank ceiling, and the four posters of the master bed.

I look toward the bay window.

That one time over there with Fontaine, our little ghostly moment, I couldn't help reimagining over and over.