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Amelia Trent drove away from Ipswich, Massachusetts and enjoyed the journey to her final destination, Dunlin Estate. Houses sprinkled here and there, some close to the road, others further away. She'd never been to this part of the country, growing up in the desert southwest this landscape was like nothing she'd ever experienced. But something about the countryside here, even barren at the beginning stages of spring like it was now' she found beautiful. Dark clouds teased the edges of the sky and the forecast called for rain later today.
Taking the turn to Dunlin Estate she strained her eyes to catch a glimpse of the huge mansion she was expected at, but she couldn't because of the hill and the way the house was situated. Following the signs, she proceed around the one lane road and rounded the bend. Slamming on the breaks she gazed in awe at the sight of the house in all its glory. The three-story, fifty-six room mansion sat on one hundred and sixty-five acres of prime Atlantic coastline. The pictures from her research didn't do the house justice. The color of the brick was a stark contrast to the blue sky an painted a stunning silhouette.
A beep sounded on her wrist, and she knew if she didn't continue on immediately, she was going to be late for her appointment. Taking her foot off the break, she drove to the parking lot where the tires crunched on the layer of seashells. Glancing down at her required black pants, shirt, and jacket she slung the messenger bag they had sent her to use across her body and walked up to the impressive twelve-foot wooden door. Lifting the heavy iron knocker, she let it drop with a resounding thud and waited for the door to open.
A tall, curvaceous, beautiful woman with long black hair opened the door and smiled at her. "Hello, you must be Amelia, I'm Pilar Payne. Welcome to Dunlin Estate, I'll be giving you the tour today."
Quickly she ushered Amelia through the door and closed it behind them. Once again, Amelia couldn't stop the gasp from escaping her lips at the view out of the back windows. As if her feed had a mind of their own she started forward to get a better look.
"Ahhh yes, quite a view," Pilar said. "The Grand Allee. Impressive, isn't it?"
"I don't have words." Gently rolling hills extended from the back of the house down to the ocean; tall barren trees lined the lawn with smaller evergreen trees as the next line of defense before the sculptures stood guard. There was an unobstructed view from the house to the Atlantic Ocean. "How far is it?"
"There is a half mile between us and the water. It's a breathtaking hike if you have time you should walk down to the cliff at the end. If you think the view is impressive this way, you should see it coming from the other direction."
"I will, thank you." Amelia tried to pry her eyes away from the view and back to Pilar. "I'm sorry, it's so... I can't begin to think of the right word."
Pilar smiled kindly. "I know what you mean, even working here every day it gets to me too. And depending on the time of day, or the weather, it can look so different. We all have been known to get lost staring at the view from time to time. Anyway, we really should start your tour."
