Fettigrew Hall - The Biography of a House

Fettigrew Hall - Chapter 15

 Chapter 15

In the morning, Megan called a locksmith who promised to be there after lunch. In the meantime, she decided to go back into some of the rooms near the back of the house to decide if any took priority for cleaning. Perhaps she could have a few livable rooms near the kitchen. She also tried to reach an electrician but had to leave a message.

It might be worth cleaning the Banqueting Hall so that it could be used as part office and conference room. Workers could also eat there. Inclement weather would prevent outdoor picnicking, and the kitchen wouldn’t hold all the workers she had in mind. Besides, the kitchen would be under construction, too.

The closest room to the kitchen was the Morning Room, but it was a ways from the ground floor bathroom. The large and small parlors on the ground floor would be closer to the bath but further from the kitchen. Maybe the thing to do was concentrate on the solar where she wanted to settle anyway. Then the rest could be done as time provided. She went to the solar and again felt such a stirring in her heart. Yes, this was definitely the first room she wanted to occupy.

As she was coming to the ground floor again, the front bell rang. Megan had never heard it before, and it was so very loud she jumped and gave a little yelp. Instantly, she realized what it must be and knew it was time for Melody Dobbins to arrive. At the front door she struggled with the bolt. She called out loudly that she was just trying to get it loose. Of course she realized that would be obvious by the sounds she was making. She was having no success with the door, so shouted that she would come round and get Mrs. Dobbins. Another thing to show the locksmith.

She came around the house calling for Mrs. Dobbins. “I’m so sorry. I could not get the bolt loose. I’m Megan Redford. You must be Mrs. Dobbins.”

“Yes, but call me Melody.”

“Come around through the kitchen. We never have problems with doors there because it has fallen off its hinges.” Megan said as she laughed. Entering the kitchen, she asked Melody if she would care for tea or coffee.

“Actually I would love some. I’ve had a hectic morning and could use a sit down.”

“Bev tells me you are a retired housekeeper. I was hoping I could pay you to advise me on the house. Perhaps you know of some people who could do the cleaning necessary here.”

Megan was pulling out tea bags and pouring hot water from her thermos. “I’m sorry that I can’t boil the water again but it stays fairly hot in this. I need electricity as soon as possible.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll make do.”

“Is it your intention to live in this huge house alone?” Melody asked.

“Actually, I really don’t know. It is my intention to restore it and save it from ruin. Yes, I will live in it, but maybe not all of it. I want to show you the solar on the second floor. I would very much like to make that into my bedroom. It is large enough for personal space where I could have a private bath, a desk, and a sitting area. I think if I had my own private space, a refuge, the rest could be attended to when there is time.”

“I see.”

“I know it sounds a bit crazy, but I have fallen in love with the house. You will see that it is very beautiful, and it needs love and care. I hope that I can save it and that it can be used in some very meaningful way some time in the future. I don’t know what to do with it exactly, but I know the answer will come.”

“You must know that people are talking, and they do think it is crazy. I applaud your efforts. I love old houses. I worked in one all my life. I’d like to see you succeed. I can tell you have your heart in it.”