Page 76 of The Uprising
‘How long do we have to make an offer, to make sure we don’t miss out, would you say?’ Cara asked, staring out the kitchen window.
The agent replied, ‘Don’t you want to view the property first?’
‘Um...yes, but we’re familiar with it and are working on organising the funds. I hadn’t got around to booking a viewing yet but maybe we’d better do that now.’
Cara called George after she ended the call with the agent. ‘Hi darling. Are you nearly home?’
‘Yes, I’ll be there in five.’
‘Great. Do you mind if we pop out again...right away?’
‘No, course not; where do you want to go?’
‘The agent just called about Willow Manor. They’ve received an enquiry from a hotel chain and he was giving us a heads up, so we can make an offer.’
‘But we don’t have the funding without the sale of the painting.’
‘I know, but I think we should go for a viewing, see what needs doing, and show we are serious. I made an appointment with him for eleven this morning.’
‘Okay. I’ll be there in a minute—come out when you see me and let’s leave immediately. The traffic’s heavy today because of roadworks so it may take us longer than usual.’
A few minutes later, Cara jumped into the car and leaned over to kiss George.
‘Hey beautiful. I missed you this morning,’ he said.
‘Missed you too, darling. I’ve grown used to you being here when I wake up. How was your meeting?’
‘It was pretty good.’
‘I still can’t quite get my head around your career change,’ said Cara, watching him move carefully through the gears as they drove along the winding country road.
‘Me neither. TheTudor Kings’ Manuscriptis still in the family, but other than that, it’s as if none of it ever happened. There’s no trace of Cavendish Fine Manuscripts.It’s extraordinary—sometimes I think I must have completely imagined my former life.’
‘But you had a career in import-export...’ Cara replied.
‘Yes, although goodness knows how I fell into that. Ideally I’d like to get back into something more aligned with my skill set.’
‘You’re brilliant with people. I bet you could make a go of anything as long as people are involved.’
‘Well, if we can pull off the acquisition of Willow Manor, there’ll be plenty of options,’ he said.
‘I was thinking perhaps we could start something together, on the estate,’ said Cara, examining his face to gauge his reaction.
George looked at her briefly before turning his eyes back to the road. ‘That would be fantastic.’
After slow progress through numerous traffic jams, they joined the road which bore them to Willow Manor, and they soon arrived at the entrance. George cruised in and they admired the rows of willow trees blowing in the light breeze, lining both sides of the grand driveway.
‘Can you imagine us living here?’ George asked.
‘Oh yes. There are so many memories and so much of our history wrapped up in this place; I feel happy just looking at it.’
‘I wish I could remember it too. Now I don’t know what’s going on in Victoriana either.’
Cara stroked his hand.
He glanced at her. ‘Seriously, if I don’t get an update soon, we won’t be able to buy this place.’
‘It’ll all work out, don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll be back with all the latest news,’ said Cara.
