“His estate…”
“Yep. Did you want to check on the horses?”
“That’s okay, Daniel, I can wait until we’re out of the car.” Rosie patted Daniel’s hand. She jumped frequently when horns suddenly blared next to them. He was hoping that the bumper to bumper traffic wasn’t going to be her final impression of New York. His hopes were met when they left the traffic behind them and entered the beautiful area of Lexington, home of sprawling estates.
“Daniel, why are we stopping?”
“We have to wait for the gates to open, and then we’ll drive through to my father’s house.”
“House? Daniel, this isn’t a house!”
Daniel laughed and squeezed Rosie’s hand. “Welcome home, Rosie.”
“Oh my Lord…”
Carl stepped outside and opened the door to assist Rosie out of the limo. “You must be the lovely Rosie. I’m Carl, the butler on the estate. If you need anything, there are several places throughout the mansion where you can ring for me. Come along and I’ll show you to your room.”
“Daniel, I thought I would be living in a guest house, not a mansion!”
“Rosie, look over there. That’s the guest house, and as you can see it’s pretty huge. We’d be honored to have you stay with us.”
“But maybe your father wouldn’t like that. I’m practically a stranger!”
“If Carl said he was going to show you to your room, that means my father has already decided he wants you under the same roof.”
“I would like to see Francesco if it’s possible. I want to extend my appreciation and make arrangements to pay for my stay.”
Daniel laughed once again and escorted her to his father’s study. You aren’t paying one dime for anything unless it’s to spoil yourself.
Francesco quickly hung up the desk phone and stood as soon as he saw Daniel and Rosie enter the room.
“Daniel! Rosie! I’m so happy you’re home.” He approached both and gave them hugs. “Rosie, do you like your room? I can change it or anything inside of it. You just have to give me the word.”
“Father, she hasn’t seen it yet.” Daniel was smiling because he was sure that Rosie would be staying in one of the biggest and brightest rooms.
“Are you sure you want me to live here? I’m not sure if I can afford it. I do want to offer you whatever I can, and as soon as I’m able I’ll ask Daniel to take me to town and look for a job. That might not be too easy though, as all I’ve ever done is work a farm.” Rosie laughed, but felt completely awkward in her predicament and worn-out attire.
“Rosie, you are under my roof because I want you here. You’re family, and the kindness you showed to my son touched my heart so much. I hope you don’t mind, but Estelle will be assisting you, and I’ve planned on a nice shopping trip for you. Women love to shop, this I know! There isn’t anything you have to worry about other than what time of day you want to play with your horses or shop.”
“My horses! Daniel, I have to check on them and make arrangements for boarding.” Rosie let out a long sigh. She knew she didn’t have enough to board them for longer than a couple of months.
“Rosie, your horses are in good hands. They will be staying with a trainer until I get their accommodations complete on the estate. You’re welcome to go visit them whenever you’d like.”
“Here?”
“If you drove around you’d see a few homes with horses. Now mine will have some too!”
“Boarding with a trainer is expensive. I only have enough—“
“Your money is no good here, Rosie. You took care of my son, now I will take care of you.”
Carl stepped forward and offered his arm to show Rosie her room. Hopefully she wouldn’t trip and fall while gawking at all the beauty of the large mansion.
“Carl, look at the ceiling! It’s painted, and the stained glass!”
“Yes, Rosie, it’s all quite magnificent. I must tell you, though, that I live on the estate and have worked for Francesco for nearly thirty years.”
“He seems like such a sweetheart…”
“And he has said the same about you, Rosie.”
He noticed her blushing. If felt so wonderful having a lady in the house again. Perhaps now Francesco’s lonely days will be over, Carl thought as he led her up the stairs.
Daniel was about to go for a walk on the grounds when he heard footsteps behind him.
“Daniel, do you mind if I walk with you?”
“No, Father, not at all. I’d enjoy your company.”
“You know how proud I am of you, Daniel. You’ve become a great man. It is time, though. I want to retire.”
“I think you should, Father. You could do so many things.”
“Daniel, I have the paperwork drawn up, and all you have to do is sign it. December twentieth of this year, I’ll officially retire, and the company will belong to you.”
“I’m very honored, Father. Are you sure you want to give it to me?”
“Daniel, I planned on giving you the business all along. You’re everything I’ve ever dreamed of in a son. Now we just need to find you a nice woman so you can have a family. A wife makes you very strong, balanced, and centered.”
“Father, the woman I want is gone. I overreacted and I blew it. I don’t know where she lives.”
“What is her name, Son? I’m sure we can find her.”
“Her name’s Katherine O’Brian, not that that’s going to help us. There are thousands of them, and I just don’t know where to start. Besides, even if I did find her she wouldn’t see me.”
“I want you to return to the house for me. I have a couple of people I can call. You just answer some of their questions, and it shouldn’t take them very long to locate her.”
“Father, I don’t know how to thank you for all you did for both myself and Rosie. You were completely amazing, and you came through. I want to ask you for your permission to move back home. I was serious about the penthouse and car. I don’t want them. You can sell the furniture in it as well. Being around Rosie, I learned so much. The farm changed me.”
“Daniel, this is how family treats one another. If I was in trouble I’m positive you would throw yourself into the situation and try and fix it. So there’s no need to thank me. And I would love to have you back home. Move in as soon as possible, the quicker the better as far as I’m concerned, and regarding the penthouse and car, I’ll take care of it. I must admit that I can see how Rosie would have a great impact on anyone.”