trees and entered the meadow surrounding the manor. Ellen began squirming in her seat she was so excited. "I can't wait, I can't wait."

"Chill out, girlfriend, or I'm going to have to throw a bucket of cold water on you," warned Sam, sounding exasperated.

Conall pulled up to the front door and turned off the car. "Everybody out, the tour is about to begin." Ellen let out a delighted squeal. As soon as he unlocked the door Ellen shot by him and into the great room. Turning slowly to take in the wonders all around her, she gasped a long, drawn-out, "Wowww."

Sam was more circumspect. "Nice bachelor pad, Conall. You really gonna live here?"

"That's the plan."

"You're going to need a maid," observed Sam.

"Or two?" he snarked.

She gave him aat least for now. The place was really dusty, so a deep cleaning was in order, especially in the kitchen. A new refrigerator and stove were also on his list of priority items. Then there was the matter of picking out where he was going to sleep. He went upstairs and peeked into several of the bedrooms. The first two were nice, but the third one was amazing. In the center of the room was an enormous canopied bed. The posts were elaborately carved...pretty cool, he thought. All the furniture was antique and probably original. There was an attached and luxuriously appointed bathroom. The tile and fixtures were Art Deco. Nice. There was no doubt which bedroom he'd be using.

As he emerged from the bathroom Ellen and Sam