Clarissa’s jaw dropped as she stopped in front of the large wrought-iron gates. Fancy calligraphed writing on the stone entry walls read, “108 Bouton Road.”
A large man wearing a tight Tux strode towards them, but Davenport waved him away and pressed a button on a remote. “It’s me, Charlie.”
The man smiled and waved. “Good day to you, sir.”
The gates swung open, and Clarissa drove through. The car crunched down a graveled road shaded by oaks. Large oaks and ashes were scattered around terraced lawns, and white concrete benches were placed beneath the larger trees. Oscillating sprinklers rhythmically blasted jets of water around the property.
The road continued straight for half-a-mile and finally opened up in a circular driveway in front of a majestic pillared mansion. A statue of a woman clapping her hands stood in the middle of the circle, and a basketball goal stood planted to the side of the driveway.
Richard directed Clarissa to park in front of the stately château, and she followed him as he bounced up the white marble stairs, past a colonnade made from a dozen pillars three stories high and up to the double-swing door made from a dark wood, probably teak or something expensive.
They were met at the door by a plump lady with a wide grin on her face. “Ah, the young Master Davenport, back from his polemic romps in the Big Apple, I hope for an extended stay this time?” she said with a strong Irish accent.
Davenport chuckled. “You Betcha, Gladys.” He turned around and held Clarissa’s elbow. “This is Clarissa Craig,” he said with a smile. “She’ll be joining me for dinner tonight.”
The old lady cast a quick glance at Clarissa, then nodded. “Oh my, we haven’t had any young ladies up here for quite some time.” She put her hands in her apron pockets and scrutinized Davenport with a smile. “Are you sure you’ll remember what to do with the bonny lass?”
He chortled and hugged the old woman. “Like riding a bike, Gladys.”
She cast him a knowing smile and then took Clarissa’s hand. “Well come on in then, we need to put some meat on those bones of yours.”
Davenport returned her perplexed expression with a wink.