Mona climbed past the imposing lion statues guarding the broad marble steps of the portico.
Mr. Deatherage said, “Allow me, Miss Moon,” as he opened the massive front door. “Welcome to Moon Manor. May your new home bring joy.”
The mistress of Moon Manor swept around him into a mahogany paneled foyer with a grand staircase on the right leading to the second floor balcony. Mona stopped and took in her surroundings, taking an immediate dislike to the room. I hope the rest of the house isn’t such a gloomy gus, she thought.
Mrs. Haggin followed Mr. Deatherage into the foyer. “The family is waiting for you in the drawing room, Miss.”
“Whom would that be, Mrs. Haggin?” Mona asked, shedding her new driving gloves.
“Your Aunt Melanie and your cousins.”
“Please convey my apologies to them. The journey here has been very taxing. I am tired and wish to retire. We can meet at dinner tonight. Would you escort me to my room please?”
Mrs. Haggin looked quite vexed. “But Miss Moon!”
“I wish to be escorted to my room please. NOW!”
“Very well, then. I’ll have one of the boys bring in your trunks.”
Mona turned to Mr. Deatherage so Mrs. Haggin couldn’t see her face. “Shall I be expecting you and Willie at dinner tonight?” She mouthed, please come.
“We would be delighted,” Mr. Deatherage answered, secretly miffed he wouldn’t be spending his first evening at home, but Mona Moon was his most important client.
When Mrs. Haggin started up the staircase, Mr. Deatherage sidled up to Mona and whispered, “Well played, Miss Moon. Make them dance to your tune.” He was out the door in a flash, jauntily donning his gray Homburg and whistling a tune down the portico steps.
Jamison waited for him beside the Daimler.
“Home, Jamison,” Mr. Deatherage said. Saluting Moon Manor, Mr. Deatherage mumbled, “A lioness has returned home.”
“What’s that, sir?”
“The lion of Moon Manor has returned home, Jamison. Miss Moon has inherited her father’s disposition.”
Jamison murmured, “She’s gonna need it. With that bunch, Miss Moon’s sure gonna need it.”
“Amen to that, Jamison. Amen to that.”