The Mansion On The Hill

I've removed the novel notes from The Mansion on the Hill and the letters, they have been posted on Novel Notes The Munroe Series.

I originally started off calling my book The Mansion On The Hill. Then I kept writing and came up with 12 different story lines, so I decided to divide them into 12 books!

It's now called The Munroe Series and a few chapters from each book will be posted on here. You can refer to the Index Page of The Munroe Series to see which books to read and the links where to find them.

I will eventually group them altogether once I am finished creating the series.

There will be more than 12 websites with this because I've also done some novel notes and pictures, historical data and The Munroe Art Gallery for fun!

She got up in the morning quickly packed and then headed towards Quebec in the late afternoon. She was on the outside of town, and driving up the winding dirt road towards the lodge. It was dark out and with no streetlights, she was having difficulty seeing her way. She was tired and fighting the drowsiness.

Suddenly a glare of lights veered in her lane as a black Mercedes came flying around the sharp bend, she had to swerve sharply to the right to avoid hitting the other car. She wildly slammed on the brakes and stopped within inches of a guardrail.

She caught her breath and was thankful that it had not been raining. She got out of the car shaking like a leaf and looked down the steep hill into the ravine. The dim lighting from her car revealed the wreckage of something white, rusted, twisted, and burnt.

A flash of pain and Crescenda began to sob hysterically. Her parents had died here. She had never come to the site of their death. She felt a shock wave hit her from time's past and finally after she calmed down she got back into her black porche and slowly pulled away, until with a sigh of relief she pulled safely into the driveway of the Lafleur Lodge.

She pulled up in front of a large pine cabin. In the daytime, it had a glorious view of the lake and waterfall. It was a little mountainous there but nicely secluded. She enjoyed the peace and quiet of the great outdoors.

The cabin was just a plainly decorated in country style colors. The furniture was mostly wicker. The double bed was soft and comfortable.

The sunroom had plants with their own self-watering system, thanks to Felix's design. They usually flowered when she was there on vacation in the summer. They were like cacti and on a patented watering system.

Felix had made that himself with a little trough that feeds each row of plants. Crescenda went up twice a year. Felix did also but at different times. Between the both of them, someone was at the cabin every three months.

Felix liked the winter months and spring. He would go skiing, ice fishing up there during the wintertime. In the spring, he would try new plants that he had developed at the lab. He was constantly jotting down things in his notebook things for the present and things for the future. When he came to the cabin, he often suffered from pure boredom. He liked being busy.

Crescenda on the other hand enjoyed pampering herself. She would do manicures, facials and a special mud bath that she used. It would help tighten the pores of her body. She had a nice stereo built into the walls and dim lighting. She did not want to use candles for fear of a fire.

She had a bad habit of dozing off in the tub. It had a no slip bottom, so she would not drown in it. She was usually too busy working all year long to go see any movies. So on vacation she would catch up on things like gossip magazines, romance novels and various kinds of music

The grocer would the next morning deliver her groceries to the lodge. Tomorrow she would pull out her cookbooks and do some baking. She decided to go into town to the local grocer store to get what she wanted instead of ordering it online. Crescenda thought about the local Market Place.

She decided on an early night to bed as she looked up outside at the thousands of stars overhead enjoying the quiet fresh clean air and the sound of crickets and wildlife stirring outside. It was easy to fall asleep it for it had been a long day.
The next morning the sun was glowing warm and bright. She sat down for some breakfast and tea. She heard the putter of Jean's truck as he pulled up the drive. Her food delivery had arrived.

A knock on the door and a loud boisterous and cheerful voice greeted Crescenda as she opened her screen door, "Good morning to you Crescenda. My dear how have you been?"

Crescenda said, "It's nice to see you Jean. I am good thank you and yourself?"

Jean Moisan said, "Ah very busy my dear."

He was grunting as he was lifting the box up the step and into her kitchen.

Jean helped her unpack each box and handed her the items carefully, "You know you've only got enough for a few days here, right?"

Crescenda said, "Yes, my fridge is small and I'm on a diet of salads so not as many hot meals will be required."

Jean looked at her "You're on a diet? You are thin like a rail already! My misses every time she see is you says she wishes she could fatten you up! Don't let her get wind of this so called diet!"

He rolled his eyes emphatically, "I'll never hear the end of it!"

Crescenda decided to change the topic, "Shall I make you a cup of tea Jean?"

"Oh I could use a cup of tea," he said with a big grin on his face.

Jean always made sure to sit and chat with Crescenda, for he did not see much of her. She was always a breath of fresh air to him.

Life was sedate and tiresome at times. Ms. Crescenda always had a good story to share.

Jean asked, "How's Felix these days?"

She replied, "Felix, yes he's a busy boy of sorts, always cooking up some new gadget for me to try. This time he has outdone himself with The Bubble Tub I absolutely love it!"

She explained how it worked to Jean.

He said, "Man what I would not give to have that contraption in my bathroom! I'm sure the misses would be tinkled pink to have one!"

Crescenda smiled, "Well I can see what we can do Jean. Maybe you can set up a display room in the shop and use it after hours?"

She giggled at the thought.

Mischief was in Jean's eyes when he said, "I just might do that! Did you know that Patricia Rosewood passed away a few weeks ago?" He looked glum.

Jean had been friends with both Patricia and Barney her husband. She was always baking for the market for many years and now she was gone.

Crescenda vaguely remembered the name but could not place a face with it.
She said, "I'm sorry for your loss. I guess a lot of people will miss her?"

Jean nodded "Patricia was well known not only in Place Royale but in England and Paris as well. I guess her place will be going up for sale. I can just see Annie Atkins rubbing her hands together.

That woman, all she thinks about is making money! We have a couple of new investors in town now too.

Justin Deere & Associates they have been buying properties up here and intend to develop this into a tourist area of sorts."

Crescenda looked at Jean's face. He did not seem too worried about having hordes of people coming into town. Things had been quiet for such a long time she could see he would not mind making some money too!

"I hope my place stays quiet," she said in a worried voice.

Jean said, "Not too sure about that, they are planning to make a Hotel, wave pool and theme park right next door to you on the Deere property!"

Watching her carefully he added, "Justin's a good guy, not too much to worry about with him. I'm sure you're going to like him."

He winked at Crescenda in a knowing way.

Crescenda asked, "Is it okay if I make some baked goods for the market then? I know it will be hard to replace Patricia's pastries but I can do my best to make something good and tasty!"

Jean said, "I am sure that would be fine. I know everyone misses her goodies! I am on my way back to town and I have another delivery nearby do you want a lift?"
Crescenda said, "Sure let me get my things!"

She climbed up into his old truck and off they went into town, puttering down the dusty, bumpy road.

Crescenda noticed a few new buildings when they got into town. A new city hall had been built and a new library.
Jean said, "I wonder what they're going to do with the old saw mill and Inn that was built on the Deere property? I Reckon they will tear it down and build something brand new.
Even Mr. Deere's cabin is in need of repairs. It's been sitting there for years just itching for someone to fix it."
They had pulled up in front of the J.A. Moisan
Grocery Store.
It was a lovely red brick building with big glass windows.
They walked into the store "Not much has changed here I see" said Crescenda warmly.

Jean replied, "The Misses and I keep it all old fashioned like the good old days don't we sweetie?"

His Wife gave him a peck on the cheek and responded with, "Yes my love."
Riva was always attending to the store while Jean went out on deliveries.
She was a tidy woman with curly red hair and green sparkling eyes. Jean was a short man, with dark hair and green eyes.

Both were slim and trim and Jean was on the muscular side from carrying the big bags of food and boxes around. They had two children Hewitt and Dessa. The Nanny Cira Sima took care of them upstairs in their apartment above the store.
Crescenda decided to wander around the store and gather the items she needed for baking. She was carefully checking them off her list on her grocery guide when she heard the bells tinkle on the door.

Crescenda did not pay much attention at first until she heard the name Justin Deere. Then her ears perked up.

She decided to try to get a good view of this Justin Deere. Just then, the bells on the door tinkled yet again and someone else had entered the store.
Crescenda thought, 'Great I am sneaking around trying to get a look at some man for what reason?'

Crescenda went back to her list and as she rounded the corner she bumped into someone and said, "Oh I'm so sorry! I was busying looking at my list and%u2026"
She stopped midsentence as a pair of dreamy sky blue eyes were staring intently at her.

The chiseled tanned face broke out into a wide grin and with a comical look of delight on his face he said, "Well hello there beautiful!"

Crescenda turned three shades of red. She was not used to having a man compliment her this way.

He extended his hand out to her, "My name is Justin Deere and you are?"

"Oh," she blushed, shaking his hand, "I am Crescenda Lafleur."

Now what had come over her? No man had ever rattled her chain in that way. However, this man did!

His piercing blue eyes gazing at her, almost reaching into her soul, made her flush even more. She had dropped her list of ingredients for baking and he bent down to pick it up.

Justin picked up the list and said, "You forgot the baking powder."

He said with a grin, as he handed it back to her, "Well at least your little computer doesn't look broken. Handy little gadget, where did you get it?"

Crescenda stared at him, trying to think, "Felix made it for me!"

"Ah, Felix you say?" Justin inquired with interest, wondering who Felix was.
Crescenda mumbled "thanks" and turned to walk away towards Jean.

Justin followed her, "Hey are you the gal that lives in the property beside my ancestor's place?"

'Man he's nosy, she thought to herself.'

Crescenda replied, "Yes, that's mine and Felix's place."

She wondered at his crestfallen look.

He went over to Jean, "Is my order ready?" He said rather gruffly.

Jean smiled, "Yes sir! I was planning to bring it over and give Crescenda a ride back to her place."

Justin replied, "Well I'll save you a trip I can take it in the back of my truck and I can give Crescenda a ride back home as well."

He said is so kindly, sweetly, and adamantly that she was off guard. He had a sound of finality in his voice that there would be no reason to protest?

"Okay" she said.

She handed the list to Jean and Justin said, "She forgot to add the baking powder" she grinned at him.

She felt silly like a schoolgirl who was all tongue tied and embarrassed.

Jean looked at Crescenda with a twinkle in his eye and with a sly grin on his face he asked, "Cat got your tongue?"

He leaned closer to Crescenda and said, "He's a fine bachelor, Justin is" then he winked at her, "You'll be safe with him."

Crescenda let out her breath that she had been holding. The knots in her stomach started to subside.
Justin was busy picking out his weeks groceries and compiling his list for the next week to give to Jean.

Crescenda finished finding the last few items, including the baking powder and got Jean to box it all up.

Riva had gone upstairs to make some lunch for the family, so she had missed all this excitement. However, when Jean went upstairs he was sure to fill her in on all the silly details of Crescenda meeting Justin for the first time.

Jean and Justin carried all the parcels out to the black shiny truck.

Justin asked, "Are you ready to leave now?"

"Yes" Crescenda replied candidly.

Justin opened the door for her and gallantly said, "Your chariot awaits my dear!"

'Crescenda felt kind of awkward not being used to this gentlemanly treatment or for a guy to have these kind of manners.

It had been a long time since Crescenda had even gone out on any dates. She had been too wrapped up in her career and the lab and doing her own thing to think about dating.'

Justin put on the radio and began to drive up the bumpy dirt road.

He asked, "So how often do you come up this way?"

She said, "Twice a year usually it's in the summer and fall."

'She was feeling too tongue tied to mention the fact that Felix came up in the winter and spring.'

Justin asked about her career, music, and movie tastes and before they knew it, they were at the cabin.

Justin grabbed her packages and carried them into the kitchen for her.

He looked around the tidy pine cabin and noticed that the décor was in the form of a woman's tastes "So is your husband joining you soon?"

He asked blatantly hoping deep inside that she was going through a divorce or something. Crescenda was the most ravishing creature he had come across in a long time. There was an air of innocence around that lovely framed face. Her long, silky golden blonde hair and her vivid green eyes were looking at him rather oddly.
Her mouth quirked then she roared unexpectedly.

"What's so funny?" He looked perplexed.

Crescenda said, "If Felix were here he'd be howling for sure. I am sorry Justin, but the thought of me having a husband is so far out in left field. I am a confirmed bachelorette.

I am too busy with my career and have no desire for any children frankly; I never have time to date.

Felix is my twin brother! Well, he is somewhat just like me. We are fraternal twins, but much alike in ways you would not believe. It is like having a male version of me.
He is an inventor and works in our lab.

We take turns every three months using the lodge. He comes up with his friends, hunts, fishes, and parties with the boys, if you could call it that. He is a bit of a nerd but oh so intelligent and brilliant and sweet.

Me on the other hand I am studious, hard working, talented, and creative. I have built my own empire in the beauty care market and I'm dam proud of it!"

She ended it so emphatically and with such drama.

Justin just looked at her mouth gaping wide and said, "Ah she speaks! I was worried there for a moment I guess you were playing the shy, hard to get type eh?"

Crescenda retorted, "No! I was not playing hard to get. I am feeling shy and tongue tied for some dam reason. My social graces are kind of lacking lately when it comes to the opposite sex. Once I get to know you, then look out! I'll chatter till your ears drop off or they want too!"

Justin asked, "I'm going to the market place tomorrow for the festival, would you like to get a ride into town with me? I have a few details of business to attend to, but after that, I will be free.

Maybe you can show me around. It's my first week here and I'd love to get to know the area better."

Crescenda said, "I bet you would, you're probably looking for more places to ruin with that crazy idea of developing the area."

At his look of hurt, then surprise, she added, "Oops, that wasn't supposed to be said aloud. I'm sorry but really, this is a nice quiet town and you're planning to make it into a wild zoo of tourists and crowds and loads of noise!"

He looked at her and gently said, "Not at all, I plan to bring jobs into this area and growth and development, while preserving the freshness and antiquity of the place. My developments for the wave pool and amusement park will not be beside your lovely lodge my dear.

I plan to do that on the outskirts of town, where there is lots of water and land, down beside the waters. I have been able to buy quite a lot of property up in these parts.
Thanks to the generosity of our investors and planning department. My two business associates Josh and Nathan Adam have been a Godsend right from day one.

Their ancestor is the great Architect Robert Adam."

Crescenda looked at him blankly and said, "Who is that?"

Justin said, "Robert Adam was an amazing designer of buildings in many places. I have a passion for 18th century Architecture."

"I can see that now," she said, "We'll discuss this another time though I have some baking to do for tomorrow's fair and can you pick me up around ten in the morning?"

Now it was Justin's turn to act surprised. Here was an organized, brainy, beautiful woman who seemed to be the perfect angel. Oh, he was going to enjoy his stay now in Place Royale. It had been so dreary and boring until now.

Justin grinned, "Yes, your chariot will be here on time!"

After he left, Crescenda felt somewhat flat. The Lodge even felt empty for Justin's presence had seem to fill the room with an aura of strength, vi

Crescenda made her way down to the lakeside behind the lodge. A long dock went across the expanse of the land that jutted out on the lake. The large boathouse was several yards away.

Built of pine as well it housed several boats of different shapes and sizes. She walked into the boathouse looking over each of them.

They all looked intact, a little dusty, for they had been sitting there for a long time. There was the birch bark canoe made by the local Indians. It had engravings of deer and bear's on It., then her pelican paddleboat of yellow, royal blue, and white.
The large Silverette Yacht was her newest acquirement. It had been more Felix's idea then hers. They both used it though.

An old white rowboat was off in the corner with a pair of oars in it. Crescenda's favorite was the canoe.

It was always a good workout and she loved the view on the lake. The tall hills and mountains the bubbling waterfall that shot off the high cliffs down on the eastern side of the lake she could see why someone would want to put a resort here.
The scenery was beautiful with rolling hills of green, trees, and flowers everywhere. It would take a lot of special designing to keep the area intact for wildlife and such. She was sure Justin would consider all.

She had paddled along the shoreline when she noticed Justin sitting out on his dock on a lawn chair. A fishing rod in hand and a tackle box beside him, he motioned her to come over.
"Ahoy there mate!" She roared with glee.
Justin said, "Ahoy there skipper, where you headed?"
Crescenda drawled, "Aye there mate I'm off to paddle these fine shores and look for me treasure."

Justin laughed at her sense of humor, 'God she was funny another bonus point in her favor. This woman was turning out to be perfect. He had not met a girl like Crescenda she was one in a million kind of girl. It was becoming more evident to him as he has to know her, and it had only been a few hours. He was becoming enamored with her, way too quickly!'

Justin asked, "Do you mind if I tag along? I could use some exercise myself."
'He knew this was not true for that very morning he had done several laps in the pool at the Place Royale Hotel. He had a suite there as well, but today he just felt like hanging around.'

She said, "Sure, hop in!"

Justin grabbed his treasured tackle box and fishing rod and ran back up the dock he yelled, "I'll just be a minute."

He put his gear in his car and locked it up, then ran back to the dock. He carefully got into the canoe and Crescenda noticed right away that he was not panting or even breaking into a sweat?

She remarked, "You're in shape aren't you?"

He looked at her and cracked up. "Yah well I swim everyday, go jogging and workout in my gym at home."

"Nice" was all she said.

'Meanwhile she was picturing his well muscled body lying naked in bed and then blushed with a look of guilt on her face she noticed him staring at her in a funny way.'
'He too had been picturing her luscious body and nicely rounded breasts in bed naked with him as well.'

Both of them blushed profusely then looked away.

The inquiring look in his eyes spoke volumes to Crescenda. She could sense the sexual tension between them as their thighs were rubbing together as they paddled along the shore.

The blood was pulsating through her veins and her heart was pounding in her ears, her hands were sweaty and damp.

'My God, he affects me in such a way.'

She glanced at Justin. He too, seemed to be off in some sort of dreamland judging by the look of content and raw sexuality in his eyes.
She saw a hunger in him that she had always craved from a man.
Suddenly Justin pointed past her, "Hey look at that!"
She looked and saw the big mansion up on the hill "Let's go get a closer look shall we?"
They paddled over to the rickety dock.
He said, "It doesn't look very safe now does it?"
He hadn't spoken too soon, Crescenda had dismounted to tie the canoe to the dock, when suddenly she fell down and one leg went right through the old rotted wood.

She yelled, "I'm such a dweeb!"

She tried to pull herself out and struggled for a minute then started to giggle.
Justin had carefully gotten out of the paddleboat and pulled it up onto the sand.
He asked, "Are you okay? Here, let me help you."

He gingerly and gently pulled her up and out of the hole. He walked over to the sand carrying her in his arms.

'She could feel the beat of his heart. She quivered in his arms. He was looking down at her in a funny way. He slowly placed her down on the sand, and she could feel the shock run through her when her breasts were close up against his chest. His cologne was heavenly. His eyes mirrored dark pools of desire looking at her in a hungry fashion. He leaned into her and she could feel his thigh up against her. His breath was coming in short gasps.'

He managed to contain himself and asked; "How's the leg and foot?"

She looked down, "I'm alright I think, just a little shaken up."

She parted from his arms, and the moment was gone. She was back and in control. She did not want this to go any further then it already had.

They started up the small dirt path at the base of the hill. The path was quite overgrown and tangled.
Justin pulled out his jackknife and cut a path up the hill for them, "Good thing I brought my camping gear with me I'm well prepared for all this."
They managed to get up the hill finally after much ado. They looked at the sight before them. You could say the mansion, which was in shambles on the outside, was not a welcoming sight.
The shutters hung haphazardly creaking as the gentle breeze swung them from side to side on a rusty old nail. Some of the shutters were weather beaten and others were still intact.

The eerie creaking sounds could be heard whenever the gentle breeze would sway the wood. A shiver ran down Crescenda's tingling spine.

She felt an ominous warning that something terrible had happened there. She stopped for a minute and looked at Justin.

Crescenda asked, "Are you sure you want to go in there?"

For a minute, they both stood looking at the tall long grey stone mansion. It looked so desolate standing there. Creeping ivy was making its way up the wall covering it into a wall of green.
The mansion was a mixture of Neoclassical and Gothic designs with large windows and a long roof. High points around each corner with a round tower on each end.

They slowly walked around the long mansion and at the back was a terrace with an old broken trellis. Running along the back of the mansion was what appeared to be some sort of maze of brush and along the back wall was a row of balconies jutting out that appeared to be falling apart.

The tall French windows on the lower floor looked out over the terrace. A cobblestone path wound its way around what used to be an elegant garden and mazes of shrubbery. They walked around to the front of the mansion and Justin walked up to the heavy mahogany door with the brass lions head. It had a brass ring right through its nose, and then he knocked.

You could hear the echo of his hand hitting the door several times. Inside they heard the scurry of the raccoons, squirrels, and the twittering of birds around them.
Justin looked at Crescenda, "Well I guess no one's home so let's take a look" his sense of adventure pulling him in.

He pushed on the door it did not budge. Grunting, groaning, and using his shoulder he shoved it open. The smell of musty stale air greeted them.

Justin lit a lamp that was on the shelf and went inside.

He turned around and asked, "Are you coming in my fair lady?"

She looked at him, "Isn't this considered trespassing?"

Justin grinned, "Well sort of but I'm planning to buy this place anyways so I shall give myself a tour."

With that, he grabbed her hand and said, "Come on scaredy cat!"

She followed him slowly peering in the doorway. He carefully made his way over to the heavy curtains and pulled one of the long floral patterned, dusty curtains back.
The sunlight filtered in.

Crescenda looked to her right, "Oh look I found a light switch!"

She flicked it and on came the dim lights. Half the bulbs were not working but at least they could see enough to get around the place. Crescenda let out a loud sneeze and it made them both jump.

"Bless you," said Justin.

"Thanks" said Crescenda.

They cracked a smile at each other and looked around.

The main hall was huge, to say in the least. The large spiraling staircase with a landing every few stairs, wrapped itself up high.

Crescenda asked, "There must be about three levels to this place?"

Justin nodded in agreement. The wood was mahogany with large newel posts running along the smooth wooden banister. The staircase was in sections of five stairs and it curved gently as it went up each landing.

A tattered stringy strip of carpet was pinned to each stair running along the middle part of the stairway. To the left was the drawing room.

The furniture had large sheets of white fabric on them. It looked like a room full of ghosts in the dim lighting.

A large black marble fireplace with decorative ornaments of urns and swags gleamed as ebony.

"I can see these people preferred Robert Adams style of design," Said Justin with great appreciation.

Now Crescenda had a better idea of what Justin had been referring to before.
The tarnished silver fireguard stood in front of the fireplace. It was a long rectangular room boasting of works of art and sculptures of Roman and Greek tastes. Mini alcoves dotted the inside wall.

Brass lights hung on decorative wall brackets. Walking along the hall of blue marbled floors, they walked into what looked like the dining room.

"Man the furniture is just huge! Can you imagine breaking your back moving that thing?" Justin said as he pointed over to th

If you were to look inside the Mansion after Crescenda and Justin left, you would have seen two ghostly forms and the lights on in the ballroom.
A female voice said, "Arthur dear, are they gone?"

The male voice said, "Yes Cynthia I checked when I shut the door. They were a nice couple don't you think?"

Arthur smiled at his lovely ghostly wife dressed in her long simple gown and white apron.
She was wearing the same outfit as she had years ago.
She had been a Maid at the mansion and Arthur her husband had been the butler.
He looked smartly dressed in his black suit and white shirt. Arthur headed over to the phonograph and opened it up.

He asked, "Shall we dance my darling?"

"Oh yes," said Cynthia with anticipation.

He put on Schubert's song 'Serenade' and went to her side.

Two ghostly forms were spinning around in a circle on the vast marble floor in the ballroom.

"It's been a long time since anyone's been here," said Cynthia with a sigh%u2026

Crescenda and Justin had paddled silently back to the dock. Each wrapped up in their own thoughts.

Justin said, "Well thanks for the adventure did you want to come in for a drink?"
Crescenda said, "I'm sorry I still have a few things to do this evening, another time perhaps, but thanks anyways."

She paddled off towards her place. She was happy that Felix had developed a series of light sensors along the shore leading up to the boathouse.

It was somewhat dark and she would not have been able to see a thing.

She paddled back into the boathouse and walked up to the lodge. She grabbed her warmed lasagna and some salad from the fridge and sat down to eat with a hearty appetite.

'She kept thinking about Justin and the mansion. She remembered that her pastries needed some final changes so she pulled out some fancy little papers and foils to put around her cookies and got the boxes out for her apple pies.'

Everything was ready to go. She decided to listen to the radio and dozed off into the night on her couch.

The early morning sun stirred her awake. The twittering of birds outside the window awoke her from a very sensual dream with Justin passionately kissing.

She got up quickly and looked at the time Justin would be there in a few hours.
She made a quick breakfast of homemade blueberry muffins, mixed fruit, and a coffee.

She cleaned and put everything away from last night's mess and went to sit out on the front porch by her table with pen in hand and began to update her journal.

Justin showed up a few minutes late, apologizing profusely, "My tire was low on air, so I had to go rummaging around to find the air pump." He was slightly dirty from the dust.

He grabbed the boxes of baked goods from the kitchen and put them carefully in the back seat of his truck.

Then he opened the door for Crescenda saying, "Your chariot awaits my dear!"
She smiled and blushed while thinking, 'Not again!'

Justin got in beside her and he started up the engine. She kept looking at the smudge of dirt on his face.

She grabbed a handkerchief out of her purse and he turned to her and said, "Thanks! I need a cleaning every now and then."

She gently patted his cheek and removed the smudge.

She said, "There much better now!"

They started talking about the mansion on the hill. When they arrived in town, there was a colorful banner flying overhead that read, Country cooking at its best.
They pulled up to Jean's store and he had tables set up out front.

Justin excused himself as he had something to do.

Crescenda busied herself putting her pies and pastries out in neat little rows. All decorated nicely with little foils and napkins with a country style print.

'She started thinking about how she had felt at the mansion with Justin that day%u2026'

Soon there were crowds of people wandering round the market place. Some of the older folk recognized Crescenda and asked her how she was and how was Felix these days?

Within an hour, Crescenda had sold everything. She had not realized with the amount of locals and tourists that she should have made more.
She made a nice profit for herself.

Justin came along as she was putting back her table and things away.
"How was it?" He asked.

Crescenda looked up and smiled, "Not what I expected. I think my face is sore from smiling so much. I talked to so many people. Annie Atkins advised me that the mansion on the hill could be up for sale at below property cost because of it being haunted."

Justin just looked at her and said, "You're kidding me right? Annie says it's Haunted?"
Crescenda replied, "Yes, that is what she told me. People had been scared to buy it. I was shocked at first when she said it, but now that I think about it, I can believe it. I felt something there and someone watching us that day. Besides, how did she know we were there?"

She blushed to herself, 'she didn't tell Justin everything Annie had said. Annie had asked if Crescenda was dating Justin now because they were the local gossip now. In a small place like that, you cannot keep a secret for long.

Crescenda had told Annie that she had just met Justin and he had offered to help her out that's all. She had been a bit angry with Annie for even asking. What business was it of hers anyway?

She soon found out why. Annie said she had her eye on Justin for a long time and wanted him for herself. After all he was the most handsome and eligible bachelor.
A bit of a ladies' man but that is understandable. Annie planned to whip him into shape and only have eyes for her once she got her hooks into him.
Crescenda had tried not to laugh knowing that Justin had already shown some interest in her.

Until Annie said, "Yes he has broken many of the girl's hearts here. He is so nice, kind, gentle, and ever so charming. He is a romantic at heart and always is acting as if he wants to kiss a girl at the right moment. Women are suffering from delusions by his charm. Then when he stops calling, and he surely will, for he tires easily of any woman's company. That is except mine. I have managed to keep him within arm's reach for the past year."

She smiled so confidently at Crescenda and added, "I have no plans to let him out of my grasp. He is mine and no one else will have him!"

Crescenda stood there opened mouth. Annie had sounded so bitchy and controlling she had an omen of danger then. She knew how some women's obsession would turn for the worse and she had heard that the Atkins were mentally unstable people, from someone? She was looking at Justin as she owned him already.'

When Justin came over later, Annie stopped him to ask if they were still on for dinner the next day.

Justin smiled, winked, and said, "Most definitely my dear girl!"

He said it with too much exuberance for Crescenda's ears. Crescenda felt a wave of jealousy and silently scolded herself. 'Who was she kidding? She enjoyed being single and she worked long hours and she loved her city life. So why start anything with him?

After all, it looked like Annie was right he had smiled so warmly and the seductive note in Annie's voice was quite evident.' Her heart raced wildly as Justin steered her towards the truck.

Justin said, "Well we must be going now, Annie. See you tomorrow night."

Crescenda had her back turned as they pulled away Annie's facial expression changed from a sweet smile to a "looks could kill" face of pure hatred.

Annie thought to herself, 'That woman is a threat to my whole plan. I have to do something about her!' She stomped off towards her black Mercedes and took off like a shot.