Chapter 13
Thomas knelt on the dining room floor of the inn, carefully aligning a piece of reclaimed heart pine with the existing floorboards.
The morning light streamed through the tall windows and brought out the amber tones in the wood.
Around him, his crew worked with focused precision, each one contributing to the restoration with their own practiced skills.
“That’s fitting beautifully,” Wade said, pausing beside Thomas. “Can’t hardly tell where the old floor ends and the new one begins.”
“Well, that’s the idea,” Thomas replied. “Once we apply the finish, this color variation will blend even more naturally.”
He stood, brushing sawdust from his knees, and looked around the room. The dining room was nearing completion, with the original crown molding restored, the walls replastered, and the floor now being carefully repaired. The space was gradually reclaiming its former elegance.
The sound of voices in the hallway drew his attention. Isabella entered, accompanied by a middle-aged woman Thomas recognized as Dr. Eleanor Simmons, the historical paint analyst.
“Thomas,” Isabella greeted him with a warm smile. “Dr. Simmons has completed her preliminary analysis, and I thought you might want to join us for her report.”
“Absolutely,” Thomas said, wiping his hands on a cloth before extending one. “Dr. Simmons, good to see you again. I do hope your investigation has been productive.”
“Fascinating, actually,” she said. “This building has quite a story to tell through its paint layers. Shall we find somewhere to review my findings?”
They settled in the library where Isabella had established her temporary office during the renovation. Dr. Simmons spread her documentation across the table, including detailed photographs, microscopic analysis of paint samples, and a comprehensive report outlining her conclusions.
“The exterior of the inn has been painted at least fourteen times since its construction,” she said. “What’s particularly interesting is the color palette has remained remarkably consistent throughout history, just minor variations in the shade.”
She produced a fan of color samples, each one meticulously labeled with dates and locations.
“The original color scheme, which dated to the 1870s, featured this warm white for the clapboard and these specific green tones for the shutter and trim. The porch ceiling was painted this particular shade of light blue, which, as you know, is a tradition in Lowcountry architecture that’s believed to deter insects and evil spirits. ”
Thomas looked at the color samples with interest, noting their alignment with his own research. “These match the tones that were visible in the earliest photographs we found,” he said. “They’re consistent with the other buildings of the same period that I’ve restored on the island.”
“Exactly,” Dr. Simmons said, nodding. “There’s a clear historical precedent for this color scheme, not just on the building, but throughout the region. My report documents this thoroughly, of course, with references to other historically significant structures.”
Isabella reviewed the findings with evident satisfaction.
“This is exactly what we needed.”
“The colors are beautiful and historically accurate - and thoroughly documented to satisfy even the most demanding interpretation of the review board’s requirements,” Thomas said, thinking of Grayson’s transparent attempt to create obstacles.
After reviewing the interior color findings, which also revealed equally interesting historical patterns, they thanked Dr. Simmons for her thorough work. The specialist left with promises to provide her final report within the week.
“Well, this is excellent news,” Isabella said once they were alone. “With Dr. Simmons’ analysis so thoroughly documented, even Grayson can’t object to our color selections.”
“He’ll try,” Thomas said, “but her credentials are impeccable and her methodology is beyond reproach. I know that we’ve satisfied this condition exactly as required.”
Isabella smiled, clearly pleased. “One more hurdle cleared. The renovation’s really coming together now, isn’t it?”
He nodded. “The structural work is almost complete. The system updates are progressing on schedule, and now we have documentation about the paint. Barring any major surprises, we’re on track for your holiday opening.”
“I can hardly believe it,” Isabella said. “After so many years with corporate hotels, where projects drag on beyond projected timelines, this efficiency is refreshing.”
“Hey, don’t jinx us,” Thomas said with a smile. “We still have plenty of work ahead, and old buildings have a way of revealing unexpected challenges just when you think you’re in the clear.”
As if the cautionary words summoned him, Wade appeared in the doorway, a concerned expression on his face.
“Hey, Thomas, we’ve got a situation in the kitchen. A plumbing contractor just found something you should see.”
Thomas exchanged a glance with Isabella. “Duty calls,” he said. “Let’s see what surprise the inn has in store for us today.”
The “situation” proved to be significant: a previously undiscovered cast-iron waste pipe embedded in a structural wall, which had severely deteriorated and required immediate attention.
Thomas spent the next several hours working with the plumbing contractor to develop a solution that would fix the problem without jeopardizing the timeline for the kitchen renovation.
By late afternoon, they had come up with a workable plan, although it would require additional costs, materials, and labor.
Thomas found Isabella in the front parlor, looking at fabric samples with Daphne for the custom furniture that would furnish the space.
“I hate to interrupt,” he said, “but we do need to discuss the kitchen plumbing issue.”
Daphne tactfully excused herself, leaving Thomas to explain the problem and the proposed solution to Isabella. He outlined the technical details, the necessary modifications for the renovation, and the budget implications.
“Bottom line,” he said, “we’re looking at approximately eight thousand dollars in additional costs and maybe a week’s delay in the kitchen completion.”
Isabella absorbed the information calmly. Where many clients would have expressed frustration, she simply asked insightful questions about the technical aspects.
“So if we address it properly now, then we’ll prevent future problems that could be a lot more costly and disruptive once the inn is operational, correct?”
“Exactly.”
“Well, then the additional expense is unfortunate, but necessary,” she said. “Cutting corners on plumbing is never wise.”
“Especially in a commercial kitchen where health code compliance is essential,” Thomas responded.
“Well, then, let’s proceed with your recommended solution,” Isabella said decisively. “I’d rather spend the money now than deal with a catastrophic failure later.”
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the building inspector, who was scheduled to review the electrical work completed the previous week. Thomas excused himself to accompany the official through the property, leaving Isabella to return to her design discussion with Daphne.
The inspection went smoothly, with the inspector noting the high quality of the electrical upgrades.
As they completed the final portion of the review, Thomas looked out the window and saw dark clouds gathering on the horizon.
The previously clear sky was giving way to the ominous gray that signaled an approaching summer storm.
After the inspector departed with clean approval, Thomas sought out Wade to let the crew know to secure the site before the weather deteriorated.
“Make sure all the materials are covered and the equipment is stored inside,” he said. “The storm looks like it could be significant.”
Wade nodded and organized the team to batten down the work site.
“Weather alert just came through on my phone. Severe thunderstorm warning for the next six hours. They’re predicting high winds and heavy rain.”
Thomas grimaced, knowing it was going to slow progress. “Get everyone home safely before it hits. We can assess any impacts tomorrow.”
The crew hurried to secure the site and then departed as Thomas found Isabella in the library, looking at the inspection report.
“Clean approval on all electrical work,” she said, smiling. “Excellent news.”
“It is,” Thomas agreed, “though this approaching storm is going to dampen the celebration, I’m afraid. There’s a severe weather warning in effect for the next several hours.”
Isabella glanced toward the windows where the darkening sky confirmed his warning. “I guess I should head home before it hits. I have paperwork to finish that doesn’t require me to be on-site.”
“That’s probably wise,” Thomas said. “You don’t want to get stranded here if you can be at home.”
They walked together to the front entrance, where the wind was already intensifying, bending the branches of oak trees and sending early fallen leaves skittering across the driveway.
“Drive carefully,” Thomas said. “These summer storms can develop quickly.”
“It’s not that far,” she said, chuckling. “But what about you? Are you heading home?”
“Soon,” he nodded. “I want to double-check that everything’s properly secured first. That dining room floor installation is at a vulnerable stage. I’d sure hate for water damage to compromise the work we’ve done.”
Isabella hesitated for a moment, glancing again at the sky. “Would you like help before you go? It might be faster with two people.”
The offer touched Thomas. “I appreciate that, but I’ve got it covered. No sense in both of us getting caught in a downpour.”
With a final farewell, Isabella left, her car disappearing down the oak-lined driveway just as the first large raindrops started to fall.
Thomas went back inside to complete his inspection of the property, checking all the windows, covering sensitive materials, and ensuring the temporary roof patches were secure.