Chapter Sixty-Four
Days later, I had a phone call from Leslie at Home and Hearth Estate Agents.
‘Jen!’ he said, sounding delighted. ‘You’re never going to believe this, but I have a viewing for you.’
‘That’s wonderful,’ I said, happy that Leslie was happy.
This was only the second appointment. I knew that Leslie was embarrassed by the lack of viewers, despite my previous assurances about trusting his agency to shift the property. However, selling Moonlight Manor wasn’t an urgent matter now that Liam was a fixture in my life.
‘I’ve asked the usual questions to assess their seriousness’ – Leslie continued – ‘and also their position in the buying process.’
‘Is it a couple?’ I asked. Moonlight Manor was a huge property and not something a single person would likely pursue – unless they were planning on turning it into student accommodation.
‘Yes, a couple,’ Leslie confirmed. ‘But I only spoke with the wife. She stated that there wasn’t a property to sell, no mortgage was required, and there was no timescale for moving. Possibly they’re browsing before being ready to move forward.’
‘This definitely sounds like a bit of window shopping,’ I agreed, avoiding the word timewaster.
‘Do you want me to put them off?’ Leslie asked. ‘If so, I’ll completely understand.’
‘No, it’s fine,’ I said. ‘In six months’ time they might come up trumps with an offer. When would they like to view?’
‘Today, if convenient.’
‘Sure. However, I need to pop into town later and sign some paperwork at my solicitor’s office. Ideally, could they come in the next hour or so?’
‘I was given the assurance that they would fit in with your diary. So, unless I get back to you, let’s say yes.’
‘Okay, that’s perfect, Leslie. And what’s their name?’
‘It’s… oh!’ There was a pause. ‘Sorry, Jen. I’m trying to read my own scrawl. That will teach me to scribble in a hurry.’
‘I do that too,’ I giggled.
‘I spoke with a Mrs Matton. Presumably her hubby will be accompanying her.’
‘Okie dokie. I’ll look forward to seeing them shortly, unless I hear otherwise from you.’
‘Perfect. Toodle-oo.’
We rang off. I then had a quick dart around the house checking cushions and plumping them just so.
I removed my empty mug of coffee from the sink, washed and dried it, then put it away in the cupboard.
I went to place the tea towel over the radiator but decided it looked untidy, so hid it in the washing machine.
Putting my hands on my hips, I cast a critical eye around the room. Was there anything else? A vase of flowers on the kitchen island had started to wilt, shedding petals. I quickly swept the whole thing away. I was just smartening myself up and applying a bit of lipstick, when the doorbell rang.
Scampering into the hallway, I made sure a ready smile was in place. As I pulled open the heavy door, I grinned like a gameshow host greeting a contestant.
‘Hellooo!’ I beamed at the attractive woman hovering on the doorstep.
However, there was no hovering husband. My smile wavered. Definitely a timewaster.
Pecker up, Jen. Otherwise, you might come across as desperate to sell.
‘Hi,’ said the woman. She gave me a timid smile.
Mrs Matton was about my age, but that was where any similarities ended. I immediately sensed that she and I were poles apart in personality. She was giving off shrinking violet vibes in spadefuls.
‘Lovely to meet you,’ I trilled. ‘Do come in.’
‘Thank you,’ she whispered.
She stepped into the hallway. Her eyes swivelled everywhere, no doubt noting the vastness of the reception area. After all, there was even a baby grand in one corner. Peter had loved to employ a pianist when he’d entertained.
‘Where would you like to start?’ I asked.
‘Definitely at the beginning,’ said Mrs Matton somewhat cryptically.