“I’m looking for the owners of this chateau.”
Flick gave him a no-nonsense stare. “That would be us. But before you ask, we haven’t come to a decision yet.”
“Excuse me?”
The developer appeared confused, although Flick could see why. With her and her mother trussed up in their winter coats and hand-knitted bobble hats, they didn’t exactly exude ownership status.
“We do have a lot to think about,” Flick continued. “Especially when you intend chopping the place into pieces. I mean look at it, it’s beautiful.” Directing his attention to the chateau’s exterior, with its tired stonework and flaky paintwork, she quickly wished she hadn’t. “In a haunted kind of way. And you have to understand my father bought it to be lived in just the way it is.”
“Your father?”
“Yes.”
“So, he’s the owner?”
Flick frowned. “No, my dad’s dead.”
The man’s bewilderment appeared to grow. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Thank you, Mr…” Brenda joined in, clearly happy to pick up Flick’s mantel.
“Richardson. Rob Richardson.”
“Thank you, Mr Richardson. But even with your condolences, we still have a lot to discuss.” Her mum smiled as she folded her arms tight across her chest, as if letting him know that they wouldn’t be swayed. “So, I’m afraid you’ll just have to be patient a little while longer. We’ll let the estate agent know once we’ve had chance to properly reflect on your offer.”
“Estate agent?”
“That’s right,” Brenda said. “The woman who showed you around the other day, remember?”
“Showed me around?”
Flick felt her own frustrations growing. The developer might not be getting the message, but did he really have to keep repeating everything her mother said?
He stepped forward. “I think there seems to be some mistake.”
“Mistake?” Flick asked. For God’s sake, it seemed even she was at it.
“I’m not here to buy the place.”
Upon hearing this, Flick’s heart didn’t know whether to sink or sing. “You’re not?” she asked, wondering what had made him change his mind.
“No.”
“Then what are you here for?”
“To hire it.”
“Dee never said anything about hiring.” Brenda turned to Flick. “Did she say anything to you about hiring?”
Flick shook her head. “Nothing at all.”
“I don’t know any Dee,” the man said.
“She’s the estate agent,” Flick explained.
“I don’t know any estate agent.”
Flick looked from him to her mum. “I think we need to start again,” she said, realising no one was getting anywhere fast.
