My goodness. George Trevor stepped out of his cab and gawked at the monumental structure before him. The mansion was nothing short of a marvel, its grand entrance lined with granite columns painted orange in the bathing twilight sky. Just above the arching crown of the pillars was a pane of glass that stretched out towards the heavens topped with a marble bust of David. Beside that was a looming balcony overlooking the dense forest decorated with flora from many different regions. It was a breathtaking sight for Trevor who only five years earlier laid out the blueprints for the tremendous architecture.
He pulled out a fifty-dollar bill from his coat pocket and handed it to the driver, reasonable compensation for the long drive from upstate New York. The night was quickly approaching and George found himself eager to situate himself inside the grand mansion. Sir Spencer had been courteous enough to invite him over in recognition for designing his elegant new home. Quite a home.
George stopped at a large set of mahogany double doors and rang the doorbell. Slowly the doors creaked open, only slightly, enough for an old man with frail skin to peak his head through the opening and greet the honorable guest.
"Mr. Trevor, please come in. Lord Spencer should be joining us shortly". The old man briefly retreated back inside. Then the doors opened completely, revealing a splendid foyer with polished marbled floors and richly crafted beams that supported the upper arcades. A crimson carpet extended from the entrance, up a deep staircase, branching out into two opposite flights, each joining at the second floor landing. High up in the center dangled a golden chandelier whose radiant light casted serene beauty onto the hall.
Unbelievable. George had seen photos of the interior but images alone hadn't done it justice. He cursed the apartment complexes in Auburn that had kept him away from the project for two years, wishing he witnessed the full construction of the grandeur manor he was standing in. Jessica and Lisa must have been breathless…
Suddenly a grand set of double doors to the left swung open and out stepped Ozwell E. Spencer wrapped in a lavish purple robe dropping down just past his shins, gold cuffs at the wrists. His smooth, slicked back hair glistened under the chandelier giving him an almost angelic spotlight. He was a descendant of European aristocracy, a well-to-do entrepreneur with high ambitions and not to mention a legacy of money encrusted by his family name.
"Mr. Trevor, your presence on this most glorious occasion is greatly appreciated," Spencer extended his hand towards George. "Let me again express my deepest gratitude for your keen intellect and construction of my new home."
George removed his hat and returned the welcome, "Constructing miracles is my forte; the honor was all mine."
Ting. A muted bell rang, echoing from the room Spencer arrived from, momentarily drawing the host's attention. "It appears supper is ready." He turned back to George and barked an order towards him, only it wasn't directed at George. The butler had silently crept up behind them and was standing as still as a statue, waiting for his master's command. "Roger, take Mr. Trevor's belongings and deliver them to his quarters."
Roger replied softly, voice cracking, "Yes, sir." The frail servant folded George's brown coat across his forearm and grabbed his hat with his free hand.
"Now if you'll join me in the dining room, my chef has prepared a wonderful banquet for us, enough to make the Monarchs of England envious," Spencer led the way back to the dining area and opened the double doors, stepping aside for George to enter first. This might turn out to be a soothing respite after all, and he would finally get to see his family again after nearly two months.