Chapter 25 Bouchard Estate

Negotiations for the property had gone without a hitch; Lucas was very pleased since they would be leaving on their trip soon and he wanted to have the security of knowing it was theirs. He worked with Gustave and a man that Richard recommended for the cleanup of the house. David Carmody was his name, and he would oversee the initial cleanup of the outside as well. The work on restoring the orchards and vineyards would largely be done after the harvest in the Fall, but there were weeds and overgrowth in abundance to take care of before that. The road into the property needed to be reclaimed as well and this would take a crew to accomplish. Lucas gave Gustave signing authority and the final say on any changes that David would make. Lucas wanted to be sure that his wishes and Elizabeth's were clear before they left so he diligently met with the men as they covered all expectations.

David had actually been able to get two men on the job right away. They were able to inspect the inside and take care of any safety concerns before Lucas and Elizabeth took the first tour of their new home.

Lucas helped Elizabeth from her horse, "Welcome to Bouchard Orchards and to Bouchard Winery my love. It is officially ours." Elizabeth was so excited she could hardly contain herself. Lucas grabbed her and lifted her into his arms so he could walk her over the threshold. "And welcome to our new home." He gave her a kiss before putting her back on her feet.

They decided to start their tour upstairs where there were several bedrooms and a terrace. "All of the mattresses and bedding will have to be replaced and the rooms repainted but all in all they look to be in good condition. The furniture will need polishing but that is about all. These tile floors are lovely and will polish nicely." Elizabeth said.

"There are clothes in some of the closets that look to be in good condition. They will need to be washed but I think that most can be donated to the church. I will let David know to contact Joseph when he gets to that point." Lucas replied.

They made their way back downstairs and started at one end and made a tour of the bedrooms and living rooms on the ground floor. It seemed, as they had guessed, that the house was built so that the Pellegrinos would have their rooms and one if not two of their sons and families could live comfortably as well.

"I am not sure what we will do with all of this space, but we will see. I think we should take the end overlooking the orchard, what do you think?" asked Elizabeth.

"I agree, we will be able to enjoy the seasons more fully from that side of the house. But the other side overlooking the woods is also lovely."

"Did you know that Gustave and I made another discovery while we toured? There is also what appears to be a guesthouse or foreman's cottage by the waterwheel. That will be handy for when we hire someone to help tend to the place. We will need experienced help for the orchards and vineyards."

"I can't believe this place, let's go see the kitchen. I have been saving that for last." Elizabeth took Lucas' hand as they entered. It was large and had not only a clay oven but a fireplace and a fully industrial-quality stove. There were more pots and pans hanging than they had originally thought. "Look at this beautiful tile on the floor and counters." She exclaimed. And look at the pottery in the hutch there. Just lovely."

Lucas indicated a room to the side. "This appears to be the formal dining room. There is a table and chairs along with a full China cabinet. Look at the beautiful windows overlooking the back garden."

They returned to the kitchen and decided to go through the doors onto the patio. There was a fountain there and some wrought iron patio furniture. "Let's have our lunch here. I have worked up an appetite," Lucas announced. They sat and had their sandwiches and tea, enjoying the beautiful Spring day, and the early Spring flowers that were growing within the overgrown garden. "This is going to be a lovely garden where we will be able to sit and watch our children play, and our grandchildren too someday."

"Such a lovely thought. I can't wait to make this our home. I am sure David will hire a gardener that can restore the beauty that once was here. I hope they can get the fountain going again, I imagine it was fed by the stream somehow."

"I will mention it to him. Are you ready to go? We promised Laura to be back by 3:00 pm. We will just make it if we leave now."

"Okay, let's go close up and head on back." She got up and went to where he was sitting, and he pulled her on his lap. She put her arms around his neck. "You are the best man I know, and you are the best husband a woman could hope for. I look forward to many years of happiness here with you. And I hope that we have the children that you dream of because they will have the best father there could be."

"You and Jack are all I need to be happy. Our family is blessed just as it is. But being an only child, I do want Jack to have siblings and I know that I have ample love in my heart for more little ones. But whatever our future holds, as long as I have you, I will be happy." He kissed her in the tender way he had when his heart was feeling sentimental. His hand cupping her face, his lips on hers, and his thumb stroking her jaw. While a kiss of lips was a connection between the two of them, it was as if his thumb completed a circle between them. He drew on her love through the kiss and returned it through the stroke of his thumb. She never felt more loved than in these moments