Chapter 4

They found their way easily to the sitting room which, despite its long length, was warm and welcoming with a variety of comfortable looking sofas and chairs. Surprisingly, Alex wasn't there and Jack and Sue were just wondering what to do when a young woman gracefully arose from one of the settees.

"Sue, Jack welcome! Alex sends his apologies but something has just cropped up which needs his attention." She spoke as well as signed much to Sue's amazement. "I'm Ana. My husband and I are old friends of Alex and when he was called away I offered to do the tour." Suddenly a rumbling noise was heard and Jack looked embarrassed. Ana Laughed. "Nicely timed Mrs Henderson! I believe that refreshments are very much in order!" A grey haired woman came into view pushing a trolley filled with sandwiches, cakes and fruit. Quickly she placed them on one of the tables, smiled and left.

"Have a seat," said Ana. "Help yourselves to what you need. Can I offer you tea or coffee?" Again she both spoke and signed.

"You know ASL," remarked Sue in surprise.

"I love languages, I've picked up quite a few and then decided that learning a non-verbal one would be quite interesting. I started with BSL so I'm more confident in that if it helps?" explained Ana. "Though I understand that you lip-read as well and that I need to watch what I say." She turned to Sue laughing, Sue grinned back. They munched their way steadily through the food chatting about the flight from London and initial impressions of the house. When they had finished Ana stacked the trolley back up and suggested they began the tour outside whilst it was still dry.

"I'll take the trolley down to Mrs Henderson first. She's very busy at the moment what with all the guests." Ana whistled and Jack suddenly noticed Millie curled up on the carpet she lifted an eyebrow then quickly got up and followed Ana as she trundled the trolley out of the room and towards a narrow double door. Opening both doors she revealed a small lift with just enough room for two people, a trolley and a small dog. "If you liked to use the stairs, I'll meet you down there." She smiled and entered the lift. Jack and Sue followed her directions and were downstairs in no time. Following Ana they headed towards the large, bright, airy kitchen before leaving the house by a side door.

Once outside Levi was given permission to explore and he padded off following an interesting smell, Millie close behind her tail wagging and a happy smile on her face.

The house was nestled within the hillside and Ana led them up a long flight of steps which brought them out above the roofline of the house. Through the chimneys they could see across the parkland and down towards the river. It was very peaceful, the warmth of the sun felt pleasant and Jack and Ana could hear a variety of birdcalls from the trees and shrubs around them.

"What's that?" asked Sue pointing to a puther of smoke moving along the valley.

"There is a steam train which runs along there. It stops at the station at the bottom of that path and goes back the way it came." Answered Ana. "It's a pleasant trip I believe."

Jack, Sue and Levi enjoyed their walk but were relieved to return to the house. It had been an early start and they were both tired. As they came around the south side of the house they noticed a car in the driveway with a young man reaching into the boot and pulling out a suitcase.

"Jason, fancy seeing you here!" called Ana. "I thought you were needed elsewhere."

"Trust me I wish I was," he replied gloomily. "Is Alex around?"

"Don't know; we've been for a walk." Ana replied. "Jason Tremore this is Jack Hudson and Sue Thomas. Jack is an old friend of Alex's and Sue is his friend and work colleague. They are from Washington DC. Jack, Sue this is Alex's younger brother Jason." They said their hellos and were just about to go inside when Alex appeared from the garages. His smile turned into a scowl as soon as he saw the new visitor.

"Jason, to what do we owe the pleasure?" he growled.