Chapter 12

“The master’s was a good size from what your father once told me, but the mistress’s is much smaller in comparison. That might well be why Heather chose to work on it first. It was more manageable.”

“That makes sense,” Quinn murmured.

“Theo is right, though, about the condition of the rooms we’ve seen.” Portia continued. “I never had much liking for Ada Mann, but she would have been devastated by how her son let this house fall into disrepair.”

“I’m sorry, Mother.” Quinn went to her. “But we’ll make it even better than before.”

“Of course, sweetheart. I have every confidence in you and Mark.”

“Your cousin was right,” I said.

“Oh?”

“This is going to cost a fortune.”

“I know, Mark. What’s your point?”

“No point. As long as you’re aware.”

Heavy footsteps sounded in the hallway, and Novotny walked into the room, puffing a little. He was holding Miss Su, and spider webs draped over both of them as well as white dust.