Elizabeth: Part V

(Story begins here.)

``Why most certainly Mr Higgins, I will take you up on that offer.'' With that acknowledgement, the housekeeper gave a formal bow before attempting to take his leave of the room a second time. Anton was dying to ask more questions about what the previous masters of the house said about Elizabeth, but he knew that he wasn't going to get anything from the housekeeper at this point and just let him go. Anton made his way to the bath room and found the bath tub filled with hot water. Gently, he tested out the water with his elbow, and found it of satisfactory temperature, proceeded with a morning bath followed by the usual morning routine. When he was done, he made his way back to the bed room, where he saw that Mr Higgins had already laid out his morning wear for him. Anton got dressed and made his way out of the room and into the corridors.

In broad daylight, the Elizabethan architecture influence on the manor was very plain to see. The corridors were decorated by simple wood-panelled walls with repeated carvings of the fleur-de-lis motif stained into a deep, rich brown. The bannisters lining the corridor were constructed of similar wood, with the same kind of treatment and woodstaining as in the wall panels. As he walked along the corridors to descend the grand stairs, Anton couldn't help but glance about in wonder. The manor had been in existence for the better part of three hundred years, or so Anton was told, and it was only because of a large manhunt for a descendant of the originating family that Anton was discovered and persuaded to take up residence in the antiquated but well-kept manor.

Anton was no old country gentlemen. If anything, he would prefer wearing his denim jeans and sneakers about, or even bermudas if the weather permitted. It was, after all, past the era of traditional country-side sensibilities. But the trustees that had sent for him to take up residence in the manor had told him it was stipulated that the traditional customs are to be met as much as possible to maintain the old respectability of the family as much as possible, and that the housekeeper would be there to help Anton with keeping up with such important customs. Anton was amused initially, and protested againt it the first couple of weeks he was there. But as time went on, he started to realise the prudence needed, for most days of the week, his manor was visited by various gentlemen and ladies of the gentry, all as a part of neighbourliness that was common to the country side. Even though they were also living in the modern era, none of them would subscribe to the latest in fashion wear on their visits---they maintained a strong sense of dignity that made Anton glad that he could keep up with the necessity of the dress code and etiquette as helped along by Mr Higgins.

Having descended the grand stairs, Anton made his way to the right and entered the dining room, where Mr Higgins was standing at the ready at the head ofa long table, with the breakfast spread set in front of him at the head of the table. Mr Higgins gave Anton a short bow and motioned him to take his proper place. Once he had sat down, the housekeeper started to turn around to leave, only to be halted once again by Anton.

(Story continues here.)