“Yeah, buddy, that’s Ivan you smell. It’s okay. We’re all good friends here.” I gave both of them a few more scratches behind the ears before getting to my feet, far past ready to keep my appointment with some hot water and soap in Ivan’s bathroom. The dogs followed along after me, seeming determined to escort me. I couldn’t stop them—it was their home—so I just went back through the labyrinth of hallways to the staircase where I knew the way to Ivan’s bedroom from there. I almost made it, too, but Mr. Finnegan materialized through a doorway at the top of the stairs. Surely I’d been teleported to Hogwarts and here was Professor Dumbledore (just minus the long gray beard) waiting on me.

“Ah, Miss Hargreave, I see you’ve met the dogs. I hope they’ve been polite and minded manners with you.” If he could pretend everything was normal, then so could I.

“They’ve been very nice and well behaved. Strange I haven’t met them before now though.” Mr. Finnegan held out his arm, directing me to follow him, and I wondered where he was taking me.

“Lord Rothvale asked me to keep them separate until he’d had a chance to introduce you,” he said as he walked. “These two gave me the slip I’m afraid as I was occupied with—with another matter which required my immediate attention. Apologies for their intrusion, they’re very curious creatures, always wanting to be in the thick of things and eager to meet a new friend.”

“Zeke and Zuly are lovely dogs, and no apologies are necessary. I was given a very warm welcome downstairs and then they just followed after me as I came upstairs.” Mr. Finnegan stopped at a door and opened it, gesturing for me to enter ahead of him. The dogs brought up the rear as the four of us came into the loveliest bedroom done up in pale yellow silks accented with aqua blue and cream. French antique furniture framed a massive bed opposite an arched floor-to-ceiling picture window. As pretty as the décor was, it was the view out the magnificent window that really stole the show. The gardens of Donadea and then the infinity of the ocean beyond. This room looked like a magazine spread in House Beautiful or possibly a suite at the Ritz. With a far better view than either the one in London or Paris. It was that elegant and sumptuous, but it also felt warm and comfortable at the same time. “What an absolutely gorgeous room,” I said in awe as I took in all the prettiness surrounding me. The dogs headed over to a spot of sunlight beaming in through the window onto the lush Aubusson carpet and flopped down to soak up the last bit of warmth before it retreated for the day.

“It’s to be yours while you’re in residence at Donadea working on the art collection. Lord Rothvale wants you to have this room rather than the one you stayed in the first time you were here.” Mr. Finnegan pointed to an open door which led into an adjoining space. “There’s a sitting room with a desk for you to work and a place for reading or watching television through there. You’ll also find a connecting door into his bedroom on the opposite wall of your sitting room. Your bathroom adjoins this room and your sitting room. I’ve taken the liberty of moving your formalwear from the Blackstone wedding into the wardrobe here.” He pointed to an ornate carved wardrobe fit for a palace before continuing on with his speech. “Lord Rothvale also instructed for you to make yourself at home acquainting yourself with the layout of the house, but he did request you stay inside for the remainder of the day. He also asked specifically you not attempt to leave the estate without him and to please wait for his return, for your safety, of course, Miss Hargreave.” He gave me a slight head bow as he finished, his instructions given in that kindly, soft tone I’d come to appreciate.