Mrs. Morris and the Ghost

It's nice to meet you as well, and—no, I just arrived." "'Oh, you'll have to see the Witch-Trial Museum and the House of Seven Gables." His tiny blue eyes were swallowed up in his face. "'We have such a lively history here, and you must brush up on it as your guests will want to know everything about the original witch-hunts. It just never gets old.' Charlene took her hand back with a laugh. "'I will, but right now I'm dying to peek inside.' She told him her plans to open a bed and breakfast, just to make sure there was no problem with zoning. She glanced back at her new home. The thought that it was really, truly hers sent a thrill down her spine. "'I've been reading up on Salem's fascinating history for the past several months.' She'd also put together a profitable marketing plan, and if all went well, she'd own the house lock, stock and barrel within ten years. As a savvy advertising executive, she saw the possibilities and figured she was sitting on a small, under-priced gold mine. "'Well, let's not waste time,' Ernie squinted in the direction of the house. "'Let me show you your new home, and then be gone. It's a substantial property that I'll let you explore mostly on your own, if you don't mind,' he added, with another toothy grin. He dabbed at perspiration on his forehead with a white-paper napkin. "'Strange.' It was not a particularly warm, late-September morning, only seventy degrees. Charlene was comfortable in jeans and a teal-blue tee, her long, dark hair pulled back in a ponytail so it would be out of her way while unpacking. Ernie Harvey had an unusual gait, high and bouncy, as he skipped along the path toward the wide porch, where four Adirondack chairs waited invitingly on either side of the impressive wooden double doors. Feeling kind of bouncy herself, she trailed him one step behind. She held her breath as he unlocked the right side, pushed it open, and stepped aside to allow her in. She exhaled in a rush. She'd been concerned that perhaps Mr. Harvey had fudged the photos he'd sent, but no, this was magnificent. There was the stunning stairway that led up to the third floor and the widow's walk. Open galleries on the second and third floors were railed with ornate wooden carvings, stained in golden oak. This is unbelievable. It's more than I dared hope. She put her palm over her fluttering heart. I feel almost guilty, as though I stole the place. Oh, don't, my dear. You paid a good price, a fair price. Not that I want to talk down a property, mind you, but this has been on and off the market for years. His blue eyes dimmed for an instant, and his gaze darted around nervously. Before she could ask why, he said, I hope you will have a long and happy life here. He looked up at the staircase and around the enormous vacant interior. As you can see, the dining room is to the right, with the chandelier we discussed, and the living room to the left, with the fireplace. Jane walked in, the polished wood slick beneath the soles of her sneakers. The house had been professionally cleaned for her arrival. Mr. Harvey pulled out a large skeleton key, along with several smaller ones, and handed them to her. The skeleton key will lock the main doors. The others are marked for the bedrooms. I think it's self-explanatory, but if you wish, I could walk you through it. Sitting on his heels, Mr. Harvey rocked back and forth and remained rooted in the doorway. Obviously the poor man had other things to do, and Charlene looked forward to taking her time as she explored her house. That won't be necessary. I'm sure I can figure it out on my own. Yes. Well, he cleared his throat, the bedrooms on the upper floors go right and left off the central staircase. Your suite is behind the kitchen, down the corridor to the right. It's very spacious, and can be rented separately if you decide you don't want to inhabit the home yourself. He dabbed his upper lip and took a step back onto the front porch. It needed a fresh coat of white paint, but seemed in good repair. It won't be rented. I'm going to love it here. I already do, she told him with a smile.