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It took another hour just to analyze and list the drawing room with the sofas, a grand piano, and a harp in the corner, as well as the chandeliers.
“I adore the fresco and plaster work in these old houses, too” Marina sighed, throwing her head back to look upward. “This ceiling is at least sixteen feet high. And don’t you love the crown moldings, the decorated cornices,andthe medallions where the chandeliers hang? I want that in my house someday. When I’m not living in a modern duplex with traffic noises like I currently do.”
“I hear you,” Wade agreed. “Okay, here’s a question. I admire all the windows these old homes have. Tons of natural sunlight would have prevented the expediency of having to use candles or lamps during the daylight hours. Of course, the cost of glass had to be exorbitant, but there’s something else I’ve never understood.Whyare the curtains and draperies in every room so long that they bunch up on the wooden floors? There must be at least an extra foot of fabric?”
“It would be expensive, right?” Marina agreed. “But it was done on purpose. The extra velvet or satin or lace showed afamily’s wealth. Simply put, they were trying to impress their friends when they had dinner parties or balls. We call them ‘puddled drapes.’”
Wade let out a chuckle. “That term’s pretty darn accurate. Doyouwant ‘puddled drapes’ inyourhouse someday, Miss Marina Cormier?”
“Of course,” she shot back, then made a face. “I think you’re being cheeky.”
“I probably am, but it was worth it to see your face and hear you giggle.”
Marina suddenly pulled out her phone. “Oh, boy, the store is supposed to open in thirty minutes. I’m going to call Jenna really quick as see what’s happening over there.”
“Good thing you’re only a few minutes away.”
Jenna answered on the first ring. “Hey, Marina, what’s up?”
“I’ve been delayed,” Marina said, feeling a little guilty since she wasn’t ready to halt her time with Wade. “Do I have any potential customers lurking about on the sidewalk?”
“Nope, it’s been a pretty quiet morning. At least after the commute hour rush of customers I get here at The Coffee Loft. I’m cleaning up breakfast stuff now so I can get ready for the lunch crowd.”
“I might be a few minutes late. I’m still at Mrs. Sutton’s mansion, and I still want to run upstairs and scope out the bedrooms.”
“Whether you scope them now or later, they’ll still be there,” Jenna teased.
“Okay, smarty, we’re making a first pass list of all the antiques for assessing.”
“Speaking of antiques,” Jenna said. “I think your UK order arrived.”
“Already?” Marina squeaked. “It was supposed to get here next week. Are you sure?”
“Positive. When the delivery guys saw that our stores are connected, they told me they can’t leave it in front of your shop on the sidewalk. My quick-thinking brain ordered them to bring everything through here and leave the crates inside Ruby Rose’s.”
“Oh, that’s perfect. Thank you.”
“When will you get here?”
“I hope within the hour. I’ll call Sally Broussard, my part-time assistant and see if she can swing by for an hour.”
“That’s a good idea. Don’t you get most of your weekend shoppers after the lunch hour anyway?”
“Yes, but on second thought, I think I’ll keep the place closed until I can unpack and figure out where to place all the new stuff. It’ll be hard for customers to even walk around the store right now.”
Just then, Marina heard The Coffee Loft doorbell jingle through the phone receiver.
“Gotta run, see you soon!” Jenna called gaily.
When she pressed the OFF button on her phone and lifted her face, Marina found Wade gazing at her. Then her stomach rumbled with hunger, and she smiled weakly. “Well, that was embarrassing.”
“Nope, that means you’re hungry—and so am I. Starving, in fact. No breakfast on an early-call morning. I suggest we head on over toCafé du Mondeand grab a breakfast sandwich and an order of beignets before we head to work.”
“Oh, I couldn’t—” Marina protested.
“We’re only a few blocks away . . .” he said. “And yes, I’m tempting you.”
“Beignets areverytempting. Haven’t had one of those hot-out-0f-the-oven, puffed pastries loaded with powdered sugar in ages.”
