Page 10 of Passion and Privilege

I took a deep breath. “I think the house is perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“That’s not what your bid says.” He chuckled.

“I wouldn’t change anything, but I would restore what is already here. What did you have in mind?”

“I’d like to modernize the utilities while preserving the soul of the house, bringing it back to its former glory. I want new plumbing and electrical.”

I nodded as he talked. “That’s basically what I’m saying.”

“Would you like a tour?” he asked.

“Yes!” I blurted out the answer before reminding myself to be cool.

He smiled. “Shall we?”

“Please.”

We started walking through the house. I made mental notes about damaged original wood and stone. “Are these original?” I asked, pointing to some of the light fixtures.

“No. My parents started to renovate a while ago.”

We stopped in the kitchen that was very outdated and would easily be the biggest time suck. “I can save about eighty percent of the house’s original fixtures,” I told him, my confidence growing with each step. “The rest, I’ll hunt for at antique shops and estate sales. There are plenty of people who recognize the value of holding on to things as simple as hinges and drawer pulls. I have some good contacts from all across the country I can call.”

He seemed genuinely surprised by my enthusiasm. “Other contractors have deemed Gloriana Manor a gut job,” he said.

I winced at the very thought. “No.”

“They propose to rebuild from the baseboards up. Why are you saying you can save it?”

“Because I see potential where others see decay. I see a chance to breathe life into the neglected details that tell the story of the house.”

He nodded again. “I like that.”

As we strolled through the corridors, I assured him that I had connections with the plumbers and electricians needed for the modernization he envisioned. The rest, I promised, was in my capable hands—and my dad’s. I wasn’t sure how I would tell my father if I did manage to get the job.

“Your confidence is impressive. It’s rare to find someone so passionate about preserving the past while embracing the future.”

I couldn’t help but smile, a mixture of pride and determination bubbling within me. “Gloriana Manor is more than a house; it’s a living testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. I want to honor that history while ensuring it stands strong in the twenty-first century.”

He nodded in understanding, his eyes revealing a newfound respect. “Let’s make it happen, Ms. Jacobson. Your vision aligns with what this house deserves.”

As we returned to his office, my thoughts raced. I had secured the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to breathe new life into Gloriana Manor while preserving its soul. Yet, the realization hit me I would have to tell my dad, who had no idea that I had taken the initiative to bid on the project.

As Mr. Hastings reviewed the details of the bid once more, I couldn’t shake the mix of anxiety and excitement that pulsed through me.

“I planned to invest at least a million dollars into the project,” he said.

My jaw nearly hit the floor. A million dollars. That was more than anything I could have imagined.

“I understand,” I said, nodding.

“Fine. This is your project. When are you able to start?”

I froze, still grappling with the shock of his approval. “I’ll come over tomorrow. We can go through the original blueprints, discuss the plan of action.”

“Perfect,” he said as he showed me to the door. “I look forward to getting started.”

“Me too,” I said.