Standing still I could imagine the grandeur of it all.
Looking at the original blue prints, this is amazing, the creativity of the floor plans , as though they were like taken right from an old fairy tale. Surrounded with images from times of old. Adventure seemed to capture me as I explored each level, nook and cranny.
Within the dark confines of these castle walls, lay secret passages. Once used by the staff to come and go into the room for service... without being seen. Changing bed chambers and the daily up keep of the castle. Now they remained unused by the staff and so dimly lit that it was eerie to venture in.
Each room seemed to have an odd design and dressed still to reflect that period of time. rich embroidery and silks, ancient miniature's from the orient.
Jasmine scented perfume lingered in the air and caught my attention. Following the path out along the tiered balconies I wasted no time as I hurried along following after the scent... which was now growing stronger.
I found myself standing in the gardens down below and the rich glows from the nearby lanterns reflected along the gardens paths.
The shadows seem to play in the deep recesses of the garden, appearing to be the image of a man. I called out and no answer came. I was tired from the journey. It was my eyes playing with the flickering silhouettes.
My thoughts returned to the garden and the heavenly scent of the night blooming jasmine.
How many years had they bloomed silently without anyone to appreciate their fragrance. While the Castle lay under renovation...
We would be transforming it into a modern Inn. No matter the layers of restoration for improvement, the Castle still lay steeped in historic rhyme. That had never changed through out all time.
A rustle came from behind and as I turned my attention finding nothing there. Heading back towards the balcony's stairway, there it was again a strange sensation ... I now felt someone watching me.
I hurried back the short distance into my room - thankful to be able to lock the old wooden doors. Curiosity brought me to the window as I began to draw the curtains closed. There in the shadows now I could faintly see an outline of a man again. Was there really some one there?
Quickly drawing the curtain and scolding myself for looking. Jumping into bed - in my full dress to uneasy to change clothing now. As I closed my eyes ... my thoughts began to wonder and with the deep scent of Jasmine still heavy on my mind. I drifted off into a dream that took me back to another time and day... my vision sharpened - I could see the castle now as it stood on the hill... it appeared brand new. And I was there...
The band began to play as I descended the stairs, laughter filled the air. Applauding the event as if it were some gay grand ball . Then I felt gentle hands seemingly to press against my waist, as in a trance I began to dance, locked in a warm embrace.
Whirling light in the air with my senses swirling with delight.
When I awoke late morning with all the sounds of construction - I stretched out feeling refreshed ... I could not believe what I was seeing by the window close to the door ... a crown made from the vine all the Jasmine entwined with white ribbons woven into make a sort of bow that flowed down to the floor. I looked away...what, who...
The bath water ran fast and hot ...the steam rising as I step into wash away any part of yesterday. The trickles of water running down my back as I arched, feeling hands caress me from behind a strange tickle ran up my spine. Turning off the water and stepping out onto the deep carpet,
I dried off quickly with that same strange feeling and a knowing that I needed fresh morning air, Now! I would be fine. Pulling out my old blue jeans and a soft t-top, my hair air drying with natural curl.
Opening the now unlocked door, not wanting to dwell on more than a hot cup of tea and toast at least. My business was to make sure the renovations stayed on track, delays could cost us money. That, in this business was unacceptable. These projects had a budget and it was my job to stay on top of every expense and to prevent delay.
How many more days now...pulling out my laptop, the site is so slow today. Then I smiled as the company name flashed across the screen - RPM -EC ...Reliable Project Managers Engineering Consultants. That was us - Our family business. This was my first project alone. Feeling comfortable, there were no longer shadows, now gone in the brightness of day - I settled back to review the days course.
Toronto springtime crisp air and warm sunshine... in these surroundings I would like to find a reason to stay here along time.
Coming up from the far part of the grounds - I just caught a glimpse of a man, Something about him captured my full attention, his walk was sure and easy. This dark haired and black onyx eyes standing tall... a handsome vision of man - walking up the path from the gardens below. An uneasy feeling stirred and my heart began to race. Though I avoided looking in his direction ...I felt his gaze, as if he were tracing every line of my face.
Then from the windows up above - I heard my Foreman call down,
We are almost completed the second levels sir. The now approaching gentleman - loudly spoke up, I'll be up there then.
My Foreman John Haskle had started the job days before I arrived, he had met with the gotten the keys.
Realizing now this was indeed the man I had heard about ... but never met. The principle investor. now was the time, I turned and introduced myself. Good Morning, I'm Anne the project manager with R.P.M. reaching out my hand.
I was surprised when he just walked past me ... tipping his hat.
His response no more than, Nice to meet you. He continued his walk up to inspect the second floor.
Leaving my breakfast behind - I found my way to the second floor room where the inspection was going on . Only to be surprised this rude man had already been and gone. " He was in a hurry", my Foreman John said.
Sir Cambridge was impressed with our progress, said something about he has an appointment to keep.
Well, the job was after all what I was here for and my focus would just have to be that.
Taking this project a little to seriously aren't we ? I looked up to see my brother smiling. I had the grout from the tiles all over my jeans and using the bandanna around my neck I wiped the perspiration from my brow.
Reaching his hand down he helped me raise up from the ground.
Walking to the kitchen we sat reflecting back over this assignment.
The days had quickly pasted and the project was coming to an end.
Still my first night had stayed foremost on my mind,
My brother knew me better than anyone and he understood my reluctance to leave Casa Loma, the job was ending to soon for me ---but right on schedule.
He quickly kissed me on the top of my head and whispered chivalry isn't dead.
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