Sugar Maple Mansion

CHAPTER 21

Prudence and Paul decided to dress as fashionably as they could, thinking this would help Richard to see that his idea of his little house being a mansion was not a reality. When they arrived at the address they had been given, and turned into the drive to go up to the house, Prudence said all excitedly to her husband. “OH Paul, do turn around and get us out of here. We must have made a wrong turn and are on someone else’s property.” Paul said, I can’t turn around here Prudence. We will have to go to the gate and then maybe there will be room enough to turn around. As they came up to the gate, Richard was watching for them and pressed the remote gate opener and the gates swung open. His dad was so startled that he just drove through the gates. The gates then closed. Prudence said, that sign over the gate said Sugar Maple Mansion. Wasn't that what Richard said they had named their little house? Yes dear, I think it is. And I think we may have misjudged our son and his “little house”. I think we are about to have a dinner of crow served to us. Surely you have heard of having to eat crow? When Prudence didn't answer, for she was still in shock, Paul said with a wide smile. Yes I believe that is just what we are going to have to do.

They drove up in front of the house, still not believing what their eyes were telling them. The structure before them was certainly a mansion. There was their son waiting to greet them. He walked up to the car, for they hadn't found the strength to get out, and said “welcome to my humble abode.”

Richard, when did you do all this his mother asked, and why did you want such a big house? Don’t you remember Mom, when I was little and I said I wanted to live in a big house and you and dad said “then you had better start saving your money”? Yes I remember that, she said. Well, I saved my money, and now I have my big house. Come let me introduce you to the guy that designed this mansion. Mom, Dad, I want you to meet William Stamps and his friend Marsha Winters. William is my architect.

Meet my builder, Russ Turner, who caused this beautiful home to materialize into a mansion. This is his friend, Louise Sieger, better known as Louie. Then of course you already know my wife to be, Charlie. She is Russ’ sister. They shook hands all around and little by little the tension started to ease, as they began to talk.

Richard showed them around the house. They were certainly impressed to say the least, but they said nothing to the effect. They secretly marveled at the expanse of the mansion. It had so many rooms, and the ballroom was outstanding. It was certainly all Prudence could hope for as a venue for the wedding. How had her son accomplished this without her knowing? And most of all, without her help. She finally began to realize that she had been so set in trying to run his life her way, and failing miserably, that she hadn't taken the time to listen to him. She must start acknowledging his accomplishments. They went outside then, to the back of the house, where the gardens were. The sight of the wild rose covered hill in the background was breathtaking in its beauty. This was, in her mind, an ideal place for a wedding.