Page 26 of The Wexley Inn
“Daphne.” Isabella moved forward to greet her. “I’m so glad you made it through despite the storm aftermath.”
“Oh, the causeway was clear, though I had to sweet-talk a guard into giving me a pass because I didn’t have a formal appointment confirmation,” she said, smiling. “Apparently, their computer system is down due to the power outage.”
“Thomas, this is Daphne Chen, the interior designer I mentioned,” Isabella introduced them. “Daphne, Thomas Langley is our restoration specialist and general contractor.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Thomas said, shaking her hand. “I admired your work on the Dillon House in Charleston.”
Her face lit up. “Thank you. That was a very special project. Those owners truly understood the value of preserving historical elements while creating a beautiful, livable space.”
“Well, that’s exactly what we’re aiming for here,” Isabella said. “Would you like a tour before we talk about specifics? Thomas’s team has been uncovering some fascinating original elements.”
As they walked through the inn, Thomas found himself very impressed with Daphne’s questions and observations. She clearly understood historic preservation principles and asked insightful questions about the original materials and construction techniques. Most importantly, she seemed to grasp Isabella’s vision for the space, offering suggestions that helped rather than conflicted with the building’s character.
When they reached the hidden room that had been discovered during early demolition work, Daphne’s excitement was palpable.
“Wow, this is extraordinary,” she said, looking at the small space that had apparently been sealed off during a 1920s renovation. “Have you documented any of the artifacts?”
“Well, we photographed and cataloged everything,” Isabella said, showing her the ledgers and personal items that they had carefully preserved. “I’m hoping to create a small display area for guests to learn about the inn’s history.”
“That’s perfect,” Daphne said. “We could incorporate a glass cabinet here, lighting the highlights without damaging the artifacts.” She sketched quickly in her notebook as she spoke.
Thomas watched the two women collaborate, their ideas building on each other in a creative flow that reminded him of his early design sessions with Isabella in college. They shared a similar aesthetic sensibility and practical approach, focusing on solutions and respecting the building’s heritage.
As the tour wrapped up in what would become the inn’s main sitting room, Thomas found himself saying, “I think you two are going to work well together. You both have the same vision for this space, it seems.”
Isabella looked pleased. “Well, that’s my feeling as well. Daphne, if you’re interested in the project, I would love to move forward with your services.”
“I’m definitely interested,” Daphne said enthusiastically. “This inn has immense potential, and I love your approach.”
They discussed some practical details, such as the timeline, costs, and expectations, while Thomas excused himself to check on his crew’s progress with the damaged beam.
When he returned, Isabella and Daphne were reviewing fabric samples and talking about color palettes for the guest rooms.
“We’ll want to distinguish each room while maintaining a cohesive feel throughout the property,” Daphne said. “Maybe draw some inspiration from different eras of the inn’s history.”
“Oh, I love that idea,” Isabella said, nodding. “It creates a narrative through the design, letting the guests experience all the different periods.”
Thomas hesitated at the doorway, not wanting to interrupt their discussion. Isabella noticed him and gestured for him to join them.
“Thomas, Daphne has some questions about the original window treatments. The photographs we found show what might be plantation shutters in the main parlor, but it’s hard to be certain.”
“Actually, they were a custom design,” Thomas said, recalling the blueprints he’d been searching for that morning. “My father salvaged one during the 1980s renovation. I think I have the original specs in my archives if you want to see them.”
“That’d be great,” Daphne said.
“I need to head back to oversee the beam work, but I can email you the images of the specs later today.”
“Perfect,” Daphne said. “And while I have you both here, I want to mention that I’m dating a local - Jake Cooper. He runs the fishing charters in the marina. So if you hear island gossip about me seeing a local boy, that’s who it is.”
Isabella laughed. “Noted. I’m quickly learning that Wexley Island runs on a currency of information.”
“Nothing happens here without everybody knowing about it within hours,” Daphne said, rolling her eyes. “Jake warned me that I would be thoroughly investigated once word got out that I was working on this inn project.”
“Well, consider yourself officially welcomed to the Wexley rumor mill,” Thomas said. “Though, as a newcomer taking on this inn restoration, I think Isabella still holds the top spot for island curiosity.”
“Oh, lucky me,” Isabella said dryly.
As Thomas excused himself to return to the crew, he found himself thinking about the easy rapport developing between Isabella and her team. She’d always had a gift for bringing talented people together and fostering collaboration.
