Page 7 of The Wexley Inn
“Would you like me to leave?” Thomas offered, although he was very curious to observe their interaction.
“There’s no need,” she said with a small smile. “As you said, she’ll be interested in my plans. Might as well see that I’ve already engaged the island’s premier restoration specialist.”
The compliment was delivered casually, but it caught Thomas off guard. Before he could respond, there was a sharp knock at the front door.
“Shall we?” Isabella gestured toward the hallway.
As they walked to the front of the inn, Thomas couldn’t help but admire her composure. Facing both him and Vivian Pierce in her first twenty-four hours on the island would have intimidated a lot of people, but Isabella just moved forward with the confidence of someone accustomed to navigating challenging situations.
When she opened the front door, Vivian’s perfectly composed expression registered brief surprise at seeing Thomas standing beside the inn’s new owner.
“Good morning,” Isabella said, trying to sound pleasant. “You must be Vivian. I’m Isabella Montgomery, the new owner of the inn. Please do come in.”
Vivian stepped inside, her gaze assessing both Isabella and Thomas before settling on Isabella with a pleasant smile.
“Welcome to Wexley Island, Ms. Montgomery. I see you’ve already met Thomas.” There was a slight emphasis on his name that carried the hint of a question.
“Yes, we were discussing renovation plans,” Isabella replied. “Thomas comes highly recommended.”
"Oh, I'm sure he does," Vivian said with honeyed poison. "Thomas and I have collaborated on numerous projects around the island over the years. His work is... adequate… though sometimes his interpretation of historical accuracy can be rather creative for those of us who value authentic preservation."
Thomas bit back a retort. He knew Vivian was trying to establish her dominance in the conversation. She’d opposed nearly every renovation proposal he’d submitted in the last five years, always finding some minor detail to criticize before the review board.
"I reviewed his portfolio extensively," Isabella replied with the calm confidence of someone accustomed to handling difficult people. "His ability to balance historical integrity with necessary modern functionality is exactly what this project requires. I'm not interested in creating a museum. I’m creating a working inn."
Vivian’s smile tightened. “Well, I’m sure you know hotels, being from the corporate world, but Wexley Island has its own unique character and traditions.” Her voice was slow and Southern. “The Lowcountry Ladies Club has a vested interest in making sure the inn’s restoration respects our cherished island heritage.”
“And I look forward to learning more about that heritage,” Isabella replied diplomatically. “Maybe you could join me for tea one afternoon and share your insights. Of course, I value local knowledge.”
The invitation was perfectly pitched, respectful without being deferential. Thomas found himself impressed with her handling of Vivian, who clearly hadn’t expected such poised resistance.
“Well, that would be lovely,” Vivian said. “In fact, the Ladies Club is hosting our monthly luncheon next week. We would love the opportunity for you to meet everyone who matters on the island. I’ll have my assistant send you the details.”
Thomas pondered her words. Only those people who mattered.
“I’ll be delighted to attend,” Isabella said.
After a few more minutes of carefully navigated small talk, during which Vivian managed to drop references to her family, her family’s three generations on the island, and her position on the Architectural Review Board - twice - she finally left.
“It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Montgomery. I look forward to seeing your renovation plans in great detail.” She gave a pointed look to Thomas and then added, “You’ll want to be especially careful with any exterior modifications. The Review Board is quite stringent.”
After Isabella closed the door behind Vivian, she turned to Thomas with a raised eyebrow.
“I’m sensing there’s some history there beyond professional disagreements.”
Thomas shook his head. “Vivian expected to get the Beaumont house restoration contract last year. She had recommended her nephew’s firm to Maggie Beaumont, despite the fact that they have no real experience with historic properties. And then Maggie hired me instead.”
“Ah, and I’m guessing Vivian isn’t someone who forgets such things.”
“Oh, she keeps a mental ledger with impeccable accuracy,” Thomas said. “Just know that she’ll be watching this project very closely, looking for any reason to raise objections to the review board.”
Isabella nodded. “Good to know. I’ve dealt with difficult board members before, but I do appreciate the warning.”
They walked back to the library to gather their notes after the morning inspection was complete. As Thomas got ready to leave, he found himself reluctant to end their meeting, despite the emotional complexity of seeing Isabella again after so many years.
“I should have my team out here tomorrow to start a more detailed assessment, if that’s okay with you.”
“That would be perfect,” she said. “I’ll be here all day.”
