“My husband was from California,” she said. “The Santa Rosa area.” She studied our eyes for a spark of recognition. “Anyway, he’s gone now. He passed away some fourteen years ago.”
“We’re sorry to hear that,” Keri said politely.
“It’s quite all right,” she said. “Fourteen years is a long time. I’ve grown quite accustomed to being alone.” She set down her cup and straightened herself up in the plush wingback chair.
“Before we begin the interview I would like to discuss the nature of the arrangement. There are a few items that you will find I am rather insistent about. I need someone to provide meals. You have a family, I assume you can cook.” Keri nodded. “I don’t eat breakfast, but I expect brunch to be served at eleven and dinner at six. My washing should be done twice a week, preferably Tuesday and Friday, and the beddings should be washed at least once a week. You are welcome to use the laundry facilities to do your own washing any time you find convenient. As for the exterior,” she said, looking at me, “the lawn needs to be cut once a week, except when there is snow, at which time the walks, driveway, and back porch need to be shoveled and salted as the climate dictates. The other landscaping and home maintenance I hire out and would not require your assistance. In exchange for your service you will have the entire east wing in which to reside. I will pay the heating and light bills and any other household expenses. All that is required of you is attention to the matters we have discussed. If this arrangement sounds satisfactory to you, then we may proceed.”
We both nodded in agreement.
“Good. Now if you don’t mind, I have a few questions I’d like to ask.”
“No, not at all,” Keri said.
“Then we’ll begin at the top.” She donned a pair of silver-framed bifocals, lifted from the table a small handwritten list, and began the interrogation.
“Do either of you smoke?”
“No,” said Keri.
“Good. I don’t allow it in the home. It spoils the draperies. Drink to excess?” She glanced over to me.
“No,” I replied.
“Do you have children?”
“Yes, we have one. She’s almost four years old,” said Keri.
“Wonderful. She’s welcome anywhere in the house except this room. I would worry too much about my porcelains,” she said, smiling warmly. Behind her I could see a black walnut étagère with five steps, each supporting a porcelain figurine. She continued. “Have you a fondness for loud music?” Again she looked my way.
“No,” I answered correctly. I took this more as a warning than a prerequisite for cohabitation.
“And what is your current situation in life?”
“I’m a recent college graduate with a degree in business. We moved to Salt Lake City to start a formal-wear rental business.”
“Such as dinner jackets and tuxedos?” she asked.
“That’s right,” I said.
She took mental note of this and nodded approvingly.
“And references.” She glanced up over her bifocals. “Have you references?”
“Yes. You may contact these people,” said Keri, handing her a scrawled-out list of past landlords and employers. She meticulously studied the list, then laid it down on the end table, seemingly impressed with the preparation. She looked up and smiled.
“Very well. If your references are satisfactory, I think we may make an arrangement. I think it is best that we initiate a forty-five-day trial period, at the end of which time we may ascertain if the situation is mutually favorable. Does that sound agreeable?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I replied.
“You may call me Mary. My name is MaryAnne, but my friends call me Mary.”
“Thank you, Mary.”
“Now I’ve done all the talking. Have you any questions that I might answer?”
“We’d like to see the apartment,” Keri said.
“Of course. The quarters are upstairs in the east wing. Steve will lead you up. They are unlocked. I think you will find that they have been tastefully furnished.”
“We do have some furniture of our own,” I said. “Is there some extra space where we could store it?”
“The doorway to the attic is at the end of the upstairs hall. Your things will be very convenient there,” she replied.
I helped myself to a cracker from the silver tray. “Was that your son who answered the door?” I asked.
She took another sip of her tea. “No. I have no children. Steve is an old friend of mine from across the street. I hire him to help maintain the home.” She paused thoughtfully for another sip of tea and changed the subject. “When will you be prepared to move in?”