She headed toward the guest cottages.
The workers had already begun stripping the old wood from the exterior, and piles of debris lined the path.
A large man with broad shoulders and a thick beard stood near the first cottage, a tablet in his hand, directing the crew.
He looked up when she approached. "You must be the madam."
"Lin Yue." She stopped a few feet away. "And you are?"
"Grisham. I'm the foreman for this project." He extended a hand, and she shook it. His grip was firm but brief.
"The prince gave me the rundown on what needs to be done.." he said, gesturing toward the cottages. "Guest cottages first, then the servants' quarters, then the greenhouse. We're starting with the roofs and the bathrooms."
Lin Yue nodded. "Show me."
He walked her through the first cottage, pointing out the exposed walls, the old plumbing, the wiring that needed to be replaced.
Dust hung in the air, and the smell of old wood and fresh paint mixed together.
She asked questions.
