“Welcome to the Jefferson, the finest hotel in the state of Virginia.” “Really – is it printed on their matchbooks?” Annabelle whispered. “Wait until we get inside. You’ll see.” Mark put a hand in the small of her back and gave her a slight push through the doorway. She only made it two steps in the door before dropping her overnight bag. “Mark, this is amazing!” He hadn’t visited in years, and took a moment to reacquaint himself with the majestic hotel. The grand lobby was bigger than a ballroom, and the décor looked as though time stopped in 1858. Floor to ceiling red velvet curtains tied back with gold fringed swags framed the windows. Gilt columns supported an ornate, stained glass rotunda. He picked up her bag and tugged her down the wide marble staircase. “They used to keep live alligators in pools here back at the turn of the century. I think all the plants are a much better choice.” Mark led her to a plump, clearly antique peach and gold chair. She sank into its softness while he checked in and reserved a room for Jonathan.
