William leaned forward in his seat as the carriage approached the manor's hedge, gazing out of the window he had opened only minutes into the ride. He longed to see the beautiful countryside as they rode, something he was guessing Mr. Lockwood did not appreciate very much, if the mildly stifled look of displeasure was anything to go by. But William had of course ignored the negativity, soaking in the sights even as he asked further in-depth questions about his new estate. But now, with the manor so close at hand, the young Lord's attention was completely diverted. He was pleased to see the hedge looking so neat and tidy, the front wrought iron gates open wide to admit passage. The dark gray building he could spy looming up from the ground beyond momentarily made his heart clench with remembrance and loss, before William pushed those emotions aside and simply soaked in the grandeur and beauty of the place, Stark against the green backdrop. He still couldn't quite comprehend that the estate was his now. He expected his aunt or uncle to step out at any moment, waving to him in welcome
"The gardeners did exceptionally well. The gardens look even better than I remember them looking." William finally commented as the carriage passed through the hedge, dark green gaze sweeping over the brightly colored clusters of blossoms, the freshly planted trees and bushes, and the artfully arranged benches. "I'll need to remember to tell them such." He continued, pleased that the lawn was groomed and healthy, the walls free of creeping vines.
"yes, my Lord." Was Thomas's dry response. William was silently grateful the man was not going to be staying much longer at the estate. He preferred the company of those with better humor.
With the jingling of chains and a few snorts and nickers from the horses, the carriage rolled to a stop in front of the Arrington manor, The footman leaping down and opening the door to admit his Lord to exit. William gave a small nod before stepping out of the carriage, walking forward several steps to get a better look at the gardens, Placing his hands comfortably behind his back as he smiled softly at the welcoming scenery, nodding his head but keeping his comments to himself this time. He heard the men behind him working to release his belongings, working together to bring them inside while others worked on releasing the horses and taking the carriage to a building near the stables. He Took a deep breath through his nose, enjoying the mingled perfume of the flowers and freshly broken earth, Happy to have finally arrived.
"... Shall we go over the paperwork in your study, my Lord?" Thomas's voice suddenly broke into his thoughts, The balding gentleman stepping up beside William with only a cursory glance over the flora.
The smile fading from his mouth, blinking a few times as he was brought back from where his thoughts had drifted to the past, the young Lord Arrington glance towards his companion with a contemplative expression. "yes... Let us retire to the study. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to go over those documents. I'll have some chilled juice brought to us there." He stated, taking one last moment to look out over the gardens before turning with Mr. Lockwood and heading up the front steps, and disappearing inside.