By the time my mother finished her breakfast, the sun had risen high. I wanted her to feel comfortable, wanted her to see everything this life had to offer. So, I stood at the entrance of the east wing, watching her adjust her shawl. 

“Ready for your tour?” I asked, trying to sound cheerful. 

She turned to me, her expression was unreadable as usual. “Tour?” 

“Yes,” I said with a smile. “You haven’t seen the rest of the estate yet. It’s quite ...