Steve couldn't help but look around the house with wide-eyed amazement as he followed behind his hostess. Of course, looking at the estate from the outside had told him it was for a wealthy family, but he'd never actually been inside a house like this. He'd been lucky to live in one of the immigrant slums growing up, instead of out on the street, but he'd certainly never imagined stepping into a place such as this.

Entering the room, Steve took a quick measure of the place, still in awe. But after a long day's ride, and having to weather the storm, he was beginning to feel the wear on his body. He nodded to Marie. "I appreciate it. I'm beginning to feel as though I could sleep on the floor with no trouble. But a tidy bed and dry clothes are well worth a little wait."