Part 4

Finding experts to carry out a sensitive restoration programme of the house, seemed like a mammoth task. Alice realised she needed the assistance and advice from a surveyor, an architect, an auctioneer and maybe even an archaeologist, well, she did find jewels under one floorboard, who knew what else might be uncovered as the work progressed! Yes. Professionals to steer her clear of carrying out work that may not be appropriate for ‘Thudder house’. their experience with old properties should be able to suggest cost-effective and well-designed solutions to problems that she was sure to encounter.

Deep thoughts to tax her brain, while skipping round the ‘Home house’ to the tune of the vacuum and the dance of a duster. It was no wonder she was feeling at the hard end of circumstances beyond her control. Knowing someone in any of these fields, would be a help, but a lifetime spent in the shadow of her silent father and Lovell, never gave her much chance to move in those circles. She would talk to Morgan when she met him in town for coffee later in the day, he had a habit of calming her. Behind his six foot two inches of handsome healthy manhood was the head of a meticulous mind for detail and a mine of information.

She would need to have a survey of the house as it stood before any work was done.
Written specifications that detailed what works need to be undertaken, which
materials to be used and what standards should be used in the construction.

If she decided not to employ a professional to prepare a specification, tender the work or find a builder then there were sure to be issues beyond her control. Would she need planning permission or building regulations approval for any changes? Was she up to tendering works and deciding on a contract before finding suitable builders & contractors to carry out the work required?

Somewhere in the mists of time, long before she heard of ‘Thudder house’, she remembered reading an article…

‘When having building works carried out it is always advisable to have a contract drawn up that includes start and finish dates, the agreed fixed price for the work, and exactly what the price does and does not include (rather than an estimate). The contract should also cover insurance issues.

Work to old buildings can often include items that were unforeseen at the time the price was agreed but which become apparent as work proceeds and the building is ‘opened up’. Establish with the builder before starting a project how additional works will be costed, and consider a contingency sum to cover unforeseen problems.

Before work starts, find out how it will be carried out, and in what sequence, so you can be prepared if you are ordering specific items yourself. Try also to establish how the site will be run, where materials will be stored and what protection measures will be put in place to prevent damage to the building or your possessions.
It is always worth having a photographic record of the building before works start in case there are any problems later.’

“Gosh”, thought Alice, “The back of my mind is not such an empty place after all. To think I have carried all that information around with me for all these years!”

“Right. Time to stop thinking and start doing…!” She needed to hurry, prepare a quick lunch for herself and Lovell, then change her clothes or she would be late for her appointment in town.

£189,620.

A grand total of £189,620 was all Alice could focus on right now, she set her hands on the desk in front of her too steady herself. She felt her legs were like jelly and ready to give way if she stood up. The written breakdown with pages of details for every item would have to wait until she had a cup of coffee. She was more used to dealing with bread and butter money and not amounts like £189,620.

Mr Grimes the jeweller had talked her through the list, was still talking away to, or rather at her now, and she needed to concentrate and listen. He suggested holding on to the items in the company safe until she had time to digest the information and decide whether to keep or dispose of the pieces by auction.

“Of course” Mr Grimes was saying, “The price on the day might go up or down, and that was not something in my control. Brooches are now back in vogue and an auction highlight. Recently, an impressive platinum and diamond spray brooch, circa 1950s, reached £25,000. Some of your pendants would take easily to conversion”

He allowed that to sink in for a few moments before continuing:

“In the bottom of the box, under the velvet lining were a number of loose gemstones, from the collection of a very reputable late gemmologist”.

He was familiar with the stones and named the gemmologist, a man they had regularly done business with, but who had passed away about twenty years earlier. Mr Grimes told her that they had checked, and none of the items had been reported as stolen.

The name meant nothing to Alice.

“He was a wonderful character with eyes that sparkled like the gems in his collection, when he laughed, and that he did often.” Said Mr Grimes.

“The gemstones are all listed with approximate values on the penultimate page of our valuation. They would make a fantastic collecting opportunity for a keen gemmologist or for anyone considering starting a gem collection or studying gemmology!”

He mentioned something about the necessity for special insurance if she decided to keep the jewellery. If she wished to present them for auction, his company were well placed to handle that for her. This was a whole new world for Alice.

Asking Mr Grimes to please keep the jewellery & gemstones in the safe for the moment, she thanked him for his patience, time and care for her, and she promised to phone if she had any questions in the meantime. They shook hands and Alice left the jewellers, still in a state of shock.

All Alice wanted right now was that cup of coffee and it was almost past the time that Morgan had agreed to meet her. She was relieved not to have to carry the jewellery through the busy streets. She was not so anxious on the day she brought them in, but then she did not have a large figure of One hundred & eighty nine thousand, six hundred and twenty pounds branded in front of her eyes!

Morgan was waiting at the appointed spot and quickly moved to find a table for them. He could see the state Alice was in, so decided to refrain from questions until they were served. Afternoon teas were served in the traditional manner. A selection of finger sandwiches, delicate pastries and scones with clotted cream, gracing a silver tea stand all complemented with tea, coffee and maybe some Champagne. It was served daily until 4.30pm

Morgan’s later appointment was cancelled just as he left the office, so he had plenty of time to sit and listen. With each sip of coffee, the tension eased in Alice. This place was a good choice, comfortable, spacious and the food was of excellent quality. Tiny portions. Beautifully presented but wouldn’t fill a hole in your tooth!

Eventually, Alice was relaxed enough to talk about her meeting with Mr Grimes. She produced the document with all the details and handed it to Morgan. He remained silent as he cast his eyes down the details on each page.

• Diamond And Aquamarine Pendant Brooch . The briolette-cut aquamarine drop, with a single-cut diamond cap, suspended by a single-cut diamond ribbon bow, gathered by a baguette-cut diamond knot, mounted in 18k white gold £17,225.
• Diamond pendant. A stunning pear shaped diamond pendant with centre stone of 3.25ct and surrounding diamonds of 1.01ct. £24,950.
• Emerald and Diamond pendant. A stunning Emerald and Diamond pendant set in 18ct white gold. Diamonds approx 2.21ct Emerald approx 4.08ct £24,800.
• Diamond Pendant. A fabulous Edwardian Diamond pendant circa 1910 Approx total Diamond weight 3ct. £18,100.
• A pair of Diamond stud earrings set in 18ct white gold Diamond weight approx 2.50ct. £17,400.
• Aquamarine and Diamond Ring. A rare central stone with good colour, the Aquamarine is approx 6.60ct Diamonds 4.25ct £32,750.
• A beautiful 1830s Sapphire & diamond three row ring. The central row of sapphires were set in white 18ct gold, between two rows of diamonds, excellent quality and condition £15,895.
• Georgian Platinum Diamond and Onyx Mourning Ring of rectangular plaque shape, centring an oval onyx plaque with five cabochon-cut effect within a border of rose cut diamonds of various sizes, approx gross diamond weight of 1.5cts set in platinum. The rear of the ring, with rubbed hallmarks but there are no visible losses or damage. £ 3,500.
• A fine diamond three-stone ring in 18ct white gold, the central emerald-cut diamond weighing approx. 3.31 carats and set between two rectangular-cut diamonds: £26,000
• A collection of loose gemstones, all in excellent condition and individually valued to a total of: £9,000.

A grand total of £189,620.00

Letting out a long slow almost silent whistle, he understood why Alice seemed so stressed when she arrived. Figures like this were normal in his working day, but jewellery? Being happier with oily hands under the bonnet of a car, jewellery was a total other world for him. Oh yes, he had admired a necklace or pendant worn by a young lady or two that he had invited to dinner over the years, but the cost of the items never dawned on him. Alice was wise to leave them in the safe keeping of Mr Grimes for the moment.

Lifting his eyes to Alice, he asked “ I wonder what Sidney would have said about this?”