The still-warm blue overalls slung over a chair proved that someone else had been using ‘my’ dressing room – most likely one of the gardeners. I glanced out the window and saw him in action, swaying through the trees on a rope with an axe.

I was grateful that he had not touched any of my belongings while borrowing my space. Two lacy bras, a couple of heirloom rings, and a tiny silver seal ornament were all still sitting on the tall dresser where I had left them.