Talk to Johann, the Butler.

“How may I help you, Sir?” He asks formally.

“Why did Uncle Lester leave the house to me?” You ask.

Johann looks a little taken aback. “Well, Sir, I can't really speculate on that. I can tell you that the house and its staff, at least, has always been bequested to a nephew, and not to a son or daughter. How the tradition got started, or why, I don't rightly know."

“What's the deal with this house?” You enquire.

"Well, Sir, the house is very old. We don't really know how old, exactly. The original construction documents, as well as most town records, were destroyed in a courthouse fire in 1853. But it has been in your family for at least nine generations. It was said to be part of the Underground Railroad." Johann coughs into his hand, then looks at you expectantly.

“What do you do here?” You query.

"Well, Sir, I manage the staff, mostly, and make sure the house affairs are run smoothly. I take care of finances, bills, taxes and so on as well. All that's paid for through a separate trust from the money you've inherited." He explains.

You nod. “Who else works here?”

"Sir, there's Charles Buford, the driver - if you'd like to meet him he's usually out front with the limo. Then there's Sarah Little, the cook. She takes care of all three meals. If you have any culinary preferences, let me know and I'll pass them on. There is groundskeeper Oscar, he putters around the rear workshed. Oh, and Josephine - she's the new chambermaid."

You frown.

“What else can I help you with, Sir?” He asks.

“Tell me more about Charles.” You prompt. "Charles has been with the house for a good number of years, Sir. He's quite reliable. He also does garden work, here and for the Briarwood Public Gardens down in Lancaster." He waves in a direction.

“Tell me more about Sarah.” You say.

"Well, Sir, she's a competent cook, if that's what you're asking. Quite good at meat and potatoes, that sort of thing." He leans forward in a stage whisper, "I have a comprehensive set of takeout menus, Sir, if you find you need a change. There's a wonderful place called Sushi Surprise a mile down the road..."

“Oscar?”

“You can find him in the workshed. It’s set up with tools, the tractor and the like - and is adjacent to the stables. He’s something of a handyman and he repairs and maintains the house, looks after the orchard and tends the horses. He makes his own hooch too... potent stuff.”

“Hmmm. Tell me more about Josephine.” You ask.

"Well, Sir, she's new, so she's still being trained in her job. But I expect she'll turn out just fine. An orphan she is, that your uncle Lester took in not two months ago." His tone sounds a little off as he says this. "She's out at the moment, but she's due in this afternoon to houseclean."