With Dudley now becoming an elder, the family decided to take in a couple of boarders. The roommates could help with the housework and bring in extra money too.
The rent would quickly pay for any upgrades needed to improve the manor. The main renovation would be relocating the dog's sleeping area and turning their current room into a bedroom again.
The result was a pleasant room, much more inviting than the makeshift bedroom in the attic.
The second floor TV room would be a perfect place for the guests to relax in too.
Digging into their savings, Dudley and Di replaced the outdoor parking spots with an enclosed kennel area.
An elevator gave access to a basement containing more pet furniture as well as space for vehicle parking.
Di was pleased with how the "kennel" turned out. The small building fit right in with the manor's decor. And Dudley certainly couldn't complain, no matter what the cost. He'd been living in the swamp before moving in with Di!
Di knew just who her boarders should be. Anna Liza Riddle, a relative of hers, had just settled back into the family home. But Di was sure Anna would love to move into the manor instead. And Poirot the cat would come along.
And why not invite Watson to move in too? He'd be a wonderful roommate. Clean and efficient, he'd make the perfect substitute butler.
And so, that very day, Anna Liza marched into the manor as if she'd been born there.
And Watson felt at home as well since he was old friends with Di from when they'd lived together. I decided to tone down his coloring a little, and he checked himself out in the mirror as he left for his medical job, level 5.
Anna also still worked, level 10 in journalism. Anna liked to cook too, though she wasn't very good at cleaning.
But Watson made up for that. He was eager to make the manor house neat and tidy, being a competent cleaner.
But things weren't all smooth sailing with the arrival of the new boarders. Spade didn't seem too happy with having the cat Poirot back on the premises. He started acting out.
Dudley had to take a firm stand. Spade was one tough customer, but he had to learn to make nice.
