The Hotel of The Idle Moon by William Trevor

For those of you who have read Remains of the Day will certainly enjoy this short story. Cronin, the in-house servant is an anachronistic character trying to keep up with changes to his once bustling mansion. The hey-days of the mansion were over, few servants were left, the orchards unkempt, and little if any activity was going on. An entrepreneurial couple, Mr. and Mrs. Dankers, deliberately gain entrance to the mansion in order to take it over. They begin by taking inventory of the premises, measuring curtains, poisoning Mr. Marston, the head of the mansion, and doing all else to make themselves welcome. Cronin realizes early on that their intent is to transform the mansion back into its once glorious state. Cronin objects vehemently, but also feels glad that life is springing forth once again. His desire is to murder the Dankers who are invaders. His plan ultimately fails but his musings are powerful.