These are the opening two paragraphs of a story I have in mind:

Abelton Ranch provides the ideal setting for a ‘slave hunt’. The ranch is situated more than two hours drive from the nearest town, and the trip must be navigated along a dirt road, through forests and gorges of pristine wilderness. That wilderness extends to cover the entire ranch’s two thousand acres, except for a five acre cleared block near the access road and front gate. In days gone by, this block had been used to graze horses of the loggers who once roamed the hills and valleys of Abelton. More recently, a private guesthouse was built there.

It was a brisk, spring morning on the Saturday Belle and her husband David arrived at Abelton Ranch. David led Belle by the hand through the small car park to the guesthouse.

I want to continue in this past perfect tense, but this doesn't feel right if I use it in the opening paragraph. Help!

anonymouse