One Rainy Day Read Free Page A

both Mother and Charlotte had. Mother I can understand;her life is settled. But not my sister. Hair appointments, fittings for dresses she doesn’t need, afternoon tea dances, friends who are the same as herself, who have appointments with the same hairdresser. What an aimless life that is, Father. It doesn’t tax the brain or teach them anything about the ninety per cent of the population who are not in the same social circle. It is not a life I would want. It would bore me stiff.’
    A waiter appeared with their food, and there was silence as he served the salmon and asparagus. Then, after making sure everything on the table was perfect, he nodded his head, clicked his heels, and said, ‘Enjoy your meal, gentlemen.’
    ‘I say, this looks and smells delicious, Father.’ Andrew shook his napkin open. ‘I am really going to enjoy it.’
    George grunted his agreement as he tucked his own heavy linen napkin into the neck of his shirt. He didn’t reach for his knife and fork, but studied his son’s face across the table. ‘The pampered life wasn’t for you, was it, Andrew? It would have been if your mother had got what she wanted. And I have to say that when you left university and joined the firm, I thought it was just a fad and you would soon tire of the routine. In my heart I hoped you were serious, but I couldn’t be sure. So you can imagine my delight, and pride, when you not only turned up for work each day, but seemed to enjoy it.’
    ‘Oh, I did enjoy it, Father, and I still do. I know self-praise is no recommendation, but I have to admit I’m as proud of myself as you are. You’ll never know how grateful I am that you gave me the chance. It salves my conscience that I have worked for most of the money you pay me. Oh, I know I don’t contribute towards the beautiful house I’m lucky enough to live in, but I don’t squander the wage I earn, I do have a healthy bank account. And I am very happy, Father, thanks to you.’
    ‘You deserve what you have, my boy; you have workedhard for it, and I am very proud of you. But let us enjoy our meal, then we can retire to the smoking room and discuss business. My brain works better when I have a cigar between my fingers.’
    George was in a thoughtful mood during lunch, as he tried to marshal into order the thoughts running through his head. His son had opened his mind to many things he’d been aware of, but was too cowardly to act on because of the disruption they would cause. His home was running smoothly, with no ripples to upset Harriet, his wife. And he probably would have let things carry on as they were if Andrew hadn’t been honest and outspoken. Now he realized changes had to be made, for the sake of his beloved daughter. Because he loved her, he had to prepare her for whatever the future held for her, while still protecting her from the harsh realities of life.
    ‘That was delicious, Father.’ Andrew patted his lips with the napkin. ‘Shall we have our coffee in the smoking room, and you can enjoy one of your cigars?’
    ‘Good idea, my boy. I have much to discuss with you regarding business and staff.’
    When they were seated facing each other in the deep comfortable leather chairs, Andrew said, ‘You mentioned staff, Father. Does that mean you are taking more people on, or cutting down? I hope mine are safe, for we work very well together.’
    ‘We’ll discuss what I have in mind for staff later, Andrew. First I would like to talk about your views on how best to help Charlotte lead a more meaningful life. I don’t want to go at the subject like a bull in a china shop, but you have alerted me to the pitfalls she may encounter as she approaches marriageable age. Have you any suggestions?’
    ‘I really don’t want to interfere, for I don’t want my sister or mother to turn against me. I said what I felt in my heart, for I love Charlotte dearly, and would be devastated if her life was ruined because she knew nothing about the big bad world