One Rainy Day Read Free Page B

outside. She sees life as all milk and honey, and we both know that is far from the truth. Except for the very rich, who have never worked a day in their lives, and haven’t a clue how ninety per cent of the population live.’ Andrew sighed. ‘I’m sorry I got carried away, Father. I’m not a communist, far from it. I don’t begrudge anyone their money – how could I when I’ve lived in luxury all my life! You’ve worked hard to build up the business, and you’re entitled to everything you have. And I’m happy to say I earn a living now. But Charlotte doesn’t even give a thought to where the money comes from to keep her in luxury. And that is wrong. She should know money has to be earned, it doesn’t grow on trees.’
    George tilted his head. ‘You’ve never talked about it before.’
    Andrew shrugged his shoulders. ‘I suppose my time at university brought home the fact that life is not always fair. I had plenty of money to splash around. You were very generous and I was able to live the good life down in London. It took a while for me to understand that other blokes weren’t as fortunate. Their families were struggling to pay their fees, and unlike myself and the blokes I had chummed up with, there were no nights out on the town for them. And after a few years, I decided I would like to earn a living. The rest you know, Father, and I think you’ve heard enough from me. I hope I didn’t sound as though I have been anything but grateful to you for everything. You made me what I am.’
    ‘Nonsense, my boy, you proved your worth with your dedication and hard work. And now we have established that fact, I think we should get down to business. As I said, I wishto discuss the matter of staff. We’ll start with your office, shall we? Are you satisfied with the people you have, or dissatisfied?’
    ‘Oh, I am quite satisfied. The office runs like clockwork thanks to Mrs Stamford and the two typists. We get along very well with each other, and I wouldn’t wish to change anything.’
    George and his son were alike in looks, except that George was a few inches shorter, and his black hair was lightly flecked with grey. The dark brown eyes were the same, as were the thick black eyebrows. And the eyebrows were drawn together now as he stroked his chin. ‘So, you wouldn’t welcome any changes in your office, then?’
    ‘That is difficult for me to answer, Father, for you are the boss. If you want to make changes, then of course I’ll fall in with your wishes.’ Andrew’s boyish grin appeared. ‘I have to say, though, that I would be sorry to lose any of my staff, for we really work as a team.’
    ‘I wasn’t thinking of removing a member of your staff, dear boy, I was of a mind to increase it by one.’
    Andrew looked surprised. ‘I don’t require any more staff. We manage very well.’ Then he added, ‘But of course it is up to you, Father. What have you in mind?’
    ‘You have a spare office on your floor. I was thinking of making use of it for your filing cabinets. You will have need of more filing space when I transfer some of our clients’ business over to you. And of course, a young clerk will be required to be in charge of the files.’
    ‘This comes out of the blue, Father. How long have you had this change in mind?’
    George tapped his chin. ‘Let me think. It must have been on my mind for a year now. I told myself that your hard work should be rewarded, and that on the day of your twenty-fifthbirthday, I would transfer some of my business over to you. And on the same day you would become a junior partner in the firm.’ He laughed with pleasure at his son’s astonishment. ‘Well, have you nothing to say, my son?’
    Andrew’s face was white, and although his lips were moving it was a few seconds before any words came. ‘I can’t believe it, Father, and I certainly didn’t expect it. I had no idea; you never hinted at such a promotion. When did you decide?’
    ‘As I said, it was