Emma’s warm and vibrant voice flowed over the wire and confirmed this, as she said, ‘I was having my morning tea and waiting for your call. You want to talk to me about Jim, his resignation, don’t you?’
‘Yes, Gran. I was a bit floored last night when he told me what he’d done, and naturally rather upset. I feel he’s let you down, and at the worst time, when you’re about to go away. I can’t help thinking that you must be disappointed in him.’
‘A little,’ Emma said. ‘However, I decided not to persuade Jim to retain the managing directorship…not under the circumstances. His heart’s not in the job, Paula, and that’s not good. It’s better he steps down.’
‘Yes,’ Paula agreed quietly. ‘What about Winston? Is he frightfully annoyed?’
‘Well, he was at first, and I thought for a moment he was going to explode when I told him he would have to take on the job. But he agreed, almost at once. There’s no one else, as you well know.’
‘I feel awful about this situation, Grandy. There’s not much I can say, except that I’m sorry. Jim shouldn’t have done this in my opinion. I think it was irresponsible. He doesn’t agree with me, of course.’ There was a fractional pause, and then Paula added, ‘I’m not trying to make excuses for him, Gran, but I’ve come to realize that Jim isn’t like us, you know as far as duty is concerned. We’ve all done jobs we haven’t really liked during the years we’ve all worked for you. Those jobs never killed us, and we learned a lot from the experience. I know I shouldn’t make comparisons, but last night when Jim was talking I kept thinking of little Emily – her example. She’s been a brick, the way she’s gone into Genret and with the best will in the world.’
‘That’s true,’ Emma agreed, then added swiftly, in a kinder tone, ‘You mustn’t be too hard on Jim, Paula dear. People do have their limitations, and remember, he wasn’t brought up in the same way as you and your cousins. Anyway, let’s be grateful for his talent as a managing editor. He’s brilliant, the best in the business, and that’s why I gave him the job years ago. Now, if he’d resigned from that position we would have a major tragedy on our hands.’
‘I realize that. He does love the newspaper business, and that’s why he’s been so successful as a journalist.’ Paula was beginning to feel easier in her mind, and she went on, ‘I have to defend Jim in one respect…he’s been honest with you, and we must give him credit for that. He’s as straight as a die, Grandy.’
‘You don’t have to tell me, Paula. Jim’s not duplicitous. Far from it, and I told him yesterday morning that I appreciated his truthfulness. Half-hearted, unenthusiastic executives spell disaster to me.’
‘Then you’re not too angry with him?’ Paula asked, clutching the phone tensely, holding her breath.
‘That was only a passing feeling yesterday. It quickly dissipated,’ Emma said. ‘We can’t let emotions take charge of us in business, we must always deal from intelligence, but then I’ve told you that all of your life. Sorry to keep repeating myself.’
‘That’s all right, and I must admit I’m relieved you’re taking this so well, Grandma. He’d never intentionally do anything to hurt or upset you.’
Brushing this remark aside, considering it unimportant, Emma said, ‘I want you to relax, Paula. This is not really your problem. Anyway, we do have everything under control. Actually, when I was talking to Winston after Jim had left, it occurred to me – and rather forcibly – that things are not going to be much different at Consolidated. Winston was sitting there, grousing away, going on and on ad infinitum about being overworked, listing his present duties, demanding to know how I expected him to cope with everything. And as he talked his head off I began to realize that he’s actually been carrying the administrative and business load at Consolidated for the longest time. He’s been functioning as managing director without knowing it. I told him so, told him he was now getting the title to go with his tremendous responsibilities, plus a large raise in salary. You know Winston has a great sense of humour, and he began to laugh. He said, “Damn it, Aunt Emma, we both think we’re so smart, so why haven’t we realized before today how brilliant I am?” So, darling, you don’t have to be concerned about me, Consolidated, or Winston either.’
‘I’m glad to hear that, Grandy. Look, can I ask you something? It’s about the shares in Consolidated. Why are you changing your will and leaving your interest to the twins?’
‘What a funny question. I thought I’d made it clear, thought that you’d understood me. Surely it’s obvious – I’m leaving my shares in the newspaper company to the twins because they are your children, Paula. What other reason could there be?’ Emma murmured, sounding extremely perplexed.
‘None, I just wondered, that’s all,’ Paula answered. ‘However, it struck me the other day that your decision might have something to do with Jim. You know, because he’s a Fairley. I mean, if his grandfather had hung on to the Gazette it would have been his today, wouldn’t it?’
Emma burst into peals of laughter. ‘I very much doubt that,’ she gasped. Immediately recovering herself, she said, ‘Edwin Fairley would have lost the paper eventually, as I’ve told you before. Besides, the Fairleys owned only the Yorkshire Morning Gazette, none of the other papers in the Consolidated chain. You know I acquired those myself, and with the help of my brothers.’ Her incredulous laughter reverberated down the wire again. ‘You can’t possibly think that I feel guilty about the Fairleys,’ she spluttered, obviously highly entertained by this idea.
‘Of course I don’t,’ Paula exclaimed heatedly, wishing she had never brought the subject up, realizing that she had been right, and Jim wrong, all along.
‘I should hope not, my darling girl,’ Emma said, stifling her merriment. ‘I’ve always admitted that I gave the Fairleys a few nudges, and very sharp ones at that, as they waltzed down the path to folly which they had chosen for themselves. But I can assure you that I never once lost a wink of sleep about any of my actions. I was delighted I was able to turn the tables on them, come out the big winner. So don’t think for one minute that I’m troubled by any guilty feelings about a lot of dead Fairleys, or Jim for that matter. And if he has suggested such a thing to you, you can tell him from me that he’s wrong, quite wrong.’
‘Oh no, he didn’t bring it up,’ Paula lied smoothly, knowing such an admission would annoy her grandmother. ‘It was merely a thought that flitted through my active brain.’
Emma chuckled under her breath at Paula’s hurried response, uncertain of its veracity. She said, ‘I hope you feel better now that we’ve cleared the air about Jim’s resignation.’
‘Yes, Gran, you always help me to get everything in its right perspective.’
CHAPTER 19
Ten days later Emma could not conceive how she had managed to do all that she had since she had been in London. But she had worked miracles, accomplished more in that brief span of time than in the last six months. Or so it seemed to her this afternoon as she glanced at her check list on the yellow legal pad.
She had reviewed her various business enterprises, to be certain everything was in perfect order and to reassure herself that there would be no snags during her long absence. She had met with her solicitors several times, and with her banker Henry Rossiter, and she and Henry had even been able to spend a couple of pleasant social evenings together. There had been long sessions with Winston and Alexander respectively; she had conferred with Sarah, approved all of the designs for the 1970 Spring Collection of Lady Hamilton clothes and had gone over the new advertising campaign with her. And as she had worked late at the store, rushed hither and yon, switching mental gears as she went from one meeting to the next, she had found time to pull together that all-important wardrobe for her round-the-world trip with Blackie.
Emma felt settled in her mind about everything – except Jonathan. He was her enemy. She did not know the reason why, nor could she prove it. Nonetheless, Emma was filled with the growing conviction that he was the one grandchild she could not
trust.
Opening the folder on her desk, her shrewd eyes scanned the report from private investigators she had engaged to check on Jonathan’s activities in his business and personal life. They had turned up nothing untoward, but this did not convince her that he was innocent of any wrongdoing. The firm of Graves and Saunderson would have to dig deeper, look farther afield. She was positive there was something – somewhere.
All of her life Emma Harte had been able to see through everyone, had the gift of second-guessing her family and friends and adversaries alike. It was almost as if she had a demon telling her things. She also possessed that highly sensitive built-in antenna which born survivors are usually blessed with, a sort of sixth sense that enabled her to pick up vibrations – both good and bad, but especially bad. And then of course there was her gut instinct which she had come to trust, to rely on without questioning it, knowing it would never mislead her. For some time now, all of her faculties of acute perception had combined to alert her to trouble brewing, yet so far she had not put her hand on anything concrete. Still, it was there, as if hovering in the dark, and just beyond her reach.
Her gaze now settled on the few brief paragraphs about Sebastian Cross. They were good friends, he and Jonathan, real intimates, in fact, but that was the extent of it. When she had first learned of their close relationship, which dated back to their school days at Eton, she had wondered whether or not there was a homosexual involvement here. But apparently not, quite to the contrary, according to Mr Graves. She closed the folder with a decisive slap. There was no point in reading it over and over again. That was a waste of time. Besides, she had gone through it with a small-tooth comb already, searching for one single clue, a small lead, and had come up empty-handed. Emma slipped the folder in the desk and locked the drawer, not wanting to dwell any longer on the possibility of treachery.
A dismal feeling trickled through her. It had been painful and sad for her to resort to these awful and chilling measures – to put detectives on one of her own kin. But she had not known what else to do. And she had only ever taken such a dreadful step – spied on someone – once in her life before, and then, like now, it had been repugnant, had gone against her nature. Some forty years ago she had seen fit to have the activities of her second husband monitored…to protect herself and her children. She was suddenly struck by the bitter irony of the present situation. Her second husband, Arthur Ainsley, had been Jonathan’s grandfather.
Sitting back in the chair, Emma wrestled with another pressing problem – whether or not to discuss her suspicions about Jonathan with Alexander and Paula. Maybe it would be wisest to confide in them. What if something happened to her when she was abroad? What if she fell sick? Or dropped dead? She did not think there was much chance of either. She was in good health and she felt strong and vital, and certainly she was more energetic than ever. On the other hand, she would be eighty years old in a couple of days. Perhaps, to be on the safe side, she ought to tell them. They were her chief heirs. Her empire would be under their control one day in the future…
There was a knock on the door and as she said, ‘Come in’, Gaye Sloane’s face appeared around it. ‘Do you need anything else, Mrs Harte?’ her private secretary asked.
Emma shook her head. ‘No, Gaye, thanks very much. I’m waiting for Paula. We’re going out to dinner. But there’s no need for you to hang around. You might as well get off.’
‘Thanks, Mrs Harte, I will. See you tomorrow, and good night.’
‘Good night, Gaye dear.’
Ten minutes later Paula walked in, and Emma looked up from the papers on her desk, her face softening. ‘Paula, you look awfully tired!’ she exclaimed, her worry resounding audibly. ‘You’ve got dark shadows and you’re very pale. Are you sure you’re all right?’
‘Yes,’ Paula reassured her, and gave her a small rueful smile as she flopped down into the chair opposite the desk. ‘It’s been one of those beastly days. Interminable problems with the French Week planned for July.’
‘What kind of problems?’ Emma asked, straightening up and then leaning over the desk, resting her chin in her hands.
‘People problems mostly. You know, temperaments, ruffled feathers, noses out of joint. But I’ve managed to get things moving smoothly again. I really miss Emily, though, Grandy. She was always so good at pulling our special events together, and she was certainly a soothing influence on everybody.’
‘That’s part of Emily’s talent, I’ve always thought. I know she used to make the store managers tremble in their boots, but she usually had them eating out of her hand in the long run, charming them all the way. Perhaps you ought to consider getting an assistant – someone to replace Emily.’ Emma’s brows lifted. ‘Why not?’
‘Oh I don’t know –’ Paula shrugged. ‘I think I can cope, anyway, let’s not worry about that now. The French Week is finally under control and I don’t foresee any more major difficulties cropping up. God forbid! In the meantime, did you get a chance to look at the boutique plans? And did you speak to Merry?’
‘Yes, I did. This afternoon. I spent an hour poring over the plans and then I phoned her, told her you both had my blessing. You were right, Paula, the scheme is excellent, and we should do very well with the boutiques.’
‘Oh I’m so glad you agree, Grandy.’ Paula looked pleased as she added, ‘Merry worked so hard, and she deserves all the credit, not I. Incidentally, I mentioned our new venture to Emily yesterday. Since she’s going to Hong Kong early next month, I thought she might keep her eyes open for special merchandise for the boutiques. You know, straw hats and bags, sandals, pretty shawls, summer jewellery, anything really that would be suitable for holiday and resort wear.’
Emma nodded her approval. ‘Very good thought, and Emily does have a penchant for spotting fashionable goods.’ She paused, placed a pile of papers in a blue folder, then glanced up, gave her granddaughter a careful look. ‘Did Emily tell you anything special? I mean, confide anything in you?’
Paula began to laugh. ‘I suppose you’re referring to her new boyfriend. I must admit, she’s being awfully cagey with me, and that’s not like Emily. We’ve always shared our secrets, as you well know. However, she hasn’t shared a thing about her new love, other than to drop hints that he’s gorgeous, and special. She calls him her mysterious lover, no, secret lover. Mind you, I’m sure he’s not actually her lover,’ Paula suddenly thought to add, being protective of Emily, not wanting her grandmother to get the wrong impression about the young girl’s morals. ‘You know how she tends to exaggerate.’
Emma bit back a smile, filling with understanding. ‘You don’t have to defend Emily to me, Paula dear. I know she’s not promiscuous…she hasn’t followed in her mother’s footsteps, that’s one thing I’m absolutely certain of. However, he is her lover.’
Paula said, very startled, ‘How do you know that?’
‘Why I got it from the horse’s mouth,’ Emma announced, mischief sparking her tired eyes with sudden life. She sat back and grinned at Paula.
‘You’re looking like the cat that’s swallowed the canary, Grandy,’ Paula laughed. ‘Which horse?’
‘Emily. She told me all about him herself. And the so-called secret lover is no longer a secret, neither is he very mysterious.’ Emma’s mouth twitched with amusement as she watched Paula, noted the surprised expression settling on her face.
‘Oh,’ was all Paula could manage.
Emma’s light laugh rang out. ‘Emily came to see me the night before last, and she was rather blunt – in her usual fashion. She said, “Gran, I’m terribly in love, and it’s very serious. I’m sleeping with him, but I don’t want you to worry. I won’t get pregnant. I’m taking birth control pills.” That didn’t surprise me, after all she was always a rather practical girl…Emily does have her head screwed on the right way, like you. In fact, Elizabeth could take a few lessons from the two of you. Well, I was taken aback, I don’t mind admitting that, but not shocked, though I suspect Emily had a
nticipated that I would be. I wonder occasionally if that girl thinks I’m the Virgin Mary. Anyway, she was very honest, endearingly so.’ Emma paused, then smiled her very special smile that filled her face with radiance. ‘Our little Emily has stars in her eyes right now, darling. She’s genuinely in love. Very much so.’
‘But who is he?’ Paula pressed. ‘You said he’s not mysterious, so it must be somebody I know.’
‘Oh yes, it is.’ Emma chuckled and her eyes twinkled brightly. She was suddenly enjoying herself, enjoying teasing Paula, glad to turn away from the unpleasantness surrounding Jonathan, which she found so appalling.
‘Come on, don’t be so mean,’ Paula admonished, smiling herself, picking up on her grandmother’s gaiety which was infectious. ‘Tell me his name, for heaven’s sake! I’m dying to know.’
‘Winston.’
‘Winston,’ Paula gasped, and her violet eyes widened. ‘I don’t believe it!’
‘Oh but you must, because it’s absolutely true. Don’t look so shocked, darling. Winston’s very eligible, and let’s face it, he has lots of charm, a lot going for him. He’s also rather good looking. He’s a lot like me, you know.’
Paula hooted with laughter, tickled by this small show of personal vanity on her grandmother’s part. She said, ‘Yes, Grandma, I have noticed the resemblance from time to time.’ She then continued, ‘The only reason I’m thunderstruck is because this news is so unexpected. And rather startling, I mean, Winston and Emily…goodness me, when did they become romantically entangled? When did all this start?’ Paula’s black brows drew together in a sudden frown. ‘Oh dear, what about nice Allison Ridley?’
‘Yes, nice Allison indeed. That part is sad – I always rather liked that young woman. But I’m afraid it’s off with her. Winston spoke to me yesterday about Allison, explained that he went to see her, told her as kindly and as gently as possible that it’s over between them. As to the first part of your question, I believe Emily and Winston realized the depth of their feelings for each other on the day of the christening. Winston asked me if I minded about his involvement with Emily and I told him I didn’t, that I was delighted.’ Emma once again leaned across the desk, the expression of deeply-felt happiness flashing on her face. She confided, ‘I had a business meeting with Winston this morning, and after we’d finished, he brought out the ring he’s bought for Emily. It’s an emerald.’ Emma paused, then announced, ‘Winston asked my permission to marry Emily. I gave it, and they’re going to announce their engagement this week, before I leave for New York.’
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