*
Hugh answered the phone call and listened to the voice on the other end.
"Mister Stuart, this is Hans Seifert from Zurich International Bank. I have received a communication from the bank headquarters. We are able to fulfill your request for the purchase of 5 million dollars in gold bullion. The documents are ready and I suggest that I bring them to you today. This presumes of course that you wish to proceed with the transaction."
Hugh had been waiting for this phone call. He took no time thinking about his reply. "Hans, if I may call you that, now that we are business partners, you suggest the time and I shall be waiting for you in my office here at the corner of 85th and Park Avenue. It's my home so you won't have any problem getting in the building. I mean you won't have to make a choice. In fact, I should be here all afternoon and you may choose your time."
"Mister Stuart, oh yes, excuse me, of course, Hugh, I shall be there at two p.m. precisely. Good day to you, until we see each other again. For now, goodbye."
Hugh hung up the phone and leaned back in his chair. Then he went in search of Grace and Julia. He found Grace in her room, at her Victorian mahogany writing table. "Mother, we have an important person coming this afternoon. I would like you to meet him, and perhaps join us in the library for sherry or something."
Grace raised her eyebrows." Oh my, I hope this isn't going to be like the last person you brought in without warning."
Hugh laughed. "No that was a semi-emergency, Mother. This is a very important business transaction."
She stood and put her pen on the table. "Well, I am quite pleased to hear that. Who is it this time?"
"Hans Seifert, from Zurich International Bank. I am buying some gold from them and he's bringing the paperwork over here."
"How convenient."
"I don't think it's a matter of convenience at all. It's a matter of treating your customer right. Anyway, I will go over the paperwork with him in my office and then we will go to the library. I will ask Julia to join us."
Grace frowned. "Is that necessary? I don't even know if she is here. She went off this morning, ran out the door saying she was going to the art league, or wherever it is she goes these days. Quite frankly, Hugh, I don't like it at all and I think you should talk to her about it."
Hugh sighed. "Mother, I want to keep to the topic at hand, please. Actually, I don't think we need to discuss this any further. Would you please advise Willow to expect him around two and have her show him up to my office immediately? I don't want him to wait any time at all."
"Of course, Darling, I think it's exciting."
Hugh went in search of Julia. Mary was with Elizabeth in the playroom looking at picture books, and said that Julia was at an art class and had said she would be back at any moment. Hugh thought about that, then gave Elizabeth a little kiss on the top of her head and started to leave."
"Daddy, where's my pony?"
Hugh turned back and smiled at his daughter. "I'm sorry, Sweetheart. Yes, your pony. I have not forgotten that. No I haven’t. Here’s what’s going to happen. I went over there, to Central Park, to the stables. And they didn’t have anything available now.”
Elizabeth put her head down and began to cry. Hugh knelt down next to her, and turned her chin up. He took out a handkerchief and wiped her eyes. “Now, my little Elizabeth, don’t you worry. I have it all worked out. You know what I did?”
She rubbed her eyes and shook her head, waiting for some good news.
“I have ordered a pony from Kentucky. You know, that’s where they have the thoroughbred horses, for the races. And there’s one on a truck right now, coming up here for you. It will only take a few days, and it will be here. Okay?”
Elizabeth nodded, looked up at Mary, her eyes brimming, then pulled the picture book up close and pretended to concentrate on it. Hugh stood, patted her on the head, and left.
As he walked down the hallway to his office, the front door opened and Julia walked in. Her blond hair was a mess, her face hot. Hugh waited at the banister at the top of the stairs while she came up.
“Julia, you look atrocious. Why are you so sweaty?”
She looked at him in surprise. “Why? I don’t know. I guess because it’s warm outside.”
“Where were you?”
“Where I most always am when I’m out. At the Art League. Studying. Haven’t we had this conversation before?”
“My god, why don’t you ever tell me where you’re going?”
She looked at him in amazement, halfway up the stairs, her hand on the banister. “Oh. Maybe I will, when you start telling me.”
He pulled away from the banister and half-twisted, and then turned back. “You are not presentable. A gentleman from the Zurich bank will be here in just an hour, and you are not fit to be introduced to him.”
Her eyes opened wide. “Oh, Zurich bank. And you want to introduce me? What is this all about?” She finished climbing the stairs and leaned against the wall, then thought better of it. She pulled her hair away from her face.
“This is important for our future, Julia. For the family. It’s a very valuable business connection. He’s coming here, that shows that the bank considers us to be important partners. Now would you please go and get ready.”
“Sure.”
“And from now on, will you take the car when you go out. Gibbons is here for that purpose.”
“The car? A limousine with a chauffeur? I’m supposed to get out in front of the Art League in a limousine? I don’t think so, Hugh. I would look ridiculous. The subway’s an easy ride from here.” She turned and went into their room.
Hugh pounded his hand on the banister and walked down to his office.
Julia Page 13