A Woman of Substance (70 page)

‘I see.’ Adam said, looking thoughtful. ‘Will Jane come and live with us in South Audley Street? We’d like that, you know, and I don’t think she should be on her own in Eaton Square. She will be awfully lonely in that big house by herself, with only the servants.’

‘Thank you, Father. I appreciate your kindness. However, Jane told me she wants to go to London next week, close up the house, and return to Yorkshire. She would like to be with her father, since her brother will be going. She likes the country
and I think that would be the wisest thing, under the circumstances. Don’t you?’

‘Yes, of course, Edwin. Well, it seems it’s all settled,’ Adam finished, staring gloomily into the fire.

After a small silence, Edwin said, ‘Father, there’s something I want to give you. I’ve had it for years.’ He reached into the pocket of his dinner jacket and removed a silk handkerchief. He handed it to Adam, who took it absently.

As his father unwrapped the object in it, Edwin went on, ‘I found it years ago. Now I’d like you to have it. I know you painted it, and also that it bears a striking likeness to Aunt Olivia.’

Adam was staring at the round pebble in the silk handkerchief, his eyes resting on that sweet face. The oils were remarkably well preserved. He smoothed one finger over it. ‘Did you varnish this again, Edwin?’

‘Indeed I did, Father. To protect the paint.’

Adam continued to gaze at the pebble, faded memories returning. He had painted this stone when he had been seventeen or thereabouts. The decades dropped away. He saw her standing under the crags at the Top of the World, her dark hair blowing in the breeze, her eyes as blue as speedwells and radiant with light, and he heard her voice echoing faintly across the years. ‘Adam, I’m going to have a baby.’

Edwin was looking up at his father, puzzled by the expression on his face. ‘It is Aunt Olivia, isn’t it?’ he said insistently, shattering Adam’s memories.

Adam did not respond. He smiled, remembering. But then he had never really forgotten. He wrapped the stone in the handkerchief, almost with tenderness. He returned it to Edwin. ‘You keep it, my boy. You found it. I want you to have it. One day I will tell you the story behind that stone, but not now. This is not the time.’ He flashed Edwin a curious look. ‘I presume you came across it in that old cave up on the moors by Ramsden Crags.’

Edwin was watching his father intently. ‘Yes, I did.’ He swallowed and said, ‘There’s something else, Father. Something I have wanted to tell you for years. Unfortunately my courage has always failed me. It’s been on my conscience for
so long. I must unburden myself to you before I go off to war.’

Adam sat down in the wing chair, nursing his drink. ‘Then unburden yourself, Edwin,’ he said gently. ‘Perhaps you will feel easier after you have spoken to me. Certainly I shall give you all of my understanding.’

‘Well, you see, it was like this,’ Edwin began nervously. ‘Oh God, I need another drink,’ he cried, and leapt up, hurrying across the room.

He not only resembles me in appearance but in every other way as well, Adam said to himself, staring after Edwin. He lit a cigarette and leaned back in the chair, waiting. He’s going to tell me about Emma Harte and the child, Adam thought, and his heart went out to his son.

Lord Kitchener had been appointed Secretary of State for War and had raised an army of one hundred thousand volunteers with his first appeal. Winston Churchill already had the Fleet on standby and between August 6 and August 20 the first four divisions of the British Expeditionary Force had crossed the Channel and the fifth and sixth divisions followed early in September. Not a ship was sunk, not a life was lost, and it was a triumph for Churchill, militant trustee of the British Royal Navy. The rest of Great Britain mobilized for war with ferocious speed and not one of its citizens was unaffected as the grim days rolled by.

The guns of August roared on through September, October, November, and December of 1914, and into 1915. They wrought slaughter, ruin, and misery. Hundreds of thousands of young men, the hope of a new generation, were felled on the bloody battlefields of France and Belgium.

The stakes were terrifying to the British and their allies: an
nihilation or survival. They understood this was not a war for the possession of a fortress or a country, but for the inalienable right of any nation to live and develop as it wished.

Like every other intelligent person, Emma Harte Lowther often contemplated the aftermath of the war, the conditions they would be facing, and the future of business, but she did not dwell unduly on the years stretching ahead. Her priorities were all immediate, leaving no room for speculation. She was not blind to the commercial opportunities now presenting themselves, nor was she adverse to accumulating money, and whenever she felt a prick of conscience about making a profit from war she dispelled her discomfiture with logical reasoning: Somebody had to produce the uniforms for the fighting men, and if she did not do it, others would. In fact, were doing it. The majority of the cloth manufacturers of the West Riding were making khaki and navy and air force blue for Great Britain and the Allies, and millions of yards were coming off the looms of Yorkshire to clothe the forces.

Lately it struck Emma that she devoted herself entirely to work these days and shamefully neglected her family. But guilty feelings were swept away by the pressure of her business and the knowledge that she had no choice but to steer the same course. She raced between Harte’s, the Gregson Warehouse, Layton’s mill, and the clothing factory at breakneck speed, handling everything with her own brand of efficiency, charm, and assertiveness. And yet somehow the days were never long enough for her.

To her relief, Harte’s was steady and holding its own. Although business had fallen off to a degree, she did not envision any serious setbacks. The stock housed in Gregson’s Warehouse was lasting because she allocated it sparingly and she had also found several new sources of supplies. Layton’s, under the skilful management of Ben Andrews, was running smoothly and the mill was meeting the huge government contracts with apparent ease and more promptly than many of her competitors. David and she had temporarily discontinued the line of Lady Hamilton Clothes at the outset of the war, and the factory’s entire production had been turned over to the manufacture of uniforms. All in all, everything was under control, her busi
ness enterprises were stable, and, in particular, the mill and the factory were operating at a high level of super-efficiency and were flourishing money-makers.

But now, on this cold afternoon in December of 1915, Emma’s mind was not preoccupied with business. Sitting next to the driver in one of Harte’s vans, on her way to a meeting with David, her mind dwelt on the Christmas holidays. She was determined to make it as festive an occasion as possible, despite shortages and the depressed mood that engulfed every-one.

Frank was coming to stay for several weeks and she was looking forward to it with the excitement of a child, thrilled at the prospect of seeing her brother again. He had been wounded in November, but his injuries were fortunately not serious. He had been hit by a bullet in the right shoulder and had been shipped back to England to recuperate. If only Winston could get home on leave the family would be complete, but she acknowledged realistically that there was not the remotest possibility of that. The navy was in the thick of the fighting and the news was grim on all fronts. Nevertheless, there would be a Christmas tree, and a turkey dinner with a plum pudding and all the traditional trimmings, mulled wine, and presents for everyone. Most importantly, Frank would receive the love and rest he needed so badly, and all the comforts of home she could provide.

The van arrived at the clothing factory in York Road within minutes. Emma told the driver to wait and hurried inside. As she entered David’s office she was surprised to see Abraham Kallinski ensconced with David.

Her old friend stood up and embraced her warmly, his bright dark eyes twinkling behind his spectacles. He scrutinized her appraisingly and said, ‘Well, Emma, you look wonderful. And it is a pleasure to see you. So long it has been.’

Emma smiled. ‘How are you? And how is Mrs Kallinski?’

‘She is well. I am well. Janessa is always asking for you. She misses you, Emma. I miss you.’

‘I am sorry I have neglected you both lately,’ Emma said. A rueful smile touched her lips. ‘But business does seem to take up all my time these days.’

‘Ah, yes! My little Emma has become the lady tycoon,’ Abraham exclaimed, regarding her with affection and pride. She continued to amaze him with her success, which he considered remarkable, and especially since she was a woman.

David was standing behind his desk, obviously in the throes of a mountain of paper work. He laughed. ‘Don’t sound so surprised, Dad. I always predicted she would go far.’ He came around the desk, took her by the shoulders, and kissed her cheek. Her arms automatically went around him. She felt the strength of his hands gripping her tightly as the pressure of her own fingers increased gently. They pulled away without releasing their hold on each other and exchanged a long gaze.

Abraham Kallinski, observing them paternally, thought with an unexpected flash of dismay: My son. My son. He holds her too long. Ach and I know that look in a man’s eyes! I pray to God that his wife Rebecca and Joe never notice it. Clearing his throat, Abraham said, ‘Come, Emma. Come, sit here next to me.’ He indicated the other chair in front of David’s desk.

She sat down and said, ‘There’s nothing wrong, is there? Why did you want to see me so urgently, David?’

David leaned back in his chair, his vivid blue eyes focusing on hers. ‘I have a proposal to make and I hope you will approve. And go along with it.’

Emma laughed lightly. ‘You know I trust your judgement implicitly. What is it?’

‘Dad has been harassed of late. He’d like to ease up a little. Not work so hard.’ David lit a cigarette. ‘We’ve been discussing his problems and I think I have a solution that would be beneficial to everyone concerned. It occurred to me that we could merge his company with ours, take over his factory and its management with relatively no problems at all. That would relieve him of running it entirely on his own. He would continue there, of course, but he wouldn’t have to work such long hours.’ David looked at her expectantly. ‘Well, what do you say?’

Instantly recognizing the enormous potential inherent in this proposition and visualizing a means of simple but swift expansion, Emma did not have to think twice. ‘It’s an excellent suggestion.’ She turned to Abraham. ‘Would you be happy if we did that, Mr Kallinski?’

‘I would, Emma. And so would Janessa. She worries about me. Worries so much I worry about her worrying,’ he responded with a wry laugh.

‘Then let’s combine the two companies, David,’ Emma said. ‘I’m all for it. And now is certainly the right time to do it.’

‘There are a number of details to be worked out, Emma. But before we get into those I would like you to know my personal feelings about the proposed idea,’ David said. ‘If you’re agreeable, I think we ought to purchase Dad’s business outright, for a fair price that would give him a decent profit. After all, he has devoted years to building it up. We would make him a director of the parent company and pay him director’s fees. I also think he ought to share in the profits, as we do. In addition, he would receive a salary for running his factory. How do you feel about these terms, Emma?’

‘I’m in accordance with you, David. Your father should have something to show for all the years he’s been in business. Why don’t the two of you settle on an equitable price. Whatever you decide will be acceptable to me, I’m quite certain.’ She laughed and shook her head, giving David a fond look. ‘I can’t imagine why you thought I would object. This is basically your business, David. You run it and you’re the majority shareholder.’

‘You pull your weight and you are my partner.’ He smiled, looking relieved. ‘Good. Dad and I will thrash it out. You and I can go over the final details later. Then I’ll talk to Frederick Ainsley and have him draw up the agreements in a week or so.’

‘That’s perfect,’ Emma said. She shifted in her chair and gave her attention to Abraham, asking him questions about his government contracts, his cloth supplies, his work force, and his output. Whilst they were engaged in this protracted conversation, David sat back, regarding Emma with intensity.

Winter sun was pouring in through the windows, bathing her in its bright light. She really has that special kind of English beauty that looks its best in the daytime, David thought. That inimitable beauty that Gainsborough and Romney immortalized. And yet curiously Emma was unaware that she was a great beauty. Certainly she was devoid of personal vanity and that was also part of her charm. She was so fresh and radiant and filled with a vitality that was almost sensual in nature. No
wonder she is irresistible to all men of all ages, David reflected. Funny, but she was not conscious of this either.

‘Don’t you agree, David?’

Startled, David sat up abruptly. ‘Sorry, I was wool gathering.’

‘I said I thought we ought to take over immediately. By consolidating our work forces we could probably increase production and operate both places even more efficiently. Your father is willing.’

‘That’s an excellent thought! I’ll have Victor move in there tomorrow.’ He looked at his father. ‘Is that all right with you, Dad?’

‘I shall be glad to have him back,’ Abraham said. ‘It will put my mind to rest, and your mother’s.’

Emma stood up. The men also rose. ‘If you’ll excuse me, I should be going,’ she said. ‘I promised Edwina I would be home early today, to help her dress the Christmas tree. She has been looking forward to it. I don’t want to disappoint her.’

‘No, you must not do that,’ Abraham said. ‘It is wrong to break a promise to a child.’ He gave David a pointed stare. ‘Which you so often do to my grandsons,’ he said, sighing heavily.

‘But only because of the business, Dad,’ David rejoined defensively.

‘Ah, yes. The business. Always the business. Well, you be off, Emma. Give my best to Joe.’

‘And mine to Mrs Kallinski. Tell her I’ll stop by soon.’

‘I’ll see you out,’ David said, helping Emma into her coat and taking her arm possessively.

The Christmas tree was just the right size, Emma decided. She had purposely chosen this particular tree, even though grander specimens were available, in order to avoid ostentatious display, which she felt would be inappropriate in wartime. The housekeeper had potted it the previous evening, and now it reposed on a skirted table in a corner of the drawing room, next to the fireplace. Emma stepped back, her head on one side, viewing it with a critical eye. It was a healthy young fir, a rich dark green, and its branches were thick and luxuriant.

‘Hello, Emma. You’re home early.’

Emma swung around as Joe entered the drawing room and strode to the fire, rubbing his hands together.

‘Hello, Joe. Yes, I promised Edwina I would help her to dress the tree.’

‘Oh, that’s right. I’d forgotten.’

Continuing to unwrap the decorations, Emma told him about her meeting with the Kallinskis. ‘I think it’s an excellent idea to join forces, don’t you?’ she finished, glancing at him over her shoulder.

Joe was frowning. ‘I’m not so sure. Won’t it mean a lot of extra work and worry for you?’

‘Why me? David bears the brunt of that business.’

‘It strikes me you both have enough on your plates as it is. Particularly you.’ Joe sounded grouchy, and as always he was opposed to innovation.

‘Don’t be so negative, Joe. I don’t understand you sometimes,’ Emma said quietly. ‘And anyway, there’s Mr Kallinski to think about. He’s not been well lately. The merger is the best solution for him.’

‘The old man could have sold his business to someone else,’ Joe suggested.

‘Yes, he could. But why should he? It was only natural that he would come to David,’ Emma explained. ‘Besides, Abraham Kallinski has always been good to me. I’m delighted to make his life a little easier.’

‘I’m only thinking of you, Emma. However, if you believe it’s such a wonderful idea, who am I to criticize? You and David always do what you want with the factory anyhow.’

‘We always tell you our plans,’ she countered swiftly, detecting that disgruntled tone in his voice.

‘Yes, I know. After the fact.’

‘Oh, Joe, please don’t be sour. It’s almost Christmas. Let’s not bicker now!’

‘Bicker! Who’s bickering!’ Joe retorted. ‘Really, Emma, I can’t open my mouth without you accusing me of—’ He stopped short and his voice changed, became tender, as he said, ‘Hello, sweetheart. Come in. Don’t stand there.’

Emma turned around. Edwina was hovering in the doorway. She skipped across the floor. ‘Daddy! Daddy!’ she cried,
flinging herself at Joe. He picked her up and swung her around. Her blue velvet dress billowed out and her waist-length hair, of a blonde so pale it was almost silver, flew out behind her, gleaming in the lamplight. She laughed delightedly and after a few more whirls Joe put her down on the floor, holding her arms to steady her.

‘You’re not dizzy, are you, angel?’

‘No, Daddy.’ She smiled up at him, her exquisite little face dimpling prettily.

‘Well, there you are, darling,’ Emma said. ‘I’ve been waiting for you. I’ve unpacked all the ornaments and we can start.’