A Servant of the Company (8 page)

The e-mail had come as a blow. Sonia Breckmayer would not be coming to the U.K. for the exhibition as her mother had been taken ill and had been rushed into hospital. This had happened on the day Sonia was due to fly to Heathrow where Simon had planned to pick her up and then drive to Birmingham. It was something he had been looking forward to, he would miss their nights together, she was one of the most attractive and desirable women he had known. Responding to the e-mail he chose the words which Sonia would want to read and clicked ‘Send’.

‘Now what?’ There was a dilemma, he had time on his hands, something he was unused to. ‘Sod it, I’ll still go to the show, just for day one.’ He nodded confirming his decision. The Company team would already have the displays set up ready for both trade and public enquiries, Simon would look in on them and give a few words of encouragement.

He arrived prior to the official opening time and was standing by his company’s exhibits talking to his marketing team when his attention was drawn to a tall, slim figure checking items at the adjacent stand. The way she examined the furniture was not lost on Simon. Experience told him she was in the same business, either manufacturing or retailing. It also said that she might, if all the ingredients were there, fit his weekend needs. And so the stalking of his prey had begun. When she approached the Colbourne stand he saw she was wearing an exhibitor’s badge.

She stopped, glanced around the displays and headed for a reproduction George III mahogany bureau. Opening the fall front she examined the interior drawers and pigeon holes. ‘I see you are having a George III week, very nice too.’ The comment was made to one of Simon’s young colleagues who was immediately in love with the beautiful young woman. A common occurrence whenever an attractive female passed his line of sight.

He blushed. ‘Yes, it‘s our theme for the show this year.’ She was listening to him, and he started to feel more confident. ‘Are you in the furniture business?’ He hoped she was then they would have something in common. His nervousness had not allowed him to lower his glance to read her exhibitors’ badge. Maybe his luck was changing. Just maybe.

‘I’m with Harrison’s, we have a stand on Aisle H. You have some very nice pieces here. Do forgive me, but it’s always useful to check out the enemy.’ She smiled noticing how quickly he blushed. He was younger than her, immaculately dressed and very eager to impress. Probably fresh from his finals she thought.

Today was not going to be his day. Simon joined them just as the young man was called to deal with an enquiry which Simon had initiated. It was his turn. Now he knew her company, the rest would come easily.

As the young man reluctantly left to deal with the enquiry, Simon approached the focus of his attention. ‘Good morning, I heard you tell my colleague you are with Harrison’s. A very good company it is too, a worthy competitor.’ He welcomed her to the stand, advising on the historical nature of the piece of furniture she had been examining, and answering her questions. Her reaction was polite and professional, if not encouraging. This did not deter Simon. It was a challenge to accept and overcome.

‘You must be Simon Colbourne.’ She hoped she was right, he did look awfully like the photograph she had admired earlier that day in the current issue of Furniture Times, the industry’s trade magazine.

Simon was impressed. ‘Yes, you are correct, but you have me at a disadvantage. I don’t know your name, but I do know you are the enemy.’ Smiling, he used her own term, her expression told him she had a sense of humour

She held out her hand, ‘I’m Diane Adams, Harrison’s marketing manager for the country south of Manchester. No relation to any of the board of directors who keep me in the manner to which I am still growing accustomed. It seems like only yesterday that I was an impecunious student, but I’ve been with Harrison’s for five years. Before I know it I’ll be a pensioner.’ She looked carefully at him as he laughed at her comments. She was pleased to see he was laughing with and not at her. For a director of such a prestigious company, he was really rather nice. Not at all stuffy or condescending. ‘Looking at the number of visitors this year I think we are all going to be very busy, at least I hope so? I’m only here for two days before getting back on the road to sell our wares. Well, I had better be on my way, checking out the rest of the competition. Thanks for showing me the finer points of your excellent furniture, it’s been a pleasure meeting you Mr.Colbourne.’ She smiled and turned to leave the Colbourne stand.

Simon had no intention of losing her to the crowds now thronging the isles. All the necessary elements were there which made the hunt and ultimate capture a first priority. She was young, attractive, articulate, and as conversation had progressed displayed more of her sense of humour. Those qualities alone were not enough for him to invite her to his home for the weekend. The clincher was her senior position with Harrison’s and the possibility of using her to further his own company’s position in the market. Not too difficult he thought as she was not wearing any rings so probably was either unmarried or divorced so well worth a try. On occasions he was not put off by females wearing wedding rings, but only if he did not know their husbands or fiancés. It was a rule he adhered to very strictly, breaking it could bring problems and he needed to be in control without fear of friendships and lines of communication breaking down. His initial opener about the furniture on display had been the means of contact. He could now revert to type. She had only taken two steps when Simon asked if she had tried the new coffee bar which had the most superb blends. Her answer gave him the opportunity to say, ‘You must try it. I was about to go there when you arrived,’ he lied. ‘Would you care to join me?’ He gave her one of his most appealing smiles, stepped back slightly to admire her and so she could see he was serious about the offer.

‘That’s very kind of you I could do with a coffee, it’s going to be a long day and I might just need the caffeine.’ Looking at him she smiled and joined him as he set off for the coffee shop. It would break up her day, and who knows she might learn something from the competition. There was always an agenda item at the monthly board room meetings to update those present on any new information on their competitors.

In general conversation she had mentioned that she hoped to move from Hampshire to Surrey where her company had an office. The comment was not lost on Simon, but he put his response on hold until the time was right. An onlooker would have thought that the two people enjoying their coffee and each other’s company had been friends, or more than friends, for some time. They were relaxed, smiling and unaware of anything going on around them.

It was time. Her comment on moving to Surrey was the catalyst. Their coffee cups had been empty for some time and she had declined another but still made no effort to leave. The blends had been from a choice of two, black or white but she had not appeared to notice Simon’s little deception.

‘Diane.’ He paused before continuing. ‘I love the name and it suits you perfectly.’ Gazing at her he knew she really was a prize worth competing for. Her aquiline nose gave a slightly superior look, but her personality was outgoing and friendly. ‘You must come and stay at the family house in Surrey, it will give you the opportunity to shop around for that dream property you are looking forward to buying.’ He paused, hoping for a positive response but was disappointed.

She was attracted to him and the idea of visiting his home had interested her but she ignored the invitation not wanting to give him the impression she was easily available. Turning the conversation back to the George III scheme that Colbournes had used for the exhibition she complimented him again on the scheme. It was clever, seeing all the pieces which would have furnished drawing and dining rooms at the end of the 18
th
. Century, set out as if guests were about to arrive. From what she had seen so far it was the best stand in the show. Later when he had invited her to join him for dinner, she had accepted. Like many of the exhibitors, she was staying overnight at a nearby hotel, and dinner with Simon would be better than eating on her own. He had suggested that they dine at her hotel as the restaurant had a good reputation. It was a wet night, and it would be much more convenient as taxis were at a premium when major exhibitions were in progress. Diane readily agreed, she had no desire to be out that evening if it could be avoided. She was a little wary, was Simon hoping to make it to her room? If that was his plan, he was going to be disappointed. As the evening progressed and they sat down to dinner, she soon realized that he was a charming and interesting companion and decided if the weekend offer was repeated, she would accept. The offer did come and she agreed to join him at Somerston Manor his Surrey home, the following Friday evening and stay until Monday morning. When they had finished their meal, Simon asked for the bill.

‘Simon, I’m on an expenses paid trip, you don’t have to pay the entire bill.’ She looked at him wondering how he would react, it would be interesting to see.

‘It’s my pleasure Diane, your company tonight was worth a thousand meals. Instead of a lonely time on my own, I have spent it with a beautiful and intelligent young lady, and I don’t know a man who wouldn’t give his right arm to change places with me.’ He took her hand, and looking into her eyes murmured, ‘It’s getting rather late and I know you have another day at the exhibition, so I had better be getting on my way home and leave you to your slumbers. Don’t forget next weekend, I would be mortified if you stood me up.’

‘Don’t worry Simon, I’m really looking forward to it but I’ll have to leave rather early on Monday.’ She said, looking at Simon as he moved close to her. ‘That doesn’t mean you will have to be up, I can see myself out and promise not to steal the family silver.’ So he hadn’t made a play for her tonight, she wasn’t sure if she was pleased or disappointed.

‘My dear Diane, you have honesty written all over your face. I’ll be there to see you off, and in the meantime counting the days to our next meeting.’ When they reached the hotel foyer, he said, ‘It might help if you had directions, I don’t want you driving all over the county searching for the house.’ Collecting his coat and briefcase from the cloak room, he opened the case and took out a printed map of the area giving detailed instructions from the motorway exit right to the entrance to his home. He kept a number of copies which would be used in similar circumstances in the future. Going to bed on his own at the weekend was not an option he willingly accepted, and when Friday night came he was able to switch off and enjoy the delights of a beautiful female companion. Unless of course she had something more than sex to offer. He passed the map to Diane. ‘This tells you all you need to know including my telephone number.’

‘You seemed to have thought of everything Simon.’ She smiled at him raising an eyebrow. ‘I hope this isn’t a regular habit of yours, tempting innocent young maidens away for the weekend.’ It could be coincidence she thought, but the map had been just too available. Fortunately he was well known in reproduction furniture circles and had been given excellent press in the journal. She felt safe in accepting the invitation, but where men were concerned, she knew caution was always advisable. This she had learned from bitter experience.

‘Thanks again for dinner this evening Simon, I did enjoy your company and look forward to next weekend and promise not to get lost on the way.’ She moved close to him as he kissed her on the cheek. ‘Not much business done but the trip was well worth it,’ she said to herself as she wondered what else she could get out of the relationship. She was sure there was commercial information to be had which would benefit her company, but she would be patient before extracting that from her new friend.

By lunch time on Friday he was satisfied that he had achieved his goals for the week, and could now prepare himself for the weekend ahead and three nights with Diane. Before showering and changing, he went to his study, took a new folder from his desk and with red felt marker, wrote in large letters across the front ‘FIVE YEAR PLAN’. Using his computer, printer and scanner, he set to work. An hour later he put the products of his labour into the folder. The bait was set, and with luck, an inquisitive young lady might just take a morsel back to her directors. He took the file and put it on his mother’s writing desk in the drawing room where he and Diane would be spending some of their time.

Simon heard her car as it ground into the  gravel chippings on the drive and went out to greet her. He hadn’t been wrong, she was beautiful. Her movements getting out of her car were graceful and as she came towards him Simon knew he was fortunate to have her with him for the weekend. He did not however feel any twinge of conscience over his trick with the file. That was business. Tonight he knew she was going to be his and looking at her, he could hardly wait. Excited by the thought, he held her tightly as he welcomed her kissing her lightly on both cheeks.

‘It’s lovely to see you again Diane, did you have a good journey?’ He allowed himself the luxury of looking at her in detail from head to toe. She was taller than he remembered, slim but shapely in the right places. Her tan was from a recent holiday in the sun he was sure. As he gazed at her he compared himself to a rather hungry lion stalking a gazelle which was totally unaware of the danger. The thought amused him, the stalking had begun.

‘There were very few hold ups and it was made easier using your excellent map. Once I got off the M25, I couldn’t believe how quickly the 21
st
. century would disappear. There are some remarkable properties still left around here, and the lack of traffic was a delight rarely enjoyed on the roads these days. Perhaps B.M.Ws and Mercedes are the only cars allowed, with the odd dispensation for Land Rovers.’ She was already aware of the property prices in the area, and her experience in the last twenty minutes had confirmed the wealth of the local inhabitants. ‘When I first arrived, I stopped at the gatehouse thinking it was your home, but a charming lady put me right.’ Glancing at the frontage, she said, ‘It’s almost a miniature copy of this. It really is most attractive, and the lady who lives there seemed to blend perfectly with it.’