Free Being Elizabeth by Barbara Taylor Bradford

She frowned. ‘You seem surprised. Don’t you like the idea?’
    â€˜I feel the same as you do, Elizabeth, but we must be careful. I don’t want to create a stir in the City. There are those who might think we’re in great trouble. Sacking a lot of employees all at once tends to make people nervous, and they end up thinking the worst.’
    â€˜I realize that we should do it in the best way, the nicest way. We don’t want to provoke gossip. Early retirement will appeal to many.’ Elizabeth paused, and there was a momentary hesitation before she added, ‘We have to cull the offices around the world as well, don’t you think?’
    â€˜I do,’ Cecil replied without hesitation. ‘We only touched on it briefly last week, but I’m well aware we’re top-heavy with staff. Maybe I’ll put Sydney Payne to work on that particular problem. He’s such a marvellous diplomat, and it’s a situation that’s going to need careful handling. As I just said, Deravenels cannot look weak, at risk, in danger of going under.’
    â€˜Yes, I understand. Last Thursday, when we were driving back to town, you said Deravenels needs an infusion of money. Where do you plan to get it from, Cecil? Or haven’t you thought that through yet?’
    â€˜I have. Partially, at least. I think we should attempt to get all those euros back from Philip Alvarez. And I would like to sell off certain parcels of our real estate, but we can go over those points this afternoon in more detail, if you wish.’
    â€˜I’d like that. But I just wanted to say this … I could give Deravenels some money.’
    â€˜ Never .’ Aghast, he gaped at her. ‘I will never permit you to give Deravenels money, not ever, Elizabeth. Although there might be a moment in time when you could lend them money. Or buy somebody’s shares. But give? Not on your life. That’s absolutely a no-no. I would never agree to such a rash move on your part. Now, here’s the list of board members, which you can look at whenever you have a moment. Don’t forget, the board meeting is not for two weeks.’
    â€˜Any changes about this morning’s meeting?’ Elizabeth asked, settling back in her chair.
    â€˜No. All of those invited are coming.’
    â€˜I wasn’t planning to invite any of them to lunch. Were you?’ Elizabeth murmured.
    â€˜No, I’m afraid not. There’s far too much work,’ Cecil pointed out. ‘This is my first day back in almost five years. I have a feeling I’ve a lot of catching up to do.’

    Once she was alone, Elizabeth put the bank transfer back in her briefcase, and then picked up the list of board members which Cecil had left with her. Studying it carefully, she wondered whom she could get rid of easily. Three names stood out because those board members were old, and wouldn’t or couldn’t put up a resistance to her. Then there were two other men whom she knew did not like her, were not of her ilk, and so they would have to go. ‘How do I get them off the board?’ she muttered to herself, and glanced at the door.
    There were several hard raps; it swung open and Robert Dunley hurried inside, smiling broadly, and carrying a bowl of flowers – red roses surrounded by white roses and green leaves.
    â€˜Personal delivery, Miss Turner,’ Robert said, walking acrossto the coffee table, where he put the vase in the centre. ‘The red rose of the Turners and the white rose of the Deravenels,’ he remarked, and added, ‘Top o’ the mornin’ to you, me darlin’.’
    â€˜Robin, good morning! Thank you so much. The flowers are beautiful.’ As she was speaking she stood up and walked over to him, gave him a big hug, clinging to him.
    â€˜I just popped in to wish you luck,’ he said and hugged her back, holding her for a moment too long.
    â€˜I showed Cecil the bank