Free His Lordships Daughter by Brian A de'Ville, Stewart Vaughan Page B

business?”
    Steven sighed. “ If I said I did would it stop you?”
    Phyllipa shook her head. “No!”
    “In that case I don’t mind.”
    “Were you thinking of paying me commission on the Kristex contract?”
    Steven’s reply was emphatic “No! I wasn’t.”
    “If a company rep had bought it in, commission would have been paid wouldn’t it?” she argued, a twinkle in her eye.
    “Yes it would, but, as it came through you it becomes a House Account!”
    Phyllipa thought for a while. “So, what happens to the commission?”
    “As there isn’t any, the answer is irrelevant.”
    “I think that is a little unfair. It certainly doesn’t encourage me to bring in another fat account in, does it?”
    Steven looked up in alarm. “You haven’t got another one, have you?”
    She shook her head. “No, not at the moment! But I have one in mind. You’ll love it, it’s a blockbuster!”
    His hands came up in protest. “Please no more! In case you hadn’t noticed all our plant is now working flat out. We have no spare capacity.”
    “Buy some more machinery, Steven expand!”
    He laughed. “Have you any idea what those machines cost? The price would take your breath away.”
    Phyllipa smiled and drank her champagne. “Well it was just an idea. But, if you are looking for money, I could lend you some.”
    “Thanks but no thanks! The company can’ t afford to borrow any more.”
    “We could come to some arrangement which would suit us both.” She argued.
    “ I do not wish to borrow any money. Either from you or from the bank or anyone else. Right?”
    “If you say so.” She nodded in agreement, “But, now perhaps we can get back to the subject of commission?”
    “Two and a half per cent?” he snapped
    “I did have this figure of three and a half floating around in my mind, but I don’t know where it came from.” She murmured .
    “Three and a quarter? And that’s my last offer.”
    “Done!” she sighed with satisfaction. “I’m glad that is out of the way I hate talking about money.!”
    The waiter uncorked another bottle of champagne, placed it in the silver chiller, then removed the oyster shells from the table.
    “Don’t you think it’s time you told me who you really are, Phyllipa?”
    “You only have to ask the waiter.”
    “I know that. I could have asked at reception, but I still would like you to tell me.”
    Phyllipa gazed at the ceiling as if in deep thought. “I’ve been with the company a few months now.” She suddenly said, “And I think it is time you knew who you are dealing with.” The waiter silently put warm plates in front of them, distracting her attention. “I hope you like venison?” she pressed a hidden switch, “And I know you like Mahler.” The symphony eased gently through the air causing Steven to smile, knowingly.
    “You’ve been checking up on me haven’t you?”
    Phyllipa nodded “Of course! I like to know the likes and dislikes of any guest of mine.” She nodded towards the waiter filling the plates with food. “This is a ragout cooked in red wine, it’s almost fat free and one of my favourite dishes.”
    “It looks delicious. They say deer meat feeds the brain. It makes clever people more clever. I believe it is something to do with the fauna they eat.”
    Phyllipa gave him a challenging look. “Special fauna?”
    “Very special,” he confirmed, drinking his champagne and watching her face. “I suppose it is all in the mind really. Rather like flowers which make one thirsty.”
    “Touché!” Phyllipa shouted.
    Taking her hand in his, he kissed it with a deliberate old fashioned charm, causing Phyllipa to giggle as they enjoyed their meal. The food was superb and the pears in the brandy were very cold.
    Steven was dicing some cheese when he suddenly said “ You know that I am in love with you, don’t you?”
    Phyllipa shook he head. “No! I didn’t know.” She fibbed.
    “I’ve loved you since the first day you walked into my