One Rainy Day by Joan Jonker Read Free Book Online Page A

let’s not keep her waiting.’ He was really proud of his sister as she shook hands and told the clerks she was delighted to have met them. And at the door she turned and wagged a finger. ‘You look after my brother, now, or I’ll be forced to pay another visit to reprimand you.’
    Nita and Letty were delighted. The visit had really made the day special for them. And although they chatted non-stop, their fingers moved as fast as their tongues and the work didn’t suffer because of the short break.
    When Wendy Stamford left the office to take the cups and saucers out, Andrew smiled at his sister. ‘Are you glad you came, or not?’
    ‘I’ve enjoyed it, Andrew. You have a very nice staff and I feel a little envious because they are really fond of you. I’ll have a lot to tell Mother when I get home, for it has been very interesting and enjoyable. I’ll tell her how very clever her son is, and ask why I wasn’t born as brainy.’
    ‘Of course you are as clever as me, Charlotte. It’s just that you have never been called upon to put your brains to use.’ Andrew was of the opinion that his sister had gained something today that she would dwell on. To push it further, unless she showed interest, would serve no purpose. ‘I’ll take you downstairs to Father’s office when Mrs Stamford returns. You can spend some time there, he’ll be absolutely delighted, and you can meet his staff. I have correspondence I must attend to this morning, but if you would like I could take you and Father for lunch. There’s a very small restaurant I know not far from here. It is in a basement, and only regulars are allowed. Quiet, discreet, with an excellent menu and wonderful food.’
    Charlotte pulled a face. ‘In a basement, Andrew? Oh dear, it sounds like one of those dives I’ve heard about.’
    His head back, Andrew chortled. ‘Oh, my dear sister. You know so much, and yet so little. This restaurant can be so fussy about their customers, there is a possibility they will turn us away because we are not suitably dressed.’
    ‘Now you intrigue me. I will definitely come to lunch with you, and dare anyone to turn me away.’
    ‘Ah, here’s Mrs Stamford ready to set to on replying to the mound of correspondence in her arms. I’ll take you downstairs and you can be entertained by Father until I pick you up at twelve.’
    ‘Don’t forget your coat, Miss Charlotte.’ Wendy held the coat while Charlotte slipped her arms in. ‘You’ll need it when you go out, because it’s started to rain.’
    ‘Oh, I haven’t brought my umbrella. Aren’t I stupid?’
    ‘I have a huge brolly,’ Andrew told her. ‘Big enough to cover both of us. Besides, the rain may have stopped by then.’
    Wendy watched Charlotte walking towards the door, and on impulse called, ‘It’s been nice meeting you, Miss Charlotte. I’ll be able to see you in my mind now, when Mr Andrew talks about you.’
    ‘And I shall be asking after you, Mrs Stamford. Who knows, I may pop in again sometime if my brother allows. Bye-bye for now, though. I have to go and surprise my father.’
    George Wilkie-Brook looked up from his desk when he heard the rap on the door, and called, ‘Come in.’ When his son and daughter walked in, he looked blank for a few seconds, as though he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Then Charlotte giggled and he jumped to his feet. ‘My dear girl,’ he said, rounding his desk. ‘I couldn’t believe my eyes. What a pleasant surprise!’
    Charlotte ran towards him, her arms outstretched. ‘Hello, Papa.’ She hadn’t called him Papa for years, and he was so moved he gathered her to him.
    ‘I thought it was my imagination at first, but it’s wonderful to see you.’
    ‘This is all Andrew’s doing, Papa. He wanted to surprise you.’
    George looked over her shoulder to where Andrew was standing, a smile on his face. And the look in the eyes of father and son said the same, that this could be the start. ‘Why wasn’t I