A Battle of Brains Read Online Free PDF Page A

learnt, knowing that her mother would be interested and pleased for her.
    She felt that in some esoteric way they were both sharing the very extensive education she was receiving.
    Sighing, Yolanda closed the drawer of the writing desk and walked over to the window.
    The garden outside was a mass of flowers with the lawns emerald green and perfectly kept.
    It was just another example of what money could do and she could understand why her stepfather demanded the best and insisted on having it.
    â€˜He is so rich,’ she ruminated, ‘so rich!  If Papa had made only a little more money, he could have restored our home and made it look like this establishment.’
    She felt sure that her mother had often thought the same thing.  Watching day after day as Mr. Garrack poured out endless sums of money, she must have thought of the contrast between her new life and the life she had shared with her beloved husband, when they had often been desperate for just a few pounds.
    Then very sensibly Yolanda told herself that it was no use trying to live in the past – what she had to do was to live in the present and make the best of it.
    â€˜I do know, Mama,’ she sighed beneath her breath, ‘that is just what you would want me to do.’
    The door of the sitting room opened and one of the footmen entered,
    â€œThe Master asks, my Lady, if you would join him in the study.”
    â€œYes, of course I will.”
    Yolanda wondered again as she walked towards her stepfather’s study what he was going to talk to her about.
    He had said he had something for her to do and she hoped it would be something really interesting as well as something she was capable of doing.
    At the same time it did seem strange that he was thinking of her working, the moment she returned home from the Convent.
    The study was impressive and lavishly furnished.
    There were some valuable pictures on the walls and the ornaments on the mantelpiece and on the tables were all museum pieces.
    When Yolanda had first seen Mr. Garrack’s house, she had been extremely impressed and surprised that he had such good taste.
    She learnt that it had actually been furnished by two of the most experienced London decorators and all that Mr. Garrack had to do was pay the bills.
    He was sitting now at a very beautiful George IV Regency mahogany writing desk.
    Yolanda saw that there was a new picture over the mantelpiece – it was a portrait of her mother and she knew it had been painted by one of the great artists of the day.
    She closed the door behind her and as she walked towards her stepfather, she thought he was scrutinising her in a rather strange manner.
    â€œYou wanted to see me, Step-papa.”
    â€œPlease sit down,” he asked, indicating a chair.
    Yolanda did as she was told, but now she had her back to her mother’s portrait.
    Yet she tried to feel as if her mother was present and helping her.
    No doubt she would be telling her, as she had done so often, that they must be very grateful for all the kindness they had received from Mr. Garrack.
    â€œYou were saying just now,” her stepfather began, “that you would like to have something to do.  Well, I have a very important job for you and I feel that you are bright enough not to fail me.”
    Yolanda was somewhat surprised at the way he was speaking, but she replied as though prompted by her mother.
    â€œI hope I can do anything you require, Step-papa, but first I must thank you for the excellent education I received at the Convent.  I am sure that, if you saw my reports, you would be impressed by the number of different classes I attended.”
    â€œI am delighted you can speak so many languages,” replied Mr. Garrack.  “Also I did notice that your reports were so good.  You certainly worked hard.”
    â€œI did my best and I can only say thank you again for sending me to such a good school.”
    â€œWhat I would like you to