Sweet Rosie Read Online Free PDF

understand it.’
    ‘It’s not a case of prejudice but more of expediency,’ he said. ‘I feel I might not make myself plain to someone from another culture.’
    ‘My husband is doubtless more educated than you, Mr Sparks. He is certainly more considerate of the feelings of others. Another thing, he is probably far wealthier than you could ever hope to be.’ She knew she was foolish to let the man goad her into defending Joe, he did not need defending to anyone.
    ‘If you are not going to get to the point of this interview,’ she said, ‘I think. I had better leave before I lose my temper completely.’
    ‘No need for that,’ Mr Sparks said hastily. ‘It’s just that one of my very good customers, and a dear friend into the bargain, is interested in your little pottery.’ He beamed as if he had handed her a precious gift. ‘My customer is very influential and he has made a fine offer.’ He shuffled some papers on his desk. ‘He is heading the consortium which owns the Tawe Pottery.’
    Llinos was puzzled. She doubted Mr Sparks would have any friends, influential or otherwise. The man was simply a manager in a small town bank. ‘What makes you think I want to sell my “little pottery”?’ she asked icily.
    ‘I have been instructed to give you a very good price.’ He smiled ingratiatingly. ‘There would be a little something in it for me of course. It makes perfect sense. The larger Tawe Pottery would absorb your business and most of your workers. We would all come out of the deal much the richer.’
    Llinos stood up; her hands were trembling and it was an effort to keep them clenched at her sides. Her very instinct was to strike out at the man’s arrogant face.
    ‘You must agree’, he failed to see the warning signs, ‘that the pottery business is not a suitable occupation for a lady.’ He continued digging his own grave. ‘I’m sure now that you are, well, a mature lady, you will wish to spend your time in a more feminine pursuit.’
    ‘Don’t say another word,’ Llinos said in a low voice. ‘I have no intention of selling the pottery. I don’t know why you would even think such a thing.’ She moved to the door. ‘Furthermore, I object to you calling me in for such a trivial matter. It would have shown more courtesy on your part if you had sent me a communication in writing and then I would have been spared the irritation of this meeting.’
    Mr Sparks was nonplussed; it seemed he had been expecting to meet a submissive little woman, to browbeat her, then to give her the benefit of his sage advice and expect her to snatch at it eagerly. He was grossly mistaken.
    ‘I did not mean to irritate,’ he said defensively. ‘I thought you would be delighted at such a good offer for your business, more than it is actually worth in my opinion.’ He hesitated. ‘Wouldn’t you even like to know the price that was offered?’
    ‘No I would not. As for your opinion, it’s hardly informed, is it?’
    ‘But, madam, I am a bank manager, it is my business to be informed.’ He coughed. ‘I have taken the trouble to check your profits and losses accounts and your pottery is not so successful that you can turn down such a good deal out of hand.’
    Llinos stood before the desk, her patience exhausted. She leaned forward and Mr Sparks jerked away from her as if frightened. ‘You presume too much, you little upstart!’ she said. ‘Do you realize that my late father and the owner of this bank were great friends? One word from me and you would have no job.’
    He was suddenly white-faced. He stood up, drawing himself up to his full height, and stared at her resentfully. ‘There is no need for threats, Mrs Mainwaring,’ he said. He had a point.
    ‘You’re right,’ she said, ‘but there is no need for you to patronize me just because I am a woman. I ran the pottery almost single-handed before you were even a clerk in the bank. Believe it or not, I know what I’m doing and my business is fine,