The Man in Possession Read Online Free PDF Page A

say that, in general, the building itself is quite adequate—and in keeping—for a boatyard office. The inside needs smartening up, that ’ s all. If I were going to do it thoroughly, I ’ d also have a new counter. In fact, new furniture altogether and— ’ she gave an amused smile— ’ a new electric fire or something. ’
    ‘ I should hope so. But wouldn ’ t you have a carpet—on this side of the counter, at least? ’
    She shook her head. ‘ I don ’ t think so. One is continually tramping in and out, and in wet weather— ’ she broke off, then went on, ‘though some rush matting on this side might be a compromise, and I think now that you ’ ve come, it might be a good idea to have an inner office. We can find another place for the radio and television sets. I suppose that was what the other room was intended for originally. An office, I mean. But Mr. Hargreaves spent most of his time in the repair and boatbuilding sheds. ’
    ‘Point taken ,’ he said, and it was hard to tell whether he was smiling or not. ‘But your idea ’ s a good one. And I couldn ’ t agree more about this office furniture. I ’ ll attend to it myself. By the way, there seems to be one piece of essential equipment missing—which rather surprises me. ’
    ‘ Yes? ’ she queried, wondering what on earth it could be. ‘A computer, perhaps? ’ She couldn ’ t resist the dig.
    She could see by the look he gave her that her sarcasm had not been lost on him. He made no comment, however, and she began to think she would enjoy working with this man, after all.
    ‘ A kettle, ’ he told her. ‘And all the wherewithal to make tea or coffee. ’
    ‘ It somehow never seemed necessary, and at present there ’ s only one power point. I ’ m afraid I often had a cup of tea with the workmen— I hope that doesn ’ t offend your sense of propriety. And of course, my own place is quite near. ’
    Another look from him. She seemed to be continually surprising him. ‘Oh yes, Frank Willis mentioned that you were living in one of the houseboats. I noticed your light on last night and asked him if it was let or something. I don ’ t know that I like the idea. ’
    ‘ For what reason? ’ she queried, hoping he was not going to object.
    ‘Well, surely it ’ s not very comfortable, especially in weather like this? ’
    She smiled and assured him that it was, and was on the point of explaining that her parents lived in Kent, otherwise she would not need the houseboat, but she stopped herself. That piece of information would almost inevitably bring the query: Why did you come to Norfolk? and she did not want to talk about David. In an effort to check any questions of that nature she asked one of her own.
    ‘ I take it you ’ ll be living in the house, Mr. Leighton? ’
    He nodded. ‘ I ’ m already in. I hate hotels. But that needs refurnishing and redecorating too. The decor is something awful. ’
    She felt a swift resentment on behalf of David and his father. Their furniture was not new. Some of it was old-fashioned and some of it was a little conventional, but it was good. Naturally most of the rooms needed redecorating, and man-like they had tended not to notice when things like carpets and curtains were looking sha b by. But she put an end to these thoughts.
    ‘ May I ask if your wife is here with you yet ?’ she asked, with a view to offering to make him some coffee.
    ‘ That grapevine of yours isn ’ t very good, ’ he answered. ‘ I ’ m a bachelor. Now is there anything else you ’ d like to know about me or that we have to settle immediately? If not— ’
    She stood up. ‘ I ’ m sorry. I didn ’ t mean to— ’
    He rose too. ‘ For goodness ’ sake, don ’ t feel obliged to keep apologizing. I can assure you, I shan ’ t. There was one other thing. Quite important. If you do decide to stay on, and I ’ d like you to, you ’ d carry on pretty much as you did before, of course. As my assistant rather