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didn’t hesitate. ‘Of course I will, silly boy. It’s not much of a birthday present, but if it’s really what you want …’
    ‘Thank you, my dear sister. We’ll set a date tomorrow, but right now we must say goodnight to our friends.’ He kissed her cheek. ‘I’ll look forward to your seeing where I work. And you must show how impressed you are.’

Chapter Three
    It was Monday morning, four days after the party, when Charlotte slid into the passenger seat of Andrew’s car. ‘Do you always come out at this unearthly hour, Andrew? Surely not?’
    ‘It’s a quarter to nine, Charlotte, and about three-quarters of the population will be out and about. Workers on their way to the office or factory, and children going to school.’ Andrew backed the car out of the garage and manoeuvred slowly past the side of the house. Then, as he changed gear, he grinned. ‘The fresh morning air is good for you. Wakes you up and starts the brain ticking over.’
    ‘But it’s cold and miserable.’ Charlotte shivered. ‘Why couldn’t we have gone in later, like Father?’
    ‘Because I like to be at my desk by nine o’clock. I aim to set a good example.’ Andrew turned and reached behind for a knitted rug that was folded neatly on the back seat. ‘I can’t expect the staff to be good timekeepers when I’m not.’ He handed her the rug. ‘Here, put this over your knees. It’ll keep you warm.’
    ‘I do hope your office is warm, Andrew, or I’ll be sorry I agreed to come.’
    Andrew drove through the gates, then, after making sure the road was clear, set off towards the city. ‘We do have heating in the offices, Charlotte, and facilities for making tea.Perhaps I was wrong to ask you to come if you’re really not interested. I just thought you would enjoy seeing how the family business is run. After all, there must have been times when you’ve given thought to how Father makes the money to keep us in luxury?’ He slowed down to glance at his sister, and saw that she was looking distinctly downhearted and miserable. ‘Look, I’ll turn back and take you home.’ He pulled in to the kerb and turned the ignition off. ‘I just wanted to show you how I spend my days, and introduce my staff to my pretty sister. And I thought it would be a lovely surprise for Father if you walked into his office unexpectedly. He would be so happy. But I can see you have no heart for my plans, so I’ll take you back home.’
    Charlotte quickly put a hand on his arm. ‘No, don’t do that, Andrew. I made a promise and I’ll keep it. I will come with you, so drive on or you’ll be late.’
    But Andrew wasn’t satisfied. ‘No, Charlotte, I can tell it isn’t to your liking. Besides, if I were to introduce the staff to my sister, I would like them to see her smiling, and looking happy to be there.’
    ‘Of course I’ll smile! You didn’t think I’d go in with a long face, did you?’ Charlotte sat up straight in her seat. ‘I will brighten up, I promise you. Please understand, Andrew, I’m usually still in bed this time in the morning.’
    Andrew tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. ‘I won’t think any the less of you if you don’t come, Charlotte. And as Father doesn’t know anything about your proposed visit, no one will be any the wiser. It is entirely up to you, dear sister. Do we go into the city, or will I take you back home?’
    His sister’s lips formed a straight and determined line. ‘I intend to visit your office, Andrew, whether you take me there or I call a taxi.’ She leaned sideways to kiss his cheek.‘Under my own steam or yours, brother dear. To use one to our father’s sayings, I will get there come hell or high water.’
    Andrew smiled. ‘Now, that sounds more like my sister talking. And as there are no taxis to be had, and you seem to have made up your mind, I suggest we get a move on. Keep hold of that rug and tuck it round your legs to keep the cold out.’
    ‘Funnily enough,’ his sister