Sitting back in the chair, he said, ‘You asked me earlier why I was so intent on coming to town so quickly, to close the deal on these warehouses on the docks in the East End, when I’d only just arrived in Yorkshire. So, now, let me explain. I know that the docks are growing by leaps and bounds. England has become the greatest export country in the world. Our country is powerful, and shipping is on the increase—’

‘So you’re banking on the need for extra storage,’ Adrian interjected.

‘No, not really. I’m buying the warehouses to tear them down. It’s the land they’re standing on I want. To build on.’

Adrian looked taken aback. ‘Will you build new warehouses? Is that your plan?’

‘No. A large office building. Companies in the shipping business will need to be on the docks in permanent buildings. Some already are, but the need will rapidly increase.’

Shaking his head, Adrian exclaimed, ‘I’ve got to give it to you, Robert, you’re ahead of the game. As usual. You’ve made Allenwood and Sloane the most important property company in London. Congratulations.’

‘Thank you, Adrian, you’re too generous.’ He laughed. ‘Not bad for the snot-nosed lad you made fun of when we were at prep school.’

Adrian also laughed. ‘What did I know then? You were always talking about business deals and property, and following in your father’s footsteps, building the family fortunes like he did. I was always a bit puzzled that you knew what you wanted to do with your life at eight years old. And I had no idea about the future, my calling in life.’

‘I guess it was drilled into me from a young age – you could say they all brainwashed me. But I do enjoy the wheeling and dealing, as I call it.’

‘You certainly know how to make a lot of money. That’s a true skill. Do you ever think you might make some terrible error?’

‘Every day, believe it or not. I start my day by asking myself how much I might lose, never how much I’m going to make. That keeps me on my toes. It starts when I’m shaving and only ends when I go to bed at night. But enough about all that. Shall we go to the club tonight, after that event?’

‘What event?’ Adrian frowned, sounded puzzled. ‘Are we going somewhere tonight?’

‘To the Strattons’, remember? Caroline invited us. She’s having a small gathering, to tell us about a charity she’s starting.’

‘Oh God! I’d totally forgotten about it. Frankly, it sounds quite ghastly.’

‘It won’t be. She told me she’s serving champagne and canapés – a nice idea, I thought. She just wants us all to back her, by writing a cheque.’

‘She said that?’

‘More or less.’

‘Bloody hell, she’s got balls.’