I.   Source a manufacturer in Eastern Europe. Cheaper production costs.

 II.   Mail order and Internet sales. Spread the market worldwide.

III.   No need to live in Scotland. Could run everything from Haleridge Road.

IV.   Not stock, though. Need to rent a small industrial unit nearby.

 V.   Fabrics, designs, etc. No knowledge of that. Maybe have to keep Katie Trenchard on as design consultant for a year. On second thought, maybe not. Contention between her and Jackie?

VI.   Funding. Mortgage house? Idea dismissed. Telephone Nick Jessop to see if he could wangle a short-term loan without collateral through Broughton’s.

Nick. Of course. That was exactly to whom he should be talking. Dan got up from the table and walked over to the telephone. He dialed his number from memory.

“Nick?”

“Hi, Dan.”

Dan heard a loud splash of water in the background. “Sorry, have I caught you at a bad time?”

“Sort of. I’m just giving Tarquin his bath. Hang on a minute while I get him out.”

Dan waited, hearing Nick’s muffled voice talking away to his son.

“Right,” Nick said eventually. “That’s him sorted. I hope you’re not ringing up to do more gloating about that result yesterday.”

Dan laughed. “Now would I do a thing like that?”

“Yes, too bloody right you would!”

“Well, you have to admit, it was a pretty good match. Anyway, thanks, Nick, for getting me those tickets.”

“No problem.”

“Listen, that isn’t actually the reason for the call. You’re a wealth of information about all things to do with young children, and I just wondered if you had ever heard of a mail order company called Vagabonds?”

“Yes, sure I have.”

Dan was momentarily struck dumb by Nick’s instantaneous reply. “What? You know of them?”

“Of course I do. It’s a pretty well-known company. I think Laura came across them about a year ago. She gave a pair of their trousers to one of her godchildren, and we’ve been getting their catalogues ever since. In fact, Laura was thinking of ordering up pairs for both herself and Tarquin.” Nick’s voice went distant. “Weren’t we, my little man?” His mouth came back to the receiver. “So, why this sudden interest in Vagabonds?”

“Oh, no particular reason,” Dan replied airily. “It’s just that I read an article about the woman who started it.” He paused for a moment. “So, do you know others who buy from Vagabonds?”

“Sure. I couldn’t tell you right now who they are, but yeah, I’ve seen adults and kids of all ages wear the trousers.”

“Right. And you think it’s probably quite a well-run company.”

“I’ve no idea, Dan, but I reckon it would be more successful than many of the other mail order companies. For a start, their catalogue is brilliant.”

“Do you have one there?”

“Not right beside me. I’m actually in the bathroom, Dan.”