“I think Mr. Hayward should come back and see us at his earliest convenience to discuss an investment strategy we will have prepared for him, and meet the team of professionals who will be serving him. Would tomorrow morning be satisfactory? Nine o’clock?”

“May we make it ten o’clock?” Laurence replied.

“Of course.”

Everyone shook hands and the meeting ended.

—

DOWNSTAIRS, Stone said, “You take my car. Fred will drive you. You have an appointment at the Ralph Lauren store at ten-thirty. Your personal shopper’s name is on the card.” He handed it over. “You may have them send your purchases to my house, if you wish. And we have a meeting with the sales agent at the Fairleigh at three PM.”

Laurence thanked him and got into the car.

“Ralph Lauren shop, sir?” Fred asked.

“Please.”

—

THEY REACHED THE store quickly. Fred gave him a card. “Please call me when you’re done. I’ll be as nearby as I can.”

“Thank you, Fred.” Laurence went into the store, stopped, and looked around.

A beautiful, dark-haired young woman dressed in a Ralph Lauren suit approached. “Mr. Hayward?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Theresa Crane, your personal shopper. What may I show you today?”

“I need a wardrobe,” he said. “Not a piece of furniture but clothes. Let’s begin with the basics.”

“Boxers or briefs?” she said.

He laughed. “I guess that’s basic. Two dozen pairs of white boxers, size 34.”

She made a note. “Shall we start with suits and work our way down?” She led the way to an elevator, and they went upstairs. “Let’s see,” she said, eyeing him up and down. “I’d say a 42 long?”

“Let’s try one on,” he said. She led him to a bank of suits and he chose a dark gray pinstripe, then she led him to a dressing room.

Moments later, a tailor was examining him. He bent and marked the trouser bottoms, then stood up. “Mr. Hayward, you are that rare gentleman who is perfectly shaped for a standard size. My only question is, cuffs or plain bottoms?”

“Cuffs, please, and may I wear it out of the store?”

“Ready in half an hour,” the tailor said.

“As long as we stick with the Purple Label suits, all you have to do is choose,” Theresa said. “The tailor is now superfluous.”

Laurence began choosing half a dozen suits and a tuxedo. Next, he chose some tweed jackets, a blue blazer, and two overcoats and a trench coat, then they went downstairs, where he chose a dozen shirts and as many neckties, then on to the shoe department.

“I love alligator,” Laurence said. He chose six pairs and some bedroom slippers. The price tags took his breath away, but he steeled himself.

“Jewelry?” Theresa asked.

“I could use a watch,” he replied. “Or two.” At the jewelry counter he chose an antique Cartier wristwatch and an old Rolex.

“Will you need luggage?” she asked.