The twittering birds, the gleaming sunlight and the glorious autumn morning of St. Georges welcomed him to another day of exploration and introspection. Frank joined Oliver as he opened the door of his sedan for his little girl to troop in. "Hello there! Since when have you started rising early?"
"Since I became independent." he replied descending the steps.
"Come along then" said Oliver shutting the door and walking towards the driver's side.
"Where to?"
"We will first drop Samaira to school and then I will show you around." Frank joined them and the two brothers talked of business while Samaira dozed off.
"So, what's the POA today?"
"Visit the mill, take charge... I have a meeting with the board in the afternoon and then I shall take the train back home."
"Upon my word, you seem to be in great rush!" - marked his elder brother thoughtfully. "Is something waiting for you back home?"
Frank looked away, on the pretext of surveying the view- "Nothing I care about; yet, I cannot stay here forever."
"Why not?"
"What do you mean?" asked the poor defenseless man.
"I am asking… why can't you stay here forever?"
"This is your world Oliver, my world is a sharp contrast, I wouldn't fit in."
"Give St. Georges a chance, let it warm itself to you, there are many a charm concealed in its veil."
"See, this is why." - Frank responded. "I don't have your poetic disposition, Oliver. This place with its mythic tales and antique charms may entice you but it does not tempt me. There is hardly anything for me here."
"Why? What have you bought The Cottons for? Run it!"
" The Cottons is not for keeps. I will fix it and pass it on. It is not mine."
"Then, make it yours. Stay here, rest for a while, experience the joys of leisure. There is great delight in belongingness - belonging to a place, to a person."
Frank sighed and shook his head; "I am a trader, Oliver! I buy what is in demand and discard as easily that which loses public favour. That's how I earn a living; that's who I am. I don't belong to any person or any section of the society. This is the philosophy I live by. I am a businessman Oliver: I inhale profit and exhale losses."
"What a pity! What you call life is just an existence - the continuous chain of breaths." – Oliver said disapprovingly.
They both relapsed into their own thoughts: one despairing, the other contemplative.
At the breakfast table Sara allowed business being discussed between the brothers. She was grateful for being excluded from the conversation and was busy forming charming plans for her dear Frank. She wanted him to experience the delightfully delicious society of St. Georges and was hoping to arrange a charming party of like-minded and gracious friends. Now all she needed to know, was, whether Frank was available that evening.
"Frank, what are you doing in the evening?" she asked after careful planning.
"My work would be over by the afternoon; after which, I hope to return to Glensfield." He said thoughtfully.
"What? So soon! I thought you were happy to see us."
"I am. But I must leave at the earliest. Arya has invited some guests over; she let me come on the condition that I would return before dinner time." he said earnestly. Then, as an afterthought he added- "Besides, Oliver has been tutoring me into being a good husband. He tells me, it's not wise to break promises made to one's wife. The consequence is beyond endurance."
Sara colored as she was reminded of her own passionate withdrawal when Oliver broke his promise to her for the first and the last time. Nonetheless, her disappointment was greater than her embarrassment.
What lovely plans she was making for him and how cruelly he was deserting them; she had even invited Lydia over to help her with the preparations. Lydia made such divinely delicious cakes and truffles; she would have loved to see Frank enjoy these luxuries!
Oliver was observing the peaks and valleys of her thoughts and felt sorry for his little wife.
Contrastingly, Frank was oblivious of Sara's disappointment. He was busy forming his own strategies for the day. He had discussed his plans for the mill with Oliver and his brother had approved them. He was confident that he could turn around the fate of the TheCottons.
He was eager to set to work, but before that he needed to survey the mill. Oliver had offered to accompany him; he knew a few people in the unit and could introduce them to his brother.
"We'll take my limo." – Oliver told the driver. While the driver ran quickly for the car, Oliver tried to coax his wife.
He was standing at the entrance with Sara in his arms. He looked at her sad face; it made him sad too. Pinching her cheek he said – "Don't look so morose."
"I am not morose, I am just disappointed." She said laying her head on his chest.
He stroked her head lovingly and said, "Why don't you go ahead with your plans even if Frank can't be a part of it?"
Sara looked up in surprise, "But what's the point. I wanted him to enjoy our friend's company and have a good time.
"I know it dear. It was very thoughtful of you." – he placed a gentle kiss on her lips as a reward. Then sighing, he said – "Coming to think of it, I have missed our friend's company sorely. It's been so long we have all been together. It would be nice to have them around since Christmas is around the corner."
He had hoped that his suggestion would cheer his little wife but her damp spirits could hardly soar. However, she could not ignore her husband's request. He was the most important person in her life and she would attend to his comforts and his happiness as swiftly as he did for her. She happily consented to her husband's wishes.