Page 8 of The Importance of Being Emma
Dad looked horrified. ‘Men buying our products, whatever next?’
I glared at Terry. ‘Actually, the Victoria I have in mind is above cheap gimmicks. She’s cool and efficient and the envy of her friends in everything she does.’ I looked around the table. ‘I’m sure you can all think of a real-life Victoria.’
There was silence.
Then Harriet spoke for the first time. ‘Victoria Beckham?’
Jon burst out laughing. ‘No way. Does she even know she’s got a kitchen?’
I ignored him and smiled at Harriet, who was pink with embarrassment. ‘You’ve got the right idea, but I’d prefer someone who’s not a celebrity. Someone with beauty, class and brains that women in the real world can aspire to be.’
Philip said, ‘Well, gentlemen, I’m sure we need look no further than this room—’
Mark interrupted him impatiently. ‘Basically, you’re looking to revamp Betty’s Best products for a younger customer segment?’
‘Correct,’ I said. I couldn’t fault his concise summary.
‘Have you done any research to justify this?’
‘Of course. Only desk research so far, but I’d like to do some primary research with focus groups. That’ll mean spendingsome money, concept boards with photos and so on. If the Board approves, I’ll put together a proposal and some costings for our next meeting.’
‘Seems a sensible approach,’ Dad said. ‘Who’s in favour?’
Philip and Penny raised their hands instantly, followed by Batty and Terry. Jon hesitated, then nodded.
Dad looked down the table. ‘What about you, Mark?’
‘I have some reservations, Henry, but nothing major. And I’m sure that, between us, you and I can keep Emma on the right track.’
I stared at the papers in front of me. He made me sound like a wayward teenager.
‘That’s settled, then.’ Dad sounded relieved. ‘Harriet, add Emma’s proposal to the agenda for our next meeting. We’ve got no other business to discuss, so let’s finish there. Jon, I’d like a word with you before you disappear off to the factory. And would anyone like to try some nettle leaf tea? It’s highly recommended for eliminating waste.’
Pity it couldn’t eliminate Mark Knightley. From this boardroom or, better still, from my life. How could Dad ask him to mentor me? It would be like turning the clock back to Mouse. He’d always been one for criticising me and bossing me around; I’d accepted it then, even looked up to him. And there’d always been Kate to restore the balance; in her eyes, I could do no wrong.
But now the last thing I needed was The Tormentor telling me how to do my job. I’d have to make my plans without consulting him, and take action before he noticed.
As I moved towards the door, Philip rushed to open it. I gave him a warm smile, remembering his encouragement and support during the meeting, unlike some I could mention.
He leaned forward and murmured, ‘I was really impressed by the way you defended Harriet against that idiot Marshall. Ofcourse, I was about to say something myself, but you beat me to it. I suppose you can guess who my real-life inspiration is for your divine Victoria?’
Just then, I heard a shriek. It was Harriet, knocking over the milk jug as she reached for the last biscuit. Batty dashed out of the room to fetch a cloth, while Harriet blushed and giggled. She looked the opposite of cool efficiency, yet there was something about her . . .
‘There she is,’ I said softly. ‘My divine Victoria, as you call her. Just give her some decent clothes and there’s my mock-up brought to life.’
Behind me, Philip let out a long sigh. ‘Beauty, classandbrains.’
So that was it, he’d fallen for Harriet! Beauty she certainly had. Class I could give her. Brains? He was taking a flyer there, but I put it down to the delusions of a man already in love.
I turned to him with a mischievous grin. ‘You were going to tell me about your real-life Victoria.’
He went bright red. ‘I’m sure you can guess who she is, it must be obvious to someone as intelligent as you.’
‘I have a pretty good idea,’ I said with a laugh. ‘Anyway, I’d better go and start my research proposal. It’s good to know you’re onside, I may need some help with the costings.’
His eyes gleamed. ‘I’ve got a standard cost-benefit analysis spreadsheet we could use, quite complicated, but I’m more than happy to go through it with you. How about this afternoon?’
I knew he just wanted an excuse to come and see Harriet. ‘OK, we can at least have an initial chat so that I know what sort of detail you’ll need. Ask Harriet to check my diary.’
