by Carl Leckey
The three drivers head back to the depot. I return to my seat inside the cafe and rejoin Collette. She takes up the conversation where she left off. “You were going to tell if you enjoyed your dinner last night Adam?”
I am astounded he knows my business. “How did you know about my dinner Collette?”
He enlightens me. “I should do. I cooked it for you. You arrived a bit early and very nearly caught me. I was hiding behind the door when you came in and slipped out when you went into the sitting room,” His revelation throws me for a moment until I realise why Yvette has become such a good cook in such a short time. I conclude it was his perfume I detected not Yvette’s.
I exclaim “Well I’ll be buggered.” Collette replies with a laugh. “Not a good thing to say in present company Adam.” I enquire when we finish laughing. “How did you and Yvette come to know each other?” Collette explains. “We are in the same sewing circle we have become good friends. It came up in a conversation the other day.
Her husband Paul, he’s a nice boy. He thought it only right that they should invite you to dinner when you arrived back in France. She was worried about her cooking ability so I have been giving her cookery lessons. I was a Sergeant cook in charge of the Officers mess during my army service. It was right up my street so I offered to help her out and cook the dinner while she set the scene so to speak. By the way did you like the settings on the dinner table?” I remark.
“Yes they were magnificent. Paul must be earning and spending quite a bit since I left on my trip.” Collette confesses. “Actually the silver and crystal even the table cloth and napkins are mine. They are the spoils of war Adam my friend. We captured a German General Officer’s bunker during the big push with the tanks leading the way. I found the goodies hidden in a chest. It was easy to nick them after all there was no one to claim the stuff, the Boche had long gone. When we were relieved and moved to the rear I had the chest transported back with us as kitchen equipment for the Officer’s use thereof. It wasn’t listed on any army inventory there were no records whatsoever. When I was demobbed the chest came with me as my personal belongings.” He smiles and adds. “You could say opportunity knocked and I opened the door. By the way there were a great deal more goodies than you saw on Yvette’s table last night.
I sold some lovely pieces to buy shares in the house of pleasure.”
I have to congratulate him. “Well done Collette. It is not often the other ranks put one over on the Officer Class. There is only one thing I can say at this moment.” He enquires. “What’s that Adam?” I reply. “I wish it could have been me the put one over on the over privileged shits.”
He smiles and confides. “So there you have the entire story, and Adam I have not told another soul of my good fortune. Please keep it under your hat there’s a Dear.”
I have to admire his ingenuity and good luck which leads me to enquire with trepidation. “Excuse me but I have to ask you Collette. Does Yvette actually know you are a…” I am at loss for words. Collette roars with laughter again and replies. “If she does know she is not letting on.”
We leave the cafe together after an excellent breakfast. Collette heads for the market I make a course for the depot. It has been a very entertaining morning up to now and I have found out Yvette’s secret, she is still a rotten cook. I can’t wait to tell her Sisters this story.
The redesigned depot is looking very smart. I am amazed that all the new constructions have been completed in the time I have been away in England. I suppose this is one of the benefits of having our own building division. I note they have incorporated all of Marcel’s plans I approved. The car showroom has direct access from the approach road, it is now unnecessary to enter the main yard. I presume Harry, with the newly appointed secretary and clerk are situated in the splendid new two story office block overlooking the vehicle yard and maintenance garage.
The building yard is at the far end separated by a security fence and gate. At the office door I am greeted by a serious looking lady. She introduces herself as Bridgette, Harry’s secretary.
In perfect English but with a lovely French accent she explains.
“Harry is at business meeting but is due back shortly. I believe Sir you have not visited the new offices before, would you like a guided tour?” She escorts me to the ground floor main office through the area where the drivers receive the orders for the day. I note comfortable chairs and coffee are supplied for the benefit of them. I heartily approve of this innovation having stood in line in all weathers waiting for orders in the old days. A door leads to a locker and rest room furnished with a table and chairs.
This is Harry’s domain Marcel had deliberately located Harry’s substantial office on the ground floor in deference to his disability. The next room is set out like a comfortable lounge. She explains this is where we meet and entertain existing and potential clients and conduct staff meetings. Upstairs she introduces me to a young lady busily typing, her name is Ingrid.
Then to my surprise she leads me into a splendidly furnished office with the words,
“this Sir is the Chairman’s private office.”
It takes a moment for the realisation to sink in. I am the chairman, and this is my office.
When I gasp she enquires with concern in her voice. “Don’t you like it Sir? I am sorry I personally selected the furnishing and decor.”
“No! No! I assure you it is fantastic it’s just. Oh! Don’t you worry Bridgette it is absolutely perfect, you have done me proud. I didn’t expect anything so grand.” Bridgette reveals.
“I believe you should thank Mr Alec for this Sir. When he visited the depot on the completion of the building he said to remind you of the time you both worked from a crummy tin shack. I am not sure I have the translation completely perfect.” I laugh, this is the old Alec I know and love.
“Oh yes you do have it right Bridgette. I can assure you.”
“Would you like a coffee while you wait for Harry Sir?”
I reply. “I will if you will do me a favour?” She gives me an odd look before saying. “If it is in my power Sir I will of course oblige.”
“Then please address me as Adam. I consider the staff in OSCADA as family that includes you also Bridgette.”
“Very well Adam your wish is my command. Do you wish to see Marcel’s drawing office, I am afraid we will have to go over to the building section. Marcel insisted it was located over there to keep an eye on things.” She looks out of the window and exclaims. “Here is Harry now, should we go down to his office Adam.” She confides, “Harry does struggle climbing stairs but he won’t admit it.”
This is a very thoughtful caring lady, what I have witnessed about her so far I like. On the way down stairs I inform Bridgette.
“I will see the building department and the maintenance section some other time thank you.”
Harry greets me in the lounge rather than his office Bridgette organises coffee.
I open the meeting with. “Well Harry its lovely to see you but how long will I be here, I want to go and see how they are getting on at the Lake house?”
“You can leave after your coffee Adam, there is nothing to discuss but seeing as you are here I will give you a report on progress so far. As you can see the Depot build is complete. We have rented the car showrooms to the Renault Company for a substantial amount. They have installed a manager to run it. The new trucks have been delivered and are very popular with the drivers. Incidentally they are far more economical on fuel than the army trucks and they have all been fitted with pneumatic tyres and trailer hitches.
Marcel has cleared the Sanguet Brothers site. The builders will begin the housing project after they complete your House by the lake.
Gunter and Suzanne have everything in hand the airstrip is progressing. Two of the new ships are now working and earning.
Captain Hawkins is very pleased with them. Like the new trucks they are very economical compared to his old steamer. In fact Adam the OSCADA Company is
running like clockwork.”
I have a strange feeling of being left out. I know it’s silly but the company I created then voluntary handed over to my colleagues is running perfectly well without me. I feel the need to ask some questions maybe I need to justify my well recompensed position of chairman.
“I understand from Paul the Sanguet Brothers staff have all been retired?”
“Oh yes they couldn’t wait to finish work. They only stayed on because of loyalty to Mr Sanguet and of course the war. We disposed of all of their horse drawn vehicles and horses to local farmers.
The steamers have been purchased by a South American Company they are currently in the docks waiting for shipment.”
I reply sadly. “It’s a pity it had to go. It was a nice old family company I was sure there were places for them with us.”
Harry detected something in my manner. He justified the disposals by assuring me.
“They didn’t fit in with the modern OSCADA Company Adam. Nostalgia has no place in a modern company. The transport business is a cut throat one. I am afraid the Sanguet Brothers were lost in a time warp. They were definitely going under. In fact you could say we rescued them from bankruptcy by buying them out with cash on the nail. I might add we got quite a good bargain. When the houses are completed I calculate we will make at least two hundred percent profit.” I reply. “Harry, do you mind if I speak my mind?” With a startled look on his face he nods agreement. I continue. “Suzanne once referred to me as the eater of companies, a reputation I did not seek and did not like being burdened with. Sometimes as this business grows we will have to make decisions that will affect many ordinary people’s lives. I hope we will always do it with sympathy and understanding. Are we sure the Sanguet employees didn’t want to work for a company that had virtually destroyed their old company? As for us allegedly saving them from bankruptcy? Let us not forget we drove them into that situation ourselves. Not intentionally I grant you, but old fashioned or not they were all making a living before we came along with our modern methods, making it impossible for them to compete. Do you remember describing your Father to Alec and me? You said how you despised his cut throat business methods? I don’t want to take OSCADA down that same road.”
Harry is silent for a moment as he digests my concerns until he replies. “You know you are right Adam. I was rapidly becoming my Father it must be in my genes. The pursuit of profit and gain were fast becoming my God. Thanks for pointing it out to me. If I ever go down my Fathers road you have my permission to shoot me.” He reaches over and shakes my hand just as Bridget arrives with the coffee. When she leaves the room I remark. “Bridget seems to be a nice Lady Harry?”
He informs me. “Not only is she a nice Lady she is super efficient and multi lingual. She is conversant in French, English and Dutch, we are very lucky to have her. As we expand and trade across borders we will be calling on her talents more and more. Have you met our other staff member Inga?”
“Yes Bridget introduced me when I arrived.”
“Inga is another gem she is also multi lingual. Bridgette found her for me, they studied at university together.” We finish our coffee I thank Harry for his information.
On saying goodbye I add. “Well Harry I leave the OSCADA Company in your very capable hands. I’ll see you again before I leave for England I want to tell you what has happened to me over there.” I take my leave retrieve my Rolls from the workshop where it has been serviced.
I have a word with the lads then head off for the House by the Lake. It is a crisp cold morning as I speed along almost empty roads with a great feeling of anticipation in my stomach.
The old man is not in his cottage when I arrive. The avenue to the lake has been cleared of undergrowth and trees allowing me to drive directly to the lakeside. What a sight greets me as I round a bend and approach the magnificent almost completed house.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The house by the lake and Grand Pere
As I sit in my automobile in a kind of dream admiring the view Andre the foreman approaches and greets me warmly I congratulate him on his progress with the reconstruction.
“I am amazed Andre I didn’t know you were so advanced?” He explains. “We have had a good dry summer and I have had my complete team working on this priority project.
Mr Adam it has been a delight to work in these lovely surrounding. You are a very lucky man owning such a beautiful place.”
“I realise that Andre, my Wife and I can’t wait to move in.” Andre reveals. “I don’t know whether Marcel told you but many of my workers opted to camp out here in the summer, rather than travel back to Le Havre every night. They even had their families staying with them in the school holidays. The kids and women loved the place they camped in tents, fishing, rambling in the woods. The woods are teeming with all kinds of wild game and the lake is full of fish. Mushrooms and truffles, wild berries are there for the picking. My men and their families have never eaten so well. The carpenter built a raft and anchored it in the lake to swim out to. We will leave it for you if you like when we leave?”
“Oh yes please I’m sure we will use it in the summer.” Andre continues. “They even brought a few canoes with them. Marcel and I didn’t see the need to object, the men were happy and their wives and kids had a wonderful summer. One of the women called this place kids paradise.
The men were working long hours while the daylight lasted. As you can see we made fantastic progress. Thankfully many of the outside and interior walls were still intact. Although we had to point and stabilise them it saved us a great deal of block setting. We found the cellars are still intact when we cleared the access. Would you believe there are still a number of bottles of wine in the racks down the cellar unbroken? All the ground floors are masonry, inset with lovely mosaic in many places. Fortunately the falling ceilings saved them from the fire.”
I thank him again. “Good for you Andre, my Wife will be so pleased when I tell her about the kids. Maybe the wine will be fit to drink at the grand opening, why don’t you try a bottle or two in the meanwhile?” He adds sheepishly. “I have to admit I did sample one. It tasted alright to me but I am no wine expert. I’m a beer man myself. Should I get you a bottle to take with you?” Before I reply he informs me. “Oh! Before I forget Marcel telephoned to ascertain our progress and to inform me he has been delayed in England. I told him we needed a great deal more sandstone to complete the stables and coach house. He gave me precise details of where I should extract the rock and the dimensions of the excavation he requires. As I understand it he is going to utilise the hole we create by the extraction of sand stone to build some kind of underground power station. I must point out this is not in the original plans.” He looks extremely worried as he explains.
“Mr Adam I must confess I have no experience at constructing such a thing, it is beyond my capabilities, we are not engineers.”
I reassure him. “Don’t you worry Andre, the actual machinery installation with be carried out by experts. You just follow Marcel’s instructions to the letter your role will still be the building construction.
I have an idea what he wants and why he needs it. I am sure everything will be revealed to you when he returns.” Andre advises me. “Then I will have to engage experienced quarrymen to excavate the blocks if I am permitted? I must warn you it will take us over budget and delay your date to move in.” He stresses. “Marcel is very keen we don’t overrun the budget.”
I enquire. “Can’t you handle it yourself then Andre?”
He explains. “If I turn my men loose on the task we will finish up with a hole alright but plenty of sand and rubble instead of usable blocks. We constructed the pit for the septic tank that was no problem. My men are excellent workers and craftsmen but cutting the fresh sandstone within specified parameters with the intention of using the excavated material as building blocks, takes a great deal of skill and special equipment.”
Without hesitation I order him. “Do it Andre, order the
quarrymen I accept full responsibility for running over the budget and any delay. We haven’t fixed an exact date to move in anyway. I will inform Marcel as soon as I am able to contact him of my decision. Now will you show me your splendid achievements?”
So Marcel is already planning to include the innovations we talked about in England they evidently impressed him. I do wish Denise was with me that we could experience this moment together, this house will be her dreams come true. As we enter the already installed magnificent front door my nostrils are invaded by the various aromas of, fresh paint, putty, varnish, raw timber. The later smell prompts me ask Andre.
“I notice you have removed a number of those magnificent trees from the driveway and around the house?” He informs me of a fact that pleases me. “We had to Mr Bailey but they haven’t left the estate. All the timber was milled and utilised in the house and out buildings. He points at the ceiling indicated the wooden beams. “Those are the oaks we removed from the driveway. The doors, upstairs floorboards, staircase, built in furniture have all been constructed from the home grown timber.” He reminds me. “According to Grand Pere the house was destroyed in the eighteen fifties in the year of the second revolution, the trees have had seventy odd years to grow.”
The mosaics he talked about are brilliant since they have been cleaned. The only items not installed are the upstairs plumbing, lighting and some other accessories. The walls are bare of decoration we have already decided choosing this will be Denise’s task. The grand staircase is a credit to the skill of craftsmen that constructed and fitted it. I imagine a scene from a motion picture I enjoyed on our visit to Paris.
Denise and I are making our entrance down the stairs to a ball dressed in our finery to the applause of the guests. I am dragged back to reality when Andre remarks.
“This place will take a great deal of heating, its already cold in here, wait until we get into mid winter. I have spent a few nights here when I have early deliveries due. It’s as cold as a tomb outside the kitchen.” I outline what Marcel intends to install describing the type of heating I have in my English house generated by a remote central boiler. He is most impressed when I describe the hydro electric system I intend having constructed in the nearby stream to supply lighting.
