This Was a Man (The Clifton Chronicles 7)

“IT’S THAT TIME of the year,” said Emma as she raised a glass of mulled wine.

“When we all throw our toys out of the pram,” said Giles, “and refuse to join in with any of your games?”

“It’s that time of the year,” repeated Emma, ignoring her brother, “when we raise a glass in memory of Joshua Barrington, founder of the Barrington Shipping Line.”

“Who made a profit of thirty pounds, four shillings, and tuppence in his first year, but promised his board he would make more in the future,” Sebastian reminded everyone.

“Thirty-three pounds, four shillings, and tuppence, actually,” said Emma. “And he did make more, a lot more.”

“He must have turned in his grave,” said Sebastian, “when we sold the company to Cunard for a cool forty-eight million.”

“Mock you may,” said Emma, “but we should be grateful to Joshua for all he did for this family.”

“I agree,” said Harry, who stood, raised his glass and said, “To Joshua.”

“To Joshua,” declared the rest of the family.

“And now to business,” said Emma, putting down her glass.

“It’s New Year’s Eve,” protested Giles, “and you seem to forget you’re in my house, so I think we’ll have a year off.”

“Certainly not,” said Emma. “Only Lucy will be spared this year.”

“But be warned, young lady,” said Harry, smiling at his great-granddaughter, who was fast asleep in her mother’s arms, “your reprieve is only temporary.”

“That is correct,” said Emma, as if Harry hadn’t been joking. “The time has come for everyone to tell us their New Year’s resolutions.”

“And the brave ones,” said Harry, “will remind us of last year’s.”

“Which I’ve recorded in this little red book,” said Emma, “just in case anyone’s forgotten.”

“Of course you have, Chairman Mao,” said Giles, refilling his glass.

“Who’d like to go first?” said Emma, once again ignoring her brother.

“I’m looking for another job,” said Samantha.

“Still in the art world?” asked Harry.

“Yes. The Wallace Collection is advertising for a deputy director, and I’ve applied for the position.”

“Bravo,” said Grace. “The Courtauld’s loss will be the Wallace’s gain.”

“It’s just the next step on the ladder,” said Sebastian. “My bet is that by this time next year, Samantha’s New Year’s resolution is to be chairman of the Tate.”

“So what about you, Seb? What will you have achieved by this time next year?”

“I intend to go on annoying my aunt Grace by making her more and more money.”

“Which I can then distribute to more and more worthy causes,” said Grace.

“Don’t worry, Victor’s already seeing to that, as Karin will confirm.”

“I read Mr. Kaufman’s report,” said Grace, “and it does great credit both to you and to the bank, Sebastian.”

“Praise indeed,” said Emma, making a note before looking across at her sister. “As you’re one of the few among us who has a tick by her name every year, Grace, what have you got planned for the next twelve months?”

“Seven of my young charges are hoping to be offered a place at university this year, and I am determined that all seven of them will achieve it.”