Inherit the Skies Read Online Free Page A

the way Gilbert intended it.’ She smiled wearily. ‘He was a wily old bird, you know, Kirsty. Perhaps he realised that one day just such a situation as this might arise. No, Alicia is the only one who can help me. I think after all this time I have to swallow my pride and ask for her assistance.’
    Kirsty shook her head. She looked as worried now as her grandmother.
    â€˜She’ll refuse to see you,’ she said. ‘ She will, Granny. And even if she did see you – well, just think how upsetting it would be for you.’
    â€˜Not half as upsetting as seeing the company that has been my life fall into the hands of the one person its founders would never contemplate in a position of power,’ Sarah said decisively. ‘ I’ve been in upsetting situations before, Kirsty. I’ve survived – and I’ll survive again. It would be worth it, just as long as I can persuade Alicia to my point of view.’
    Kirsty remained unconvinced.
    â€˜How can you hope to talk her round even if you do see her?’ she demanded. ‘Guy will have her on his side – he’s bound to. He is her son, after all. She’ll want to do whatever is best for him.’
    â€˜That is a possibility, yes,’ Sarah admitted. ‘Alicia dotes on Guy, it’s true. But when she hears what I have to say she may change her mind. Morse Bailey is bigger than any of us. We are Morse Bailey – you must see that.’
    â€˜Yes, but will Alicia?’ Kirsty asked. ‘Even if she does agree to see you, surely the fact she hates you will go against her giving you any support? Why, she may go along with the merger simply to spite you, if for no other reason.’
    â€˜That is a chance I shall have to take,’ Sarah said crisply. She glanced down at her tea, gone cold now while they talked. ‘ Pour me a fresh cup, Kirsty, there’s a good girl, and have one yourself. And for heaven’s sake do try to eat some of these sandwiches or Grace will be terribly hurt.’
    â€˜I couldn’t eat a thing now, Granny. I feel far too choky,’ Kirsty declared, but she poured fresh cups of tea and as Sarah sipped hers she began to feel her energy returning.
    â€˜You’re not to let this upset you, Kirsty,’ she admonished. ‘I shouldn’t have burdened you with my worries.’
    â€˜I’m glad you did, Granny. No wonder you look so tired. Oh, when I think of it …’
    â€˜It will be all right, Kirsty. It has to be. Now, let’s forget it, shall we?’
    Kirsty was silent for a moment and with some surprise Sarah thought she had acquiesced. But the thoughtful look was still there in her blue eyes and a moment later she said: ‘There may be another way, Granny.’
    â€˜Another way? What do you mean?’
    â€˜Maybe if I talked to Guy …’
    â€˜ You ?’ Sarah said in astonishment. ‘ What could you do?’
    â€˜I’m not sure. But I think Guy likes me.’ Kirsty’s face had gone very pale but there were high spots of colour burning in her cheeks. ‘In fact I’m sure he does. He’s made that plain on more than one occasion.’
    â€˜ Guy has?’ Sarah exclaimed. ‘But he’s old enough to be your father!’
    â€˜I know. Unfortunately – or maybe fortunately – he has something of a penchant for much younger women,’ Kirsty said drily. ‘You’ll just have to take my word for it, Granny.’
    â€˜But you’ve never so much as mentioned this before, Kirsty!’ Sarah said, shocked. ‘You mean Guy has actually – made advances to you?’
    Kirsty shrugged, adopting her woman-of-the-world pose, though those high spots of colour in her cheeks belied her attitude. ‘ I wouldn’t put it quite that strongly. But I think I might be able to influence him, yes.’
    â€˜Well I absolutely forbid you to do anything of the kind!’ Sarah