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Chapter 30
"I didn't know that you are one of my clients," Terence responded casually to Amelia-Rose's request about ways she could earn some money.
"Why not. I'm obviously looking for work. But you are making no suggestions. Is it because people have to pay you to get your advice?"
"On the contrary," Terence said. "I don't get involved in that sort of scam. I take a percentage of the money you earn. It's straightforward and it's honest. If you don't earn anything, I don't receive a penny."
"And how many other people ... women ... have you on your books? I could see that with that approach, you could be very popular."
"Popular enough for me to get by but I'm always looking for new opportunities."
"Okay, let's cut to the chase, what sort of opportunities could you offer me," said Amelia-Rose, abruptly.
"It's easy. You have a cottage where you live alone. It's your greatest asset apart from your very pleasant personality. I'm sure many would like to visit you there. In fact, I know another lady, very much like you, cultured and friendly, whose husband died and left her living in a large house in the middle of the countryside. She was penniless when I came across her and now she's living comfortably."
Amelia-Rose looked disappointed.
"I don't think it's much of an idea. While I was at the tourist office this morning, I asked about doing bed and breakfast. They seem to have so many regulations and it seems to take a long time before you can get registered. They also said that it's not an all year round tourist area and the money I could make would not be enough to live on. They said I should look for another main income. They also said it's very difficult to find people to come and stay even in season."
Terence looked unfazed.
"It's all a question of marketing," he said. "If you know how find the people and keep them happy then your business will grow. The people you were talking obviously haven't got the knack - or perhaps they just didn't want to tell you."
Amelia-Rose looked at him with his blue eyes and fair hair and curls.
"If I was more suspicious, I might wonder if you're promising me the earth to build up my confidence."
Terence sighed and reached inside his breast pocket. He pulled out a blue envelope and extracted a letter from inside written in neat copper plate writing.
"I don't normally do this." He handed the letter over four Amelia to read. It was a letter of thanks for his help. It was very persuasive.
Amelia-Rose held out her hands in resignation. "You win," she said. "I'm convinced you are a good guy!"
"Let me buy you a main course to celebrate," Terence said with a smile.
"The soup was so good that I don't think I could manage anything else, except perhaps a dessert."
Terence ordered cheese and biscuits and they munched through them contentedly for another half an hour. Amelia-Rose was still cautious about this young man but the difference between no wind and some wind was that with some wind progress could be made. She was still wary that it was all too good to be true but he knew she had no money to give him but was still interested which was a good sign. At least he'd offering hope and hope at that moment was a much-needed commodity.
It was late afternoon before his car drew up outside Amelia-Rose 's cottage. If we are to be partners, "said Amelia-Rose," you had better come in and have a look around."
"Are you sure? After all, you've only just met me!"
"Like I said, you've convinced me you're a good guy," she said, and climbed out of his car.
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