Richard was just finishing up a meeting with his new Managing Director when the conversation turned to Grevel Hartley.
"Grevel and I had a chat about you a few weeks before he died you know" Nigel told him
Richard was shocked "Really?"
"Yes, he said you were going to marry his niece. He also told me about the trouble you'd been having with the old school tie brigade"
"Yes I'm afraid I'm not really their kind of person" Richard sighed.
"That's a good thing believe me Richard you don't want to be one of that group, they are nothing but men who think they are owed something."
"Grevel thought the same, well Nigel everything should be in place for you to start in the new year"
"I'm looking forward to it, I know I'm a little older than a typical Managing Director but I'm very enthusiastic about Cavendish and keeping it as successful as you have."
Before Richard could reply his office door opened to reveal Audrey dressed in a figure hugging black dress.
She stopped in the doorway when she saw her husband had company "Oh I'm sorry darling I thought you would be finished by now"
Richard walked over to her putting a hand on her waist as he leaned in to kiss her "It's alright darling I'm just finishing up here" he told her running his hand around her back "Darling I'd like you to meet Nigel Peters, Nigel this is my wife Audrey"
Nigel reached to take her outstretched hand "It's so nice to meet you Mrs Devere"
"Oh please call me Audrey. MY husband has told me all about you Mr Peters, I gather you will be running Cavendish for Richard."
"Yes from the new year. We can sort the details out tomorrow Richard I don't want you to miss taking this lovely lady to dinner"
Nigel shook Richard's hand then left the office.
"He seems very nice. Are you ready darling?" She asked taking his hand in hers.
"Yes, let's go" before they made it to the door he tugged on her hand stopping her progress and making her turn to look at him. "What's the matter Darling?"
Richard shook his head "Nothing, I just wanted to tell you how beautiful you look darling,"
Audrey lowered her eyes a blush creeping up her cheeks, she looked up into his eyes "Thank you Richard"
Reaching up she held his chin in her hand bringing him in for a quick kiss, wiping her lipstick from his lips when she pulled back.
"Now come on you promised me Dinner and dancing" she said taking his hand again.
After a romantic meal at quiet little restaurant, Richard had kept his promise and taken her to a jazz club to dance the night away.
They were sitting at their table enjoying a drink when the band started playing again. Richard stood and held his hand out to Audrey "Shall we dance?"
Smiling Audrey nodded and took his hand rising from her chair.
When they reached the dance floor Richard twirled her into his arms falling in step letting the rhythm of the music direct their movements. As they looked into each other's eyes the room around them melted into the background.
Audrey brushed her hand across his cheek as he drew her closer to his chest. Instead of the more formal dancing hold she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Richard moved his hands to rest in the dip of her back, his thumbs caressing her through the material of her dress.
Audrey brought her lips to his ear "You know darling you can be very romantic when you want to be" she whispered
"You bring out the romantic side in me darling" he replied closing his eyes as they danced cheek to cheek, the music washing over him as he savoured the feeling of her in his arms.
Audrey moved her head back and looked into his eyes bringing her lips to his in a gentle kiss.
They continued dancing oblivious of the people around them until Richard suggested they carry on a more intimate dance at home.
"Oh darling all this dancing has worn me out I'm really very tired, I'm sorry" Audrey sighed
Richard kissed her cheek "Don't be sorry I love holding you in my arms we don't have to do anything else."
Seeing how tired she was Richard stopped dancing and took her hand leading her off the dance floor and to the door "Come on darling let's go home"