'Ilian'k you,' said William, and walked as confidently as he could down the corridor. He had always thought the expression a stomach full of butterflies a stupid one until that moment. He felt his heartbeat was louder than the clock in the front hall; he would not have been surprised to hear himself chiming three eclock. , Ted Leach was standing alone at the entrance to the board roorm 'Mere's going to be trouble,' were his opening word& 'Good,' said William I 'Maes the way Charles Lester would have liked it, and he would have faced the trouble head on!
William strode into the impressive oak - panelled room and did not need to count heads to be sure that every director was present. This was not going to be one of those board meetings a director could occasionally afford to skip. The conversation stopped the moment WiW= entered the room, and there was an awkward silence as they all stood around and stared at him. William quickly took the chairman's seat at the head of the long mahogany table before Peter.Parfitt could realise what was happening.
'Gentlemen, please be seated,' said William, hoping his voice sounded firnx Ted Leach. and some of the other directors took their seats immediately; others were more reluctant. Murmuring started.
William could see that two directors whom he didn't know were about to rise and interrupt him.
'Before anyone else says anything I would, it you will allow me, like to make an opening statement, and then you can decide how you wish to proceed from there. I feel that is the least we can do to.comply with the wishes of the late Charles Lester.'
The two men sat down.
'rhank you, gentlemen. To start with, I would like to make it clear to all those present that I have absolutely no desire to be the chairman of this bank - - - - - ~ William paused for effect ~ - unless it be the wish of the majority of its directors!
Every eye in the room was now fixed on William.
'I am, gentlemen, at present vice - chairman of Kane and Cabot, and I own fifty - one per cent of their stock. Kane and Cabot was founded by my grandfather, and I think it compares favourably in reputation, though not in size, with Lester's. Were I required to leave Boston and move to New York to become the next chairman of Lester's, in compliance with Charles Lester's wishes, I cannot preten%l the move would be an easy one for myself or for - my family. However, as it was Charles Lester's wish that I should do just that - and he was not a man to make such a proposition lightly - I am, gentlemen, bound to take his wishes seriously myself. I would also like to add that his son, Matthew Lester, was my closest friend for aver fifteen years, and I consider it a tragedy that it is I, and not he, who is addressing you today as your nominated chairman.'
Some of the directors were nodding their approval.
'Gentlemen, if I am fortunate enough to secure your support today, I will sacrifice everything I have in Boston in order to serve you. I hope it is unnecessary for me to give you a detailed account of my banking experience.
I shall assume that any director present who has read Charles Lester's will must have taken the trouble to find out why he considered that I was the right man to succeed him My own chairman, Anthony Simmons, whom many of you will know, has asked me to stay on at Kane and Cabot.
'I had intended to inform Mr. Parfitt yesterday of my final decision, had he taken the trouble to call me and seek out that information. I had the pleasure of dining with Mr. and Mrs. Parfitt last Friday evening at their home, and on that occasion Mr. Parfitt informed me that he had no interest in becoming the next chairman of this bank. My only rival, in his opinion, was Mr. Edward Leach, your other vice - chairman. I have since consulted with Mr. Leach himself, and he informs me that I have always had his support for the chair. I assumed, therefore, that both vice - chairmen were backing me. After reading the Wall Street journal this morning, not that I have ever trusted their forecasting since the age of eighe - a little laughter - 11 felt I should attend today's meeting to assure myself that I had not lost the support of the two vice - chairmen, and that the Journars account was inaccurate. Mr. Leach called this board meeting, and I must ask him at this juncture if he still supports me to succeed Charles Lester as the bank's next chairman!
William looked towards Ted Leach, whose head was bowed. The wait for his verdict was palpable. A thumbsdown from him would mean the Parfittians could eat the Christian.
Ted Leach raised his head slowly and said, 'I support I&. Kane unreservedly!
William looked directly at Peter Parfitt for the first time that day. He was sweating profusely, and when he spoke, he did not take his eyes off the yellow pad in front of him.