But Papa! Why? Chapter 4

Robert was looking down at the reception desk. He was standing on the first floor. He wanted to see the new guy, before they were introduced. From up here, he was not visible, but he could see everything.

A young woman entered the building. She was wearing a dark blue pantsuit with high heels. She had a slender figure. She was standing straight and her shoulders back. Chestnut brown curls were cascading down over her back.

He saw Rosamund enter the lobby and walk over to her. They seemed to know each other. He had never seen her before, but maybe she was a new friend of Rosamund?

“Cora? What are you doing here?” Rosamund said, stepping into the lobby.

She was surprised to see the woman she met last night in the pub. Slowly she realised what was happening. She had told her she came from America to work here.

“Do not tell me, you work for ‘Levinson and Son?’ ” Rosamund said surprised.

Cora nodded. “I am Isidor Levinson’s daughter and work in the company.”

Rosamund smiled. “I have to apologise, I was expecting a man.”

This made Cora chuckle. “Because of the son part in our company’s name. I understand the confusion.”

“In all the correspondence was only writter, C. Levinson. Well, Mr. Crawley is waiting for you in his office.” Rosamund looked at the receptionist. “I will bring her upstairs.” She said to the woman, and started walking.

Robert was still watching the scene beneath him, unfortunately, he could not hear what they were saying, but he saw the woman follow Rosamund. He looked at his watch, that guy from ‘Levinson and Son’ was late he thought. Typical. His phone rang. “Robert” he answered.

“Where are you?” His father’s voice sounded.”The new colleague and representative of ‘Levinson and son’ arrived.”

How was that possible Robert thought, how did he miss that? “I am on my way.” Quickly he put his phone back in his pocket and rushed to his father’s office.

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“There you are.” His father greeted when he entered his office.

In the chair in front of his father’s desk, he saw that same woman from the reception. Upon hearing his father’s greeting she turned around. Robert was taken aback by the blue of her eyes and for a second he was mesmerised.

He shook his head to wake himself up and stepped closer with his hand outstretched.

The woman took his hand, her fingers were slender, like her whole figure as he had noticed before, her hand was soft as silk. “Hello, I am Cora Levinson, you must be Mr. Crawley.” She said.

Cora noticed a shock on the man’s face when she turned around. As did Rosamund and Mr. Crawley just now, he also was expecting a male. She could not blame them. She already disliked the name of their company and at this moment even more. Again it felt as if she was not important. She sighed, took his outstretched hand and introduced herself. She saw his eyes staring into hers. A pair of light blue eyes stared at her and she had to admit, they were beautiful.

Robert had to reprimand himself again because he was staring into her eyes. He noticed a soft smile on her face as if she knew what went on in his head. Did she realize how beautiful she was? he thought. “You can call me Robert, to prevent misunderstandings.” He gestured at his father. “As we are both Mr. Crawley.” He emphasized the word Mr.

It did not go unnoticed that there was irritation in Robert’s voice and he knew Cora picked up on it. That made his irritation even worse, what was she doing here? As if she knew anything about the business. Clearly, her father named the business ‘Levinson and Son’ for a reason.

“I have to apologise for our weird behaviour. We were not expecting a woman.” Mr. Crawley said. “You can call me Patrick, we will be close colleagues and it will be easier when we address each other by our first name. I hope you will feel welcome in our company. Robert arranged a desk for you. He will tell you everything you need to know. But know that my door is always open.” He smiled at her and then looked at Robert. “Can you show her the way and tell her where she can find the things she need?”

+++

Cora followed Robert to a different office. Patrick his father seemed a very nice man and although he was surprised to see that she was a woman, he did not mind. Robert on the other hand was not hiding his disappointment very well.

“Is Rosamund also an employee here?” She asked when they walked into their office, trying to keep a conversation going.

Robert turned around so abruptly that he startled Cora. “You mean Rosamund Crawley?” It pleased him to see the startled look on Cora’s face.

Cora felt her cheeks burn, why was he so condescending to her? “Yes I mean her, according to her name, I guess she is also a family member.” She answered.

“She is my sister.” Robert pointed at a simple desk with a very basic chair in front of it. “This is your desk and this.” He pointed towards a more luxurious desk, with a very comfortable-looking office chair. “This is my desk.”

Cora decided to ignore him. “I met Rosamund yesterday evening, we were dining in the same pub.”

“You do not dine in a pub.” Robert snapped. “You just go there and grab something to eat. Dining is something you do in a proper restaurant.” Very soft he continued. “Stupid American.”

Cora could not understand the last part, but she knew he had made a nasty comment. These months would be hard, why was Robert this hostile? Did he think she was going to steal his job?

“I have a lot to learn about the English culture, in America we do a lot of things differently.” She saw Robert furrow his eyebrows. “But I am very eager to learn more about the British culture.” He was not going to get her to bow for him, never. She had to bow too much at home already, Robert should learn they were equal, whether he liked it or not.

“There is a lot to do today. I made a list and guide for you, so you know what we expect from you.” He sat down at his desk and pretended Cora was not in the same room. His father must think he was stupid. This woman, how was miss pretty face going to help them.

Cora sat down at her desk, she was not used to having such a simple desk. Back in America, she had a moving desk, where she could stand or sit. Her chair was an ergonomic one specially made for her. It looked like the one Robert was sitting on. She looked over at him, she had to admit, it was a handsome fella. He had dark brown hair, and his face was a little chubby, but it gave him a very cute look, Cora thought. He was tall, she was not small herself, but Robert was taller she had noticed. When you saw him the first time, you immediately thought: ‘What a nice guy.’ But he had shown her a different side. With a deep sigh, she opened the notebook in front of her. There was only one line: ‘Questions you can ask Mr. Crawley.’ Cora felt anger coming up. Robert was playing a game with her, but he had underestimated her, she could play too.