Limited Affair

Chapter Four - Charles Dervish

"Stephanie dear!" Charles Dervish called to his beautiful bride,"I have to go now! The carriage is here!"

"Alright, alright! I'm here!" she ran down the stairs and placed her earring in her ear.

"Now listen Stephanie I have to go see you father regarding some business agreements before I catch the train, Alright?"

"Alright Charles, I trust you won't do anything silly. I love you. Come back soon," she kissed him long and hard then hugged him goodbye and ushered him out the door. He walked down the drive then stepped inside the carriage then smiled as he waved goodbye out the window. With a crack of the reins he was off. In the carriage, Charles told the driver to take him to the King Estate. "Yes, Sir," the driver said.

***

At the King Estate, Charles walked up the pathway and banged the large bronze lion knocker against the door. The door opened and the butler appeared.

"My name is Charles Dervish," Charles said, "I'm here to see Mr. King."

"Ah! Yes, come in," said the butler stepping aside. He has been expecting you. Please follow me," The butler walked away and Charles followed. The butler stopped in front of a large mahogany door and rapped smartly three times.

"Enter," commanded a voice from inside.

The butler opened the door then stood beside it, "Mr. Charles Dervish for you, Sir," he said.

"Thank you, Alfred," said Mr. King.

The butler, Alfred, bowed then stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him.

"Please," Mr. King said gesturing to the seat in front of his desk, "sit." Charles sat down, then opened his briefcase and pulled out a small stack of documents.

"Here is the merger agreement you mailed me, read front to back. I simply wanted to deliver them personally because I had a few questions before I signed," Charles explained, placing the papers in the center of Mr. King's desk. Mr. King nodded.

"You see, the clause stating that only the first male child of the original owner may take the place of the owner himself is simply preposterous. First, I don't believe in discriminating against the order my children come in. If I have two sons and the second one is most fit for the job then that is who should receive it. Second, I don't have any children as you very well know, so if something were to happen to me then you would get complete control of the company."

"I understand your concern but I'm sure you and Elizabeth will be popping out kids in no time. So, when your first son comes I can assure you that even as an infant he will have all the same authority as you do now. Or, if you have a second son that is more fit for the job then that is who will receive it. The only exception is that I will temporarily be in control until he comes of age," Mr. King said smiling.

Charles was quiet for a moment,"Alright that seems reasonable."

"Good," replied Mr. King, "just sign here and I'll have my lawyer add that extra clause later."

"Oh no you don't," said Charles," I want you to bring your lawyer in right now and add that clause before I sign."

Mr. King sighed heavily,"Alright, I'll have Alfred call Thomas." He sat up and rang the bell sitting on his desk. No less than ten seconds later did a maid come knocking on the door.

"Enter!" commanded Mr. King. The maid rushed in and curtseyed. "Please go tell Alfred to call my lawyer and request his immediate services."

"Yes, Sir. Will that be all, Sir?" the maid asked.

"Yes, thank you," said Mr. King. "Cigar?" he offered Charles.

"No, thank you," Charles replied. Mr. King lit his cigar and placed it between his teeth then propped his feet up while he waited. Silence settled between the two men.