Page 15 of Traitors Gate

CHAPTER 7

WILLIAM WATCHEDBETH GETTING DRESSEDand couldn’t fail to notice how nervous she was. She must have tried on five or six different outfits before she settled on a navy blue suit with large white buttons and a cream silk blouse. She then took almost as long selecting a matching bag and a pair of high-heeled shoes that would complete the outfit.

When she’d finally settled on her choice, William decided not to mention it was the one he would have chosen in the first place.

‘Why do you want this job, Dr Warwick?’ he asked.

‘I’ve always hoped to return to this great museum, having served as its keeper of pictures in the past, and after five years as a dealer, I now realize it’s my long-term calling.’

‘A bit over the top, perhaps?’ suggested William.

‘A day hasn’t passed when I didn’t wish I was back at the Fitz.’

‘Better,’ said William, before continuing his interrogation.‘I’d like to know a little more about your five years as a dealer. Did you learn anything during that period which could be of value to the Fitzmolean?’

‘First and foremost, chairman, you quickly learn the value of money, especially when it’s your own money you’re spending, and not the funds of a public body or generous benefactors.’

‘For example?’

‘I recently purchased a Henry Moore maquette from his King and Queen series, on behalf of an American client who asked me to ship it to their home in Philadelphia. I put the order out to tender to five different shipping companies and discovered their prices ranged from twelve hundred pounds to four thousand seven hundred. This reminded me that the Fitzmolean used the same transport company, framers, insurance brokers, and even window cleaners, during the entire period I was working here. All publicly funded museums should behave like private galleries whenever they spend other people’s money. The director should think like a barrow boy while behaving like a trustee.’

‘Convincing,’ said William. ‘But if you were to become our director, Mrs Warwick, you do realize we couldn’t hope to match the amount you’ve been earning as a dealer.’

‘Which I hope, Mr Chairman, only proves how much I want the job.’

‘Good line,’ said William. ‘But are you absolutely sure you do want the job?’

‘They won’t ask me that.’

‘But I am,’ said William, switching from interrogator to husband.

‘I blow hot and cold,’ admitted Beth as she once again looked at herself in the mirror and wondered if she shouldwear any jewellery. ‘One minute I want the job, the next minute I’m not sure.’

‘As the interview is in about an hour’s time,’ said William checking his watch, ‘you’d better make up your mind fairly quickly.’

‘What doyouthink?’ she asked, turning to face her husband.

‘I don’t want to be director of the Fitzmolean,’ said William.

‘Behave yourself, caveman, and answer my question.’

‘If you were financially independent, my darling, which job would you prefer?’

‘Director of the Fitz, without a second thought.’

‘Then you’ve answered your own question.’

‘But you have to admit, the extra income does come in useful.’

‘Make up your mind, Beth,’ said William, trying not to sound exasperated. ‘But for now, let’s concentrate on more practical matters. How do you intend to get to Kensington Gardens?’

‘Taxi there, bus back.’

‘And if they offer you the job?’

‘I’ll always take the number fourteen both ways.’

‘That’s not what I meant,’ said William grinning.

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