There was no sign of life inside and the door wouldn't open. She hammered impatiently on the glass until Carol emerged from the back of the shop. 'Lisa, how nice! I was working on some new designs.' 'Where are your assistants? Last time I came you'd got two girls in the shop.' 'I had to let them go. Business isn't booming, I'm afraid. Didn't your husband tell you?' 'Why should he?' 'He is a shareholder, I only thought… Come in anyway. Is this a social or business call?' 'Mainly business. I want some summer clothes in bright clear colours, not those ghastly beiges and greys that are in fashion.' 'Any special occasions?' 'I'd like you to do my Leukemia Research Fund Ball dress for April and a choice of outfits for Ladies Day at Ascot. One for a real summer's day and the other for the more usual windy, rainy one!' 'How about Wimbledon?' 'I think I'll look at some other collections before I decide on that. Neal doesn't want me tied to one designer, not even you!' 'Fair enough. I had a friend of yours in here last week, Amanda Wichell.
