Edward was calling from London. Their father had suffered a massive aneurysm and been pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Josephine had accompanied him in the ambulance. Edward spoke sombrely, still in deep shock, then handed the phone to his mother.“Time and tide wait for no man,” announced Josephine. Her voice quivered, sobbed. “I need my family around me. How soon will you be able to get a flight?”Still unable to believe that her father should die so effortlessly, Virginia was already calculating which business meetings could be postponed or delegated. “I’ll have to cancel a business trip. I’m supposed to fly out to Madeira in two days’ time. I’ll ring back when I’ve more definite information.”Bill Sheraton was understanding when she rang. A family bereavement was first priority. He would cancel their flights and rearrange the trip. Sheraton Worldwide Travel wanted to launch a media promotion of their winter holidays and Madeira was one of the chosen destinations.
