An April Girl

the long version

As secretary to Lucille Pallys, rich owner of a chain of highly successful beauty shops, Philippa had a fascinating job, with lots of travel, social life and glamour. She was the most competent and devoted girl Friday Lucille had ever had, and she run through dozens. Then at a Rainwood family wedding, Philippa and Rupert met, and his first impression of her coolness and composure was soon replaced by the knowledge that beneath this, Philippa had her own kind of charm, high spirits, and a great capacity for enjoying simple things. But why had she deliberately sunk her identity into coping with Lucille's business empire? Why her reserve and uncertainty and refusal to reach personal decisions? Rupert was sure of his own feelings and as clear minded as a young solicitor should be. What was needed with his "April Girl" was something different: patience, understanding, a refusal to be discouraged. Lucille, who had other plans for Philippa's future, was implacably opposed to the courtship. In her sister Grandma Rainwood, who held the family clan together, Rupert had an invaluable ally.