The Return: Midnight Chapter 17

Meredith and Matt were sitting at the breakfast table, which seemed sadly empty without Bonnie. It was amazing how much space that slight body had seemed to fil , and how much more serious everyone was without her. Meredith knew that if Elena had done her best, she could have offset it. But she also knew that Elena had one thing on her mind above al others, and that was Stefan, who was stricken with guilt for al owing his brother to abduct Bonnie. And meanwhile Meredith knew that both she and Matt were feeling guilty too, because today they would be leaving the other three, even if only for the evening. They each had been summoned home by parents who demanded to see them for dinner. Mrs. Flowers clearly didn't want them to feel too badly. â€Å"With the help you've given, I can make our urns,†she said. â€Å"Since Matt has found my wheel – â€Å" â€Å"I didn't exactly find it,†Matt said under his breath. â€Å"It was there in the storage room al the time and it fel on me.† † – and since Meredith has received her pictures – along, I'm sure, with an email from Mr. Saltzman – perhaps she could get them enlarged or whatever.† â€Å"Of course, and show them to the Saitous, too, to make sure that the symbols say the things we want them to,†Meredith promised. â€Å"And Bonnie can – â€Å" She broke off short. Idiot! She was an idiot, she thought. And, as a hunter-slayer, she was supposed to be clear-minded and at al times maintain control. She felt terrible when she looked at Matt and saw the naked pain in his face. â€Å"Dear Bonnie wil surely be home soon,†Mrs. Flowers finished for her. And we al know that's a lie, and I don't have to be psychic to detect it, Meredith thought. She noticed that Mrs. Flowers hadn't weighed in with anything from Ma ma. â€Å"We'l al be just fine here,†Elena said, final y picking up the bal as she realized that Mrs. Flowers was looking at her with ladylike distress. â€Å"You two think we're some kind of babies who need to be taken care of,†she said, smiling at Matt and Meredith, â€Å"but you're just babies too! Off you go! But be careful.† They went, Meredith giving Elena one last glance. Elena nodded very slightly, then turned stiffly, mimicking holding a bayonet. It was the changing of the guard. Elena let Stefan help her clean up the dishes – they were al letting him do little things now because he looked so much better. They spent the morning trying to contact Bonnie in different ways. But then Mrs. Flowers asked if Elena could board up the last few of the basement windows, and Stefan couldn't stand it. Matt and Meredith had already done a far more dangerous job. They'd hung two tarps from the house's ridgepole, each one hanging down one side of the main roof. On each tarp were the characters that Isobel's mother put on the Post-it Note amulets she always gave them, painted at an enormous scale in black paint. Stefan had been al owed only to watch and give suggestions from the widow's walk above his attic bedroom. But now†¦ â€Å"We'l nail up the boards together,†he said firmly, and went off to get a hammer and nails. It wasn't real y such a hard job anyway. Elena held the boards and Stefan wielded the hammer and she trusted him not to hit her fingers, which meant that they got on very quickly. It was a perfect day – clear, sunny, with a slight breeze. Elena wondered what was happening to Bonnie, right now, and if Damon was taking care of her properly – or at al . She seemed unable to shake off her worries these last days: over Stefan, over Bonnie, and over a curious feeling that she had to know what was going on in town. Maybe she could disguise herself†¦ God, no! Stefan said voicelessly. When she turned he was spitting out nails and looking both horrified and ashamed. Apparently she'd been projecting. â€Å"I'm sorry,†he said before Elena could get the nails out of her mouth, â€Å"but you know better than anyone why you can't go.† â€Å"But it's maddening not knowing what's happening,†Elena said, having gotten rid of her nails. â€Å"We don't know anything. What's happening to Bonnie, what state the town's in – â€Å" â€Å"Let's finish this board,†Stefan said. â€Å"And then let me hold you.† When the last board was secure, Stefan raised her from the lower embankment where she was sitting, not bride-style, but kid-style, putting her toes on top of his feet. He danced her a little, whirled her a couple of times in the air, and then nabbed her coming down again. â€Å"I know your problem,†he said soberly. Elena looked up quickly. â€Å"You do?†she said, alarmed. Stefan nodded, and to her further alarm said, â€Å"It's Love-itis. Means the patient has a whole slew of people she cares about, and she can't be happy unless each and every one of them is safe and happy themselves.† Elena deliberately slipped off his shoes and looked up at him. â€Å"Some more than others,†she said hesitantly. Stefan looked down at her and then he took her in his arms. â€Å"I'm not as good as you,†he said while Elena's heart pounded in shame and remorse for ever having touched Damon, ever having danced with him, ever having kissed him. â€Å"If you are happy, that's al I want, after that prison. I can live; I can die†¦peaceful y.† â€Å"If we're happy,†Elena corrected. â€Å"I won't tempt the gods. I'l settle for you.† â€Å"No, you can't! Don't you see? If you disappeared again, I'd worry and fret and fol ow you. To Hel if I had to.† â€Å"I'l take you with me wherever I go,†Stefan said hastily. â€Å"If you'l take me with you.† Elena relaxed slightly. That would do, for now. As long as Stefan was with her she could stand anything. They sat and cuddled, right under the open sky, even with a maple tree and a clump of slender waving beeches nearby. She extended her aura a little and felt it touch Stefan's. Peace flooded into her, and al the dark thoughts were left behind. Almost al . â€Å"Since I first saw you, I loved you – but it was the wrong kind of love. See how long it took me to figure that out?†Elena whispered into the hol ow of his throat. â€Å"Since I first saw you, I loved you – but I didn't know who you real y were. You were like a ghost in a dream. But you put me straight pretty quickly,†Stefan said, obviously glad that he could brag about her. â€Å"And we've survived – everything. They say long-distance relationships can be pretty difficult,†he added, laughing, and then he stopped, and she could feel al his faculties fixed on her suddenly, breath stopping so he could hear her better. â€Å"But then, there's Bonnie and Damon,†he said before she could say or think a word. â€Å"We have to find them soon – and they'd damn well better be together – or it had better have been Bonnie's decision to part.† â€Å"There's Bonnie and Damon,†agreed Elena, glad that she could share even her darkest thoughts with someone. â€Å"I can't think about them. I can't not think about them. We do have to find them, and very fast – but I pray that they're with Lady Ulma now. Maybe Bonnie is going to a bal or gala. Maybe Damon is hunting with that Black Ops program.† â€Å"As long as nobody's real y hurt.† â€Å"Yes.†Elena tried hard to tuck herself closer to Stefan. She wanted to – be closer to him, somehow. The way they had when she had been out of her body and she had just sunk into him. But of course, with regular bodies, they couldn't†¦ But of course they could. Now. Her blood†¦ Elena real y didn't know which of them thought of it first. She looked away, embarrassed at even having considered it – and caught the tail end of Stefan looking away too. â€Å"I don't think we have the right,†she whispered. â€Å"Not to – be that happy – when everyone else is miserable. Or doing things for the town or for Bonnie.† â€Å"Of course we don't,†Stefan said firmly, but he had to gulp a little first. â€Å"No,†Elena said. â€Å"No,†Stefan said firmly, and then right in the middle of her echoing â€Å"no,†he went and pul ed her up and kissed her breathless. And of course, Elena couldn't let him do that and not get even. So she demanded, Stillbreathless, but almost angry, that he say â€Å"no†again, and when he did it she caught him and kissed him. â€Å"You were happy,†she accused a moment later. â€Å"I felt it.† Stefan was too much of a gentleman to accuse her of being happy because of anything she might do. He said, â€Å"I couldn't help it. It just happened by itself. I felt our minds together, and that made me happy. But then I remembered about poor Bonnie. And – â€Å" â€Å"Poor Damon?† â€Å"Well, somehow I don't think we need to go so far as to cal him ‘poor Damon.'But I did remember him,†he said. â€Å"Well done,†Elena said. â€Å"We'd better go inside now,†Stefan said. And then hastily, â€Å"Downstairs, I mean. Maybe we can think of something more to do for them.† â€Å"Like what? There's not a thing I can think of. I did meditation and Attempt to Contact by Out-of-Body Experience – â€Å" â€Å"From nine thirty to ten thirty A.M.,†Stefan said. â€Å"And meanwhile I was trying al frequency telepathic cal s. No response.† â€Å"Then we tried with the Ouija board.† â€Å"For half an hour – and al we got was nonsense.† â€Å"It did tel us the clay was coming.† â€Å"I think that was me bumping it toward ‘yes.'† â€Å"Then I tried to tap into the ley lines below us for Power – â€Å" â€Å"From eleven to around eleven thirty,†Stefan recited. â€Å"While I tried to go into hibernation to have a prophetic dream†¦.† â€Å"We really tried hard,†Elena said grimly. â€Å"And then we nailed the last few boards up,†Stefan added. â€Å"Bringing us to a little after twelve thirty P.M.† â€Å"Can you think of a single Plan – we're down to G or H now – that might al ow us to help them any more?† â€Å"I can't. I just honestly can't,†Stefan said. Then he added, hesitantly, â€Å"Maybe Mrs. Flowers has some housework for us. Or† – even more hesitantly, testing the waters – â€Å"we could go into town.† â€Å"No! You're definitely not strong enough for that!†Elena said sharply. â€Å"And there's no more housework,†she added. Then she threw everything to the wind. Every responsibility. Every rationality. Just like that. She began to tow Stefan to the house so they could get there quicker. â€Å"Elena – â€Å" I'm burning my bridges! Elena thought stubbornly, and suddenly she didn't care. And if Stefan cared she would bite him. But it was as if some spel had suddenly come over her so that she felt she would die without his touch. She wanted to touch him. She wanted him to touch her. She wanted him to be her mate. â€Å"Elena!†Stefan could hear what she was thinking. He was torn, of course, Elena thought. Stefan was always torn. But how dare he be torn about this? She turned around to face him, blazing. â€Å"You don't want to!† â€Å"I don't want to do it and then find out I've Influenced you into it!† â€Å"You were Influencing me?†shouted Elena. Stefan threw out his hands and yel ed, â€Å"How can I know when I want you so much?† Oh. Well, that was better. There was a little glitter in Elena's side-eye and she looked at it and realized that Mrs. Flowers had quietly shut a window. Elena darted a glance at Stefan. He was trying not to blush. She doubled over, trying not to laugh. Then she stood on his shoes again. â€Å"Maybe we deserve an hour alone† – dangerously. â€Å"A whole hour?†Stefan's conspiratorial whisper made an hour sound like eternity. â€Å"We do deserve it,†Elena said, enthral ed. She began to tow him again. â€Å"No.†Stefan pul ed her back, lifted her – bridal-style – and suddenly they were going straight up, fast. They shot up three stories and a little more and landed on the platform of the widow's walk above his room. â€Å"But it's locked from inside – â€Å" Stefan stomped on the trapdoor – hard. The door disappeared. Elena was impressed. They floated down into Stefan's room amid a shaft of light and motes of dust that looked like fireflies or stars. â€Å"I'm a little nervous,†Elena said. She heeled her sandals off and slid out of her jeans and top and into bed†¦only to find Stefan already there. They're faster, she thought. As fast as you think you are, they're always faster. She turned toward Stefan in the bed. She was wearing a camisole and underwear. She was scared. â€Å"Don't,†he said. â€Å"I don't even have to bite you.† â€Å"You do so. It's al that weird stuff about my blood.† â€Å"Oh, yeah,†he said, as if he'd forgotten. Elena would bet that he hadn't forgotten a word about her blood†¦al owing vampires to do things they couldn't otherwise. Her life energy gave them back al their human abilities, and he wouldn't forget that. They're smarter, she thought. â€Å"Stefan, it's not supposed to be like this! I'm supposed to parade in front of you in a golden negligee designed by Lady Ulma, with jewels by Lucen and golden stilts – which I don't own. And there are supposed to be scattered flower petals on the bed and roses in little round bubble bowls and white vanil a candles.† â€Å"Elena,†Stefan said, â€Å"come here.† She went into his arms, and let herself breathe in the fresh smel of him, warm and spicy, with a trace of rusty nails. You're my life, Stefan told her silently. We're not going to do anything today. There's not much time, and you deserve your golden negligee and your roses and candles. If not from Lady Ulma, from the finest Earth designers that money can provide. But†¦kiss me? Elena kissed him wil ingly, so glad that he was wil ing to wait. The kiss was warm and comforting and she didn't mind the slight taste of rust. And it was wonderful to be with someone who would provide exactly what she needed, whether that was a slight mind probe, just to make her feel safer, or†¦ And then sheet lightning hit them. It seemed to come from both of them at once, and then Elena involuntarily clamped her teeth on Stefan's lip, drawing blood. Stefan locked his arms around her, and barely waited for her to back off a little, before deliberately taking her lower lip in his own teeth and†¦after a moment of tension that seemed to last forever†¦biting down hard. Elena almost cried out. She almost then and there unleashed the Still-undefined Wings of Destruction on him. But two things stopped her. One, Stefan had never, ever hurt her before. And, two, she was being drawn into something so ancient and mystical that she couldn't stop now. A minute of finessing and Stefan had the two little wounds aligned. Blood surged from Elena's bleeding lip and, in direct connection with Stefan's less serious wound, caused a backflow. Her blood into his lip. And the same thing happened with Stefan's blood; some of it, rich with Power, rushed into Elena. It wasn't perfect. A bead of blood swell ed and stood gleaming on Elena's lip. But Elena couldn't have cared less. A moment later the bead dropped down into Stefan's mouth and she felt the sheer staggering power of how much he loved her. She herself was concentrating on one single tiny feeling, somewhere in the center of this storm they'd cal ed up. This kind of exchange of blood – she was sure as she could be – this was the old way, the way that two vampires could share blood and love and their souls. She was being drawn into Stefan's mind. She felt his soul, pure and unconstrained, swirling around her with a thousand different emotions, tears from his past, joy from the present, al open without a trace of a shield from her. She felt her own soul lift to meet his, herself unshielded and unafraid. Stefan had long ago seen any selfishness, vanity, over-ambition in her – and forgiven it. He'd seen al of her and loved al of her, even the bad parts. And so she saw him, as darkness as tender as rest, as gentle as evensong, wrapping black protective wings around her†¦ Stefan, I†¦ Love†¦I know†¦ That was when someone knocked on the door.

Kinkos

After the reorganization, management layers in the company’s hierarchy were reduced from twelve layers to six. The top management level was represented by the Chief Executive Officer. The company has a centralized approach of management. Many of the decisions that had been made in the stores were made by top management. The concentration of decision-making authority at the upper levels of an organization is often justified based on the need to achieve better coordination and consistency in all the organization activities, operations and policies. Span of Control The Executive Vice President of operations has direct authority over the Vice President of marketing and two general managers for retail operations, operations support, and real estate. These general managers, on the other hand, have a direct control over 18 operations directors. These operations directors have control over the seventy-four district managers and the human resource and technology staff. Grouping Activities in FedEx Kinko’s Office and Print Services, Inc. The company was reorganized by geographical region- East, West, Central, and International. Partners who owned the largest group of stores headed up their regional divisions. The stores have been reorganized into a hub- and- spoke configuration. Does Kinko’s use an organic or mechanistic system to achieve integration? Kinko’s uses a mechanistic system to achieve integration. We can see that FedEx Kinko’s Office and Print Services, Inc. has exemplified the characteristics of highly formalized and â€Å"bureaucratic† organizations. Kinkos’s was relatively a large company; hence, a mechanistic system is very appropriate in order to manage and monitor all stores. In addition, we can notice that managers provide a considerable direction and control over the other.   The company is highly centralized, wherein all the decisions were made by top-level positions. All the operations of the company and the working behavior of the employees are governed by the instruction and decisions issued by superiors. The company has a hierarchic structure of control of authority. In line to this, there is a vertical direction of communication through the organization. All the interaction made is form top to bottom. The company is highly standardized. Qualifications for top executives have been standardized. Each person must be a strong team player, had previously been with successful organization and each held job with high accountability. The company also used formal specification of methods in the performance of a job. In fact, all stores were connected through the Internet so that jobs could be allocated, distributed, or shared, as the need arose. There is a precise definition of obligation for each position or role. For instance, each operation director has the responsibility on the profit and loss in a distinct geographical market. All of these characteristics exemplified by the company have resembled the characteristics of a mechanistic system. References Allen, Gemmy. (1998). Organizing Process. Retrieved April 1, 2008   

The Lost Duke of Wyndham Chapter Six

Jack had always prided himself on being able to spot the irony in any situation, but as he stood in the Belgrave drawing room – correction, one of the Belgrave drawing rooms, surely there were dozens – he could find nothing but stark, cold reality. He'd spent six years as an officer in His Majesty's army, and if he'd learned one thing from his years on the battlefield, it was that life could, and frequently did, turn on a single moment. One wrong turn, one missed clue, and he could lose an entire company of men. But once he returned to Britain, he'd somehow lost sight of that. His life was a series of small decisions and insignificant encounters. It was true that he was living a life of crime, which meant he was always dancing a few steps ahead of the hangman's noose, but it wasn't the same. No one's life depended upon his actions. No one's livelihood, even. There was nothing serious about robbing coaches. It was a game, really, played by men with too much education and too little direction. Who would have thought that one of his insignificant decisions – to take the Lincoln road north instead of south – would lead to this? Because one thing was for certain, his carefree life on the road was over. He suspected that Wyndham would be more than happy to watch him ride away without a word, but the dowager would not be so accommodating. Miss Eversleigh's assurances aside, he was quite certain the old bat would go to extensive lengths to keep him on a leash. Maybe she would not turn him over to the authorities, but she could certainly tell the world that her long-lost grandson was gadding about the countryside robbing coaches. Which would make it damned difficult to continue in his chosen profession. And if he was truly the Duke of Wyndham†¦ God help them all. He was beginning to hope that his aunt had lied. Because no one wanted him in a position of such authority, least of all himself. â€Å"Could someone please explain†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He took a breath and stopped, pressing his fingers against his temples. It felt as if an entire battalion had marched across his forehead. â€Å"Could someone explain the family tree?† Because shouldn't someone have known if his father had been the heir to a dukedom? His aunt? His mother? Himself? â€Å"I had three sons,† the dowager said crisply. â€Å"Charles was the eldest; John, the middle; and Reginald the last. Your father left for Ireland just after Reginald married† – her face took on a visible expression of distaste, and she jerked her head toward Wyndham – â€Å"his mother.† â€Å"She was a Cit,† Wyndham said, with no expression whatsoever. â€Å"Her father owned factories. Piles and piles of them.† One of his brows lifted. Very slightly. â€Å"We own them now.† The dowager's lips tightened, but she did not acknowledge his interruption. â€Å"We were notified of your father's death in July of 1790.† Jack nodded tightly. He had been told the same. â€Å"One year after that, my husband and my eldest son died of a fever. I did not contract the ailment. My youngest son was no longer living at Belgrave, so he, too, was spared. Charles had not yet married, and we believed John to have died without issue. Thus Reginald became duke.† She paused, but other than that expressed no emotion. â€Å"It was not expected.† Everyone looked at Wyndham. He said nothing, â€Å"I will remain,† Jack said quietly, because he didn't see as he had any other choice. And maybe it wouldn't hurt to learn a thing or two of his father. A man ought to know where he comes from. That was what his uncle had always said. Jack was beginning to wonder if he'd been offering forgiveness – in advance. Just in case he decided one day that he wished to be a Cavendish. Of course, Uncle William hadn't met these Cavendishes. If he had, he might've revised that statement entirely. â€Å"Most judicious of you,† the dowager said, clapping her hands together. â€Å"Now then, we – â€Å" â€Å"But first,† Jack cut in, â€Å"I must return to the inn to collect my belongings.† He glanced around the drawing room, almost laughing at the opulence. â€Å"Meager though they are.† â€Å"Nonsense,† the dowager said briskly. â€Å"Your things will be replaced.† She looked down her nose at his traveling costume. â€Å"With items of far greater quality, I might add.† â€Å"I wasn't asking your permission,† Jack said lightly. He did not like to allow his anger to reveal itself in his voice. It did put a man at a disadvantage. â€Å"Nonethe – â€Å" â€Å"Furthermore,† Jack added, because really, he didn't wish to hear her voice any more than he had to, â€Å"I must make explanations to my associates.† At that he looked over at Wyndham. â€Å"Nothing approaching the truth,† he added dryly, lest the duke assume that he intended to spread rumors throughout the county. â€Å"Don't disappear,† the dowager directed. â€Å"I assure you, you will regret it.† â€Å"There's no worry of that,† Wyndham said blandly. â€Å"Who would disappear with the promise of a dukedom?† Jack's jaw tightened, but he forced himself to let it pass. The afternoon did not need another fistfight. And then – bloody hell – the duke abruptly added, â€Å"I will accompany you.† Oh, good God. That was the last thing he needed. Jack swung around to face him, lifting one dubious brow. â€Å"Need I worry for my safety?† Wyndham stiffened visibly, and Jack, who had been trained to notice even the smallest of details, saw that both of his fists clenched at his sides. So he'd insulted the duke. At this point, and considering the bruises he was likely to find staining his throat, he didn't care. He turned to Miss Eversleigh, offering her his most self-effacing smile. â€Å"I am a threat to his very identity. Surely any reasonable man would question his safety.† â€Å"No, you're wrong!† she cried out. â€Å"You misjudge him. The duke – â€Å" She shot a horrified look at Wyndham, and they all were forced to share her discomfort when she realized what she'd said. But she plowed on, determined girl that she was. â€Å"He is as honorable a man as I have ever met,† she continued, her voice low and fervent. â€Å"You would never come to harm in his company.† Her cheeks had flushed with passion, and Jack was struck by the most acidic thought. Was there something between Miss Eversleigh and the duke? They resided in the same house, or castle, as it were, with only an embittered old lady for company. And while the dowager was anything but senile, Jack could not imagine that there was any lack of opportunity to engage in a dalliance under her nose. He watched Miss Eversleigh closely, his eyes falling to her lips. He'd surprised himself when he kissed her the night before. He hadn't meant to, and he certainly had never done such a thing before whilst attempting to rob a coach. It had seemed the most natural thing in the world – to touch her chin, tilt her face up toward his, and brush his lips against hers. It had been soft, and fleeting, and it had taken him until this moment to realize just how deeply he wanted more. He looked at Wyndham, and his jealousy must have shown on his face because his newly discovered cousin looked coolly amused as he said, â€Å"I assure you, whatever violent urges I possess, I shall not act upon them.† â€Å"That is a terrible thing to say,† Miss Eversleigh responded. â€Å"But honest,† Jack acknowledged with a nod. He did not like this man, this duke who had been brought up to view the world as his private domain. But he appreciated honesty, no matter the source. And as Jack looked him in the eye, there seemed to develop an unspoken agreement. They did not have to be friends. They did not even have to be friendly. But they would be honest. Which suited Jack just fine. By Grace's calculations, the men ought to have returned within ninety minutes, two hours at most. She had not spent much time in a saddle, so she was not the best judge of speed, but she was fairly certain that two men on horseback could reach the posting inn in something less than an hour. Then Mr. Audley would need to retrieve his belongings, which could not take very long, could it? And then – â€Å"Get away from the window,† the dowager snapped. Grace's lips tightened with irritation, but she managed to return her expression to one of placidity before she turned around. â€Å"Make yourself useful,† the dowager said. Grace glanced this way and that, trying to decode the dowager's order. She always had something specific in mind, and Grace hated it when she was forced to guess. â€Å"Would you like me to read to you?† she asked. It was the most pleasant of her duties; they were currently reading Pride and Prejudice, which Grace was enjoying immensely, and the dowager was pretending not to like at all. The dowager grunted. It was a no grunt. Grace was fluent in this method of communication. She took no particular pride in this skill. â€Å"I could pen a letter,† she suggested. â€Å"Weren't you planning to respond to the recent missive from your sister?† â€Å"I can write my own letters,† the dowager said sharply, even though they both knew her spelling was atrocious. Grace always ended up rewriting all of her correspondence before it was posted. Grace took a deep breath and then let it out slowly, the exhale shuddering through her. She did not have the energy to untangle the inner workings of the dowager's mind. Not today. â€Å"I'm hot,† the dowager announced. Grace did not respond. She was hoping none was necessary. And then the dowager picked something up off a nearby table. A fan, Grace realized with dismay, just as the dowager snapped it open. Oh, please, no. Not now. The dowager regarded the fan, a rather festive blue one, with Chinese paintings in black and gold. Then she snapped it back shut, clearly just to make it easier for her to hold it before her like a baton. â€Å"You may make me more comfortable,† she said. Grace paused. It was only for a moment, probably not even a full second, but it was her only means of rebellion. She could not say no, and she could not even allow her distaste to show in her expression. But she could pause. She could hold her body still for just enough time to make the dowager wonder. And then, of course, she stepped forward. â€Å"I find the air quite pleasant,† she said once she had assumed her position at the dowager's side. â€Å"That is because you are pushing it about with the fan.† Grace looked down at her employer's pinched face. Some of the lines were due to age, but not the ones near her mouth, pulling her lips into a perpetual frown. What had happened to this woman to make her so bitter? Had it been the deaths of her children? The loss of her youth? Or had she simply been born with a sour disposition? â€Å"What do you think of my new grandson?† the dowager asked abruptly. Grace froze, then quickly regained her composure and resumed fanning. â€Å"I do not know him well enough to form an opinion,† she answered carefully. The dowager continued to look straight ahead as she answered, â€Å"Nonsense. All of the best opinions are formed in an instant. You know that very well. ‘Else you'd be married to that repulsive little cousin of yours, wouldn't you?† Grace thought of Miles, ensconced in her old home. She had to admit, every now and then the dowager got things exactly right. â€Å"Surely you have something to say, Miss Eversleigh.† The fan rose and fell three times before Grace decided upon, â€Å"He seems to have a buoyant sense of humor.† â€Å"Buoyant.† The dowager repeated the word, her voice curious, as if she were testing it out on her tongue. â€Å"An apt adjective. I should not have thought of it, but it is fitting.† It was about as close to a compliment as the dowager ever got. â€Å"He is rather like his father,† the dowager continued. Grace moved the fan from one hand to the other, murmuring, â€Å"Is he?† â€Å"Indeed. Although if his father had been a bit more†¦ buoyant, we'd not be in this mess, would we?† Grace choked on air. â€Å"I'm so sorry, ma'am. I should have chosen my words more carefully.† The dowager did not bother to acknowledge the apology. â€Å"His levity is much like his father. My John was never one to allow a serious moment to pass him by. He had the most cutting wit.† â€Å"I would not say that Mr. Audley is cutting,† Grace said. His humor was far too sly. â€Å"His name is not Mr. Audley, and of course he is,† the dowager said sharply. â€Å"You're too besotted to see it.† â€Å"I am not besotted,† Grace protested. â€Å"Of course you are. Any girl would be. He is most handsome. Pity about the eyes, though.† â€Å"What I am,† Grace said, resisting the urge to point out that there was nothing wrong with green eyes, â€Å"is overset. It has been a most exhausting day. And night,† she added after a thought. The dowager shrugged. â€Å"My son's wit was legendary,† she said, setting the conversation back to where she wished it. â€Å"You wouldn't have thought it cutting, either, but that was simply because he was far too clever. It is a brilliant man who can make insult without the recipient even realizing.† Grace thought that rather sad. â€Å"What is the point, then?† â€Å"The point?† The dowager blinked several times in rapid succession. â€Å"Of what?† â€Å"Of insulting someone.† Grace shifted the fan again, then shook out her free hand; her fingers were cramped from clutching the handle. â€Å"Or I should say,† she amended, since she was quite sure the dowager could find many good reasons to cut someone down, â€Å"of insulting someone with intention of their not noticing it?† The dowager still did not look at her, but Grace could see that she rolled her eyes. â€Å"It is a source of pride, Miss Eversleigh. I wouldn't expect you to understand.† â€Å"No,† Grace said softly. â€Å"I wouldn't.† â€Å"You don't know what it means to excel at something.† The dowager pursed her lips and stretched her neck slightly from side to side. â€Å"You couldn't know.† Which had to be as cutting an insult as any, except that the dowager seemed completely unaware she'd done it. There was irony in there somewhere. There had to be. â€Å"We live in interesting times, Miss Eversleigh,† the dowager commented. Grace nodded silently, turning her head to the side so that the dowager, should she ever choose to turn her head in her direction, would not see the tears in her eyes. Her parents had lacked the funds to travel, but theirs had been wandering hearts, and the Eversleigh home had been filled with maps and books about faraway places. Like it was yesterday, Grace remembered the time they had all been sitting in front of the fire, engrossed in their own reading, and her father looked up from his book and exclaimed, â€Å"Isn't this marvelous? In China, if you wish to insult someone, you say, ‘May you live in interesting times.'† Grace suddenly did not know if the tears in her eyes were of sorrow or mirth. â€Å"That is enough, Miss Eversleigh,† the dowager said suddenly. â€Å"I am quite cooled.† Grace shut the fan, then decided to set it down on the table by the window so she would have a reason to cross the room. Dusk hung only lightly in the air, so it was not difficult to see down the drive. She was not certain why she was so eager to have the two men back – possibly just as proof that they had not killed each other on the trip. Despite defending Thomas's sense of honor, she had not liked the look in his eyes. And she had certainly never known him to attack someone. He'd looked positively feral when he lunged for Mr. Audley. If Mr. Audley had been less of a fighting man himself, she was quite certain Thomas would have done him permanent harm. â€Å"Do you think it will rain, Miss Eversleigh?† Grace turned. â€Å"No.† â€Å"The wind is picking up.† â€Å"Yes.† Grace waited until the dowager turned her attention to a trinket on the table next to her, and then she turned back to the window. Of course the moment she did, she heard – â€Å"I hope it rains.† She held still. And then she turned. â€Å"I beg your pardon?† â€Å"I hope it rains.† The dowager said it again, so very matter-of-fact, as if anyone would wish for precipitation while two gentlemen were out on horseback. â€Å"They will be drenched,† Grace pointed out. â€Å"They will be forced to take each other's measure. Which they will have to do sooner or later. Besides, my John never minded riding in the rain. In fact, he rather enjoyed it.† â€Å"That does not mean that Mr. – â€Å" â€Å"Cavendish,† the dowager inserted. Grace swallowed. It helped her catch her patience. â€Å"Whatever he wishes to be called, I don't think we may assume that he enjoys riding in the rain just because his father did. Most people do not.† The dowager did not seem to wish to consider this. But she acknowledged the statement with, â€Å"I know nothing of the mother, that is true. She could be responsible for any number of adulterations.† â€Å"Would you care for tea, ma'am?† Grace asked. â€Å"I could ring for it.† â€Å"What do we know of her, after all? Almost certainly Irish, which could mean any number of things, all of them dreadful.† â€Å"The wind is picking up,† Grace said. â€Å"I shouldn't want you to get chilled.† â€Å"Did he even tell us her name?† â€Å"I don't believe so.† Grace sighed, because direct questions made it difficult to pretend she wasn't a part of this conversation. â€Å"Dear Lord.† The dowager shuddered, and her eyes took on an expression of utter horror. â€Å"She could be Catholic.† â€Å"I have met several Catholics,† Grace said, now that it was clear that her attempts to divert the subject had failed. â€Å"It was strange,† she murmured. â€Å"None had horns.† â€Å"What did you say?† â€Å"Just that I know very little about the Catholic faith,† Grace said lightly. There was a reason she often directed her comments to a window or wall. The dowager made a noise that Grace could not quite identify. It sounded like a sigh, but it was probably more of a snort, because the next words from her mouth were: â€Å"We shall have to get that taken care of.† She leaned forward, pinching the bridge of her nose with her fingers and looking extremely put out. â€Å"I suppose I shall have to contact the archbishop.† â€Å"Is that a problem?† Grace asked. The dowager's head shook with distaste. â€Å"He is a beady little man who will be lording this over me for years.† Grace leaned forward. Was that movement she saw in the distance? â€Å"Heaven knows what sorts of favors he shall demand,† the dowager muttered. â€Å"I suppose I shall have to let him sleep in the State Bedroom, just so he can say he slept on Queen Elizabeth's sheets.† Grace watched as the two men on horseback came into view. â€Å"They are back,† she said, and not for the first time that evening, wondered just what role she was meant to play in this drama. She was not family; the dowager was certainly correct in that. And despite Grace's relatively lofty position within the household, she was not included in matters pertaining to family or title. She did not expect it, and indeed she did not want it. The dowager was at her worst when matters of dynasty arose, and Thomas was at his worst when he had to deal with the dowager. She should excuse herself. It did not matter that Mr. Audley had insisted upon her presence. Grace knew her position, and she knew her place, and it was not in the middle of a family affair. But every time she told herself it was time to go, that she ought to turn from the window and inform the dowager that she would leave her to talk with her grandsons in private, she could not make herself move. She kept hearing – no, feeling – Mr. Audley's voice. She stays. Did he need her? He might. He knew nothing of the Wyndhams, nothing of their history and the tensions that ran through the house like a vicious, intractable spiderweb. He could not be expected to navigate his new life on his own, at least not right away. Grace shivered, hugging her arms to her chest as she watched the men dismount in the drive. How strange it was to feel needed. Thomas liked to say he needed her, but they both knew that was untrue. He could hire anyone to put up with his grandmother. Thomas needed no one. Nothing. He was marvelously self-contained. Confident and proud, all he really needed was the occasional pinprick to burst the bubble that surrounded him. He knew this, too, which was what saved him from being entirely insufferable. He'd never said as much, but Grace knew it was why they had become friends. She was possibly the only person in Lincolnshire who did not bow and scrape and say only what she thought he wished to hear. But he didn't need her. Grace heard footsteps in the hall and turned, stiffening nervously. She waited for the dowager to order her gone. She even looked at her, raising her brows ever so slightly as if in a dare, but the dowager was staring at the door, determinedly ignoring her. When the men arrived, Thomas walked in first. â€Å"Wyndham,† the dowager said briskly. She never called him anything but his title. He nodded in response. â€Å"I had Mr. Audley's belongings sent up to the blue silk bedroom.† Grace shot a careful look over at the dowager to gauge her reaction. The blue silk bedroom was one of the nicer guest bedchambers, but it was not the largest or most prestigious. It was, however, just down the hall from the dowager. â€Å"Excellent choice,† the dowager replied. â€Å"But I must repeat. Do not refer to him as Mr. Audley in my presence. I don't know these Audleys, and I don't care to know them.† â€Å"I don't know that they would care to know you, either,† commented Mr. Audley, who had entered the room behind Thomas. The dowager lifted a brow, as if to point out her own magnificence. â€Å"Mary Audley is my late mother's sister,† Mr. Audley stated. â€Å"She and her husband, William Audley, took me in at my birth. They raised me as their own and, at my request, gave me their name. I don't care to relinquish it.† He looked coolly at the dowager, as if daring her to comment. She did not, much to Grace's surprise. And then he turned to her, offering her an elegant bow. â€Å"You may refer to me as Mr. Audley if you wish, Miss Eversleigh.† Grace bobbed a curtsy. She was not certain if this was a requirement, since no one had any clue as to his rank, but it seemed only polite. He had bowed, after all. She glanced at the dowager, who was glaring at her, and then at Thomas, who somehow managed to look amused and annoyed at the same time. â€Å"She can't sack you for using his legal name,† Thomas said with his usual hint of impatience. â€Å"And if she does, I shall retire you with a lifelong bequest and have her sent off to some far-flung property.† Mr. Audley looked at Thomas with surprise and approval before turning to Grace and smiling. â€Å"It's tempting,† he murmured. â€Å"How far can she be flung?† â€Å"I am considering adding to our holdings,† Thomas replied. â€Å"The Outer Hebrides are lovely this time of year.† â€Å"You're despicable,† the dowager hissed. â€Å"Why do I keep her on?† Thomas wondered aloud. He walked over to a cabinet and poured himself a drink. â€Å"She is your grandmother,† Grace said, since someone had to be the voice of reason. â€Å"Ah yes, blood.† Thomas sighed. â€Å"I'm told it's thicker than water. Pity.† He looked over at Mr. Audley. â€Å"You'll soon learn.† Grace half expected Mr. Audley to bristle at Thomas's tone of condescension, but his face remained blandly unconcerned. Curious. It seemed the two men had forged some sort of truce. â€Å"And now,† Thomas announced, looking squarely at his grandmother, â€Å"my work here is done. I have returned the prodigal son to your loving bosom, and all is right with the world. Not my world,† he added, â€Å"but someone's world, I'm sure.† â€Å"Not mine,† Mr. Audley said, when no one else seemed inclined to comment. And then he unleashed a smile – slow, lazy, and meant to paint himself as the careless rogue he was. â€Å"In case you were interested.† Thomas looked at him, his nose crinkling in an expression of vague indifference. â€Å"I wasn't.† Grace's head bobbed back to Mr. Audley. He was still smiling. She looked to Thomas, waiting for him to say something more. He dipped his head toward her in wry salute, then tossed back his liquor in one shockingly large swallow. â€Å"I am going out.† â€Å"Where?† demanded the dowager. Thomas paused in the doorway. â€Å"I have not yet decided.† Which meant, Grace was sure, anywhere but here.

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Soft drinks IPP holds the franchise for Coca Cola carbonated soft drinks brands:- Coca Cola, Fanta Orange, Sprite, Fanta Passion, Fanta Pineapple, Fanta Black Currant, Sparletta Citrus, Sparletta Classic, Sparletta Pinenut, Stoney Tangawizi, Krest, Bitter Lemon, Krest Ginger Ale, Krest Tonic Water and Krest Club Soda. Over the years, numerous quality awards of gold and silver medals have been won bearing witness to the seriousness and importance attached to quality. Beer Carlsberg; Probably the best beer in the World. IPP is the sole importer and distributor of Carlsberg, the internationally known premium larger. Spirits Several brands are professionally blended and packed to meet national and international quality standards; these brands include, the exotic spirits of Hakuna Matata, Zanzibar Desire and Kilimanjaro Ecstasy describe local fundamental nature, aroma and taste and promise pleasure to all palates. IPP Households and beauty: Body soaps IPP is involved in the manufacturing and distribution of a number of leading soap brands including REVOLA, Tanzanias foremost beauty soap. It also manufactures and distributes under license the GIV Beauty Soap from PT. Wings Surya (Indonesia). A fully-fledged laboratory ensures the highest quality standards for its products. Body soap products are readily available throughout Tanzania, via a strong network of own depots, agents and distributors. Export markets include Congo, Zambia and Burundi. Detergents TESA ULTRA WASHING POWDER, one of the leading and most widely used brands in East and Central Africa. Under IPP Minerals and Prospecting category there are: Mining, cutting, polishing IPP carries on the business of mining, cutting, faceting and polishing of precious stones and uses modern state of the art equipment manned by very skilled staff. Precious stones cut and polished include Tanzanite, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Alexandrite. The cut and polished gemstones cater to the needs of the Tanzanian market and for exports worldwide. Prospecting Currently prospecting for Diamonds, Gold and Platinum in various concessions within Tanzania. ORGANISATION STRATEGIES Rigorous performance and financial management. Integrity, honesty and moral standards. Continuous product research, innovation and product quality. Responsible corporate citizen. Making a real and sustainable difference in markets in which IPP has business interests. Human capital development. Unparalleled service excellence. VISION To be the worlds most admired diversified company with regard to employee and customer satisfaction. MISSION Ability to spot and harness opportunities Employee satisfaction Competent leadership and management Business innovation and creativity Service excellence ORGANISATION STRUCTURE According to Mullins, (2005:596) Structure is the pattern of relationships among positions in the organisation and among members of the organisation. Structure makes possible the application of the process of management and creates framework of order and command through which the activities of the organisation can be planned, organised, directed and controlled. The structure defines tasks and responsibilities, work roles and relationships, and channels of communications. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE FOLLOWED BY THE IPP GROUP The IPP group of companies has cloned its organization structure from Organic according to the nature of the business. The Organic is very flexible and it has enabled the company to run all kinds of business effectively .This is due to the decentralization approach applied, where some decision making are carried out by heads of department rather than top management.. For the case of IPP groups channel of communication, is highly structured and is open to allow flow of information in all level within the company. The IPP group has. Organic structure which is flexible in attaining its objectives such that: It supports innovation It is free more adaptable to the organization to changing circumstances Channel of communication are open with free flow of information throughout organization. Operating style allow to vary freely Authority for decision making based on the expertise of individual in all division of work More consensual and more loosely controlled It emphasis on getting things done and un constrained by formally laid down procedures In case o decision making is made in participation and group consensus ORGANISATION CULTURE According to Cook, C et al (1997, p 112) defined organization culture as the fundamental assumption people share about an organizations values , beliefs, norms, symbols, language , rituals and myths. All of the expressive elements that gives meaning to organization membership and are accepted as guide to behavior. The following are the IPP group organization culture. Transparency- IPP group of companies encourage transparency to its operations from its core divisions of media (Radio, television, investigative news from news papers) Symbols- the IPP group of companies has a status symbol that communicate social position and pecking order in hierarchy, and their Grandness gives a good indicator about how much importance is attached to hierarchy as an organization principle Rites and Ceremonies- it is carried on during retirement and farewell parties and can be used as a sign of a happy family as well ritual of taking a new comer around and introducing the person to new colleague Power Culture: A power culture found in IPP group relies on Trust, empathy, and personal communication for effectiveness. Task Culture: This seeks to bring together the right resources and people and utilize the unifying power of the IPP group. They also have unique and robust culture of entrepreneurial team work and strategic focus. ORGANISATION BEHAVIOR According to Cook, C et al (1997 p 9) defined organizational behavior as behaviors of individuals and groups within an organization, and the interactions between the organization and environmental forces. The IPP group of company has the responsibility to create conducive working environment that are excellent for both employees and organization. THE IPP EMPLOYEES The people who work for IPP are the cornerstone of companys success. The group is also committed to not only receiving value from employees, but also delivering value to them. To this end IPP group systematically implement a company-wide system aimed at fostering an inspiring and caring environment. Through teamwork and communication, the goal is to harness the exceptional intellectual capital they already have within the organization and provide an opportunity for this to be recognized, rewarded and fulfilled. CUSTOMERS The group continues to seek innovative ways to understand the needs of its potential customers who they see as their business partners. Through their internal and external service excellence chain, they have always managed to come up with solutions that meet their business partners needs. IPPs success is evident in market leadership in the sectors in which they operate. SWOT analysis SWOT ANALYSIS FOR IPP GROUP OF COMPANY Strengths Availability of latest technology which meet the need of the organization Good infrastructure that cater demand for production- warehouses, offices, transportation, communication system Availability of skilled labors Wide range of products Good distribution system through deport and agents Well known brand names example coca cola, Kilimanjaro pure drinking water, the guardian news paper, and local news paper like majira, nipashe etc Weaknesses Unpredictable and seasonal market Weak collaboration and networking Inadequate support from government Shortage of resources and equipments Shortage of expertise Lack of job security Opportunities High local demand of information Larger regional and international markets Financial access from financial institutions Political stability Availability of training institution to train staff Availability of broadcasting Act and Policy Threats Other competitors in the market Frequently technological change Natural disasters Conflict between the Government and IPP Media (political conflict) Outdated law governing media sectors Brain drain Constraints: IPP group of companies faces the following constraints: Market constraints: IPP group of companies faces market challenges from other competitor who are in the market doing the same business. Also the market forces caused by demand and supply as well the change of price due to currency stability. Technological constraints: rapid change of technology is one of the challenges which the IPP group is facing in today world. If the company is unable to cope with changes of technology this will cause the inability to compete in the market in terms of production of quality product. Financial constraints: Poor allocation of fund and poor budgeting (under budgeting and over budgeting). Prioritization and allocation of resources are to be allocated in highly demand area within the organization. Legal constraints: the new introduced policy which may hinder the companys activities as well the outdated policy which does not favor the operation of the organization. Organisation Competitors IPP group of companies have many competitors in its market, from media, beverages, and in mining division. These competitors include Media competitors Global Publishers Ltd, Habari Corporation, Business Times, Mwananchi Communication, Sahara Communication Ltd and Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC). Beverages Competitors Bakhresa Group of Companies, Nyanza Bottles Mining Competitors Tanzanite One and Barrick Gold Mining Ltd BARRIERS TO MANAGING CHANGE People tend to be resistant to change. It is important therefore for management of IPP Group to understand the reasons for, and nature of, resistance and to adopt a clearly defined strategy for the initiation of change. Barriers to Managing Change in IPP Group are Organisation Culture Once the organisation culture change suddenly it hinders the process of managing change as people within the organisation are not read to accept any change due to fear of loosing their job, positions, demotion. Economic Implications. Employees of IPP are likely to resist change which is consider as threat to their direct and in direct pay or other rewards. Some times changes increase levels of work for the same levels of payments. Past contract or agreement. IPP entered into contracts or agreements with other parties, such as (Coca cola companies).Theses contracts and agreement can limit changes in behaviours like operating under special license or permit or fixed price contract to supply goods/services to a Government agencies. STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME BARRIERS TO MANAGING CHANGE The following are proposed strategies to overcome barriers to Managing Change. Education and Communication This will help staffs to learn the reason for the change, how it will take form, and the likely consequences will be. Communication is required to reduce anxiety and ensure that staffs understand what is happening, what will be the expected of them and how they will be supported in adopting to change. Participation and Involvement The Management of IPP Groups should encourage those involved in designing and implementation of changes in order to give out their ideas and foster commitment. Participation increases understanding, enhances feelings of control, minimise uncertainty, and promote a feeling of ownership when change directly affect staffs. If people within the organisation are involved about bringing change it is difficult for them to resist. Facilitation and Support Whenever there are changes, IPP Group Management should encourage, support, counsel, train and provide resources to help those affected by change to cope with new requirements. Through facilitation and support, managers have a better chance of bringing the change and commitment to make it work. Negotiation and Agreement During powerful resistance on implementing changes, management of IPP Group should negotiate and agree with staff through their representatives on how to implement changes. Conclusion: IPP group of companies is still progressing despite of challenges from competitors and market forces. Proper allocation of resources that is human resources, operation resources, financial resources and raw materials is required to be improved through improved through imposing changes in terms of organisation Culture and Change Management. Developing strategies that will lead to better change. MEDIA BEVERAGES HOUSEHOLDS AND BEAUTY CARE STRATEGIC VENTURES MINERALS PROSPECTING AND MINING