This scene is set in a fashionable restaurant frequented by businesspeople. At a discreet corner table, two people are sitting opposite one another. The woman is about sixty, while the man is much younger, maybe between thirty-five and forty. The wine waiter comes and asks the man to taste the wine.
Margaret PEAKE: It is strange for me to think that we shall never negotiate with one another again. I didn’t think that my retirement would come around so quickly! Anyway, we’ve had some great battles. You must have really hated me sometimes?
Carl RITCHIE (smiling): Is that what you think? Not at all! Quite the contrary! Generally our discussions were quite easy, quite relaxed, quite friendly. Though I must confess that the word “quite” is important! (Suddenly he becomes serious again, almost embarrassed, after a pause) I wonder if, now, I could ask you a favor that I have long dreamed of asking. If you are willing, I would like you, with the benefit of hindsight, to offer me some advice, to enable me to become a better negotiator when I am dealing with buyers as tough as you were once with me. (Then, as if confiding a secret) I have very clear memories of situations with you, when I had thought that I was unable to clinch a sale, or clinched it on unsatisfactory terms. I would love to discuss those situations again, if you remember them.
Margaret PEAKE: I think that I remember them perfectly.