“Which isconsiderable.” Peter shot her a dirty look and helpedhimself to another brandy. “And anyway, do you really thinkyou’llbe able to write a book?” He cast her such a doubtful look that she was tempted to smack him.
“Why wouldn’t I be able to? I’m perfectly literate.”
“Yes, but you must admit, you aren’t the most organized person. And you have a tendency not to finish your projects. Remember when you decided to learn Italian? That lasted all of three weeks.”
“I learned some very useful phrases,” she retorted. “For example, mio fratello è uno stupido.”
The nerve of him. True, her papers were perpetually out of order and she could never find two shoes that matched without help from her maid, but that had nothing to do with whether she could write up a few comments on attractions she knew like the back of her hand! Once she really put her mind to something, she could accomplish it. After all, she was the only one in the family who’d built up a profitable business from nothing. That should have earned her some respect.
“Or the time you insisted you were going to be a harpist and begged Father to buy you a harp,” Peter continued. Once he was on a subject that made him feel superior, he could keep talking all day. “Whatever happened to that? Gathering dust in the attic, isn’t it?”
“I’m a passionate person; I won’t apologize for sampling what life has to offer,” Della snapped. “Anyway, let’s not dwell on the past. I’ve stuck with Bishop’s for three years now. That should count for something.”
“Don’t be silly. Everyone knows your friend did all the work.”
Murder. I shall murder this sad excuse for a Danby, just as soon as I’ve gotten what I need from him.
“Mrs. Williams didn’t doallthe work.” Della had to force the words through her clenched jaw. “In fact, I’m practically running the place alone since her confinement.” That might have been an exaggeration, but Jane would forgive the fib if she knew Della’s characterwas under attack.
But it didn’t persuade Peter, who merely snorted. “I fear for its solvency then.”
Oh, to be an only child!
Weren’t siblings supposed to be kind and helpful? She had yet to meet any that fit the bill.
“Will you agree to meet the publisher with me or won’t you? If I have to trouble Papa, I’ll be sure to mention you refused to do it.”
It wasn’t that Dellacouldn’task her father if it came to that. It was only that he spent most of his time sampling cigars with his friends or out on hunting trips. She was likely to seek him out on the appointed date of her meeting only to find he’d departed for the countryside and forgotten all about her. It wouldn’t be the first time.
“Fine, fine,” Peter relented. “For my usual fee.”
A bottle of good champagne, which she got from Bishop’s at wholesale price (or for free, as far as Peter was concerned).
“Agreed.”
“Annabelle and I would never get away with half the things you do,” he muttered darkly.
This was only true if one considered the things Della did were frequently odd endeavors, and neither of her siblings endeavored much of anything. But if one counted every scandalous mishap, regardless of its nature, there was certainly a family resemblance.
Never mind. Peter had agreed to what she wanted. She wouldn’t prolong her own suffering by dragging this conversation out.
“Just so it doesn’t surprise you, there will be a gentleman author present as well, the Viscount Ashton—”
“The one who wrote the guidebook?” Peter interrupted. “I consult it regularly! How did you meet him?”
“If you would let me finish a sentence, I was getting to that.” Della narrowed her eyes. “He’s mentoring me for the book. It’s going to bea companion guide for ladies.”
“Why on earth didn’t you tell me from the start? I’d love to meet him! I have so many suggestions for the section on public houses.”
Of course. Whenshehad a project, it was embarrassing and absurd, but when Viscount Ashton did the same, he was an authority to be respected—nay, swooned over.
“I think it’s too late to make suggestions now. Please don’t embarrass me by insisting.”
“It would serve you right to be embarrassed for once.” But Peter couldn’t maintain his arch tone for more than a minute before it gave way to awe once more. “What’s Lord Ashton like? I expect he’s quite fashionable. Did he say what haunts are favored this season?”
“I didn’t ask.” Della glanced at the clock, eager to be on her way. “As to what he’s like, the best description I can find is ‘appallingly condescending.’ The two of you should get along famously.”
Four
