Letitia ignored the tiny gasp she heard from Harriet. “Ah, of course, yes. Yes, I did meet with him. That’s where I met Harry, as I believe I mentioned.”
“You may have done so, but I was so engrossed in Miss Harry’s story, I neglected to pay attention to that important detail. So tell me now?”
She chose her words carefully. “He seemed most favourably inclined toward my work.”
James stopped dead. “Letitia.” He turned her by the shoulders to face him. “That is splendid news. I couldn’t be more thrilled.”
His arms went around her and he pulled her close in a warm hug.
And oh my goodness, did Letitia wish he’d linger there just a little longer. His arms were strong around her, bands of iron holding her against him.
She sighed with pleasure, then a little cough from Harriet recalled her to the present. “Well, thank you, James. But it’s not entirely cause for celebration…”
He released her, and perhaps she imagined it, but she could have sworn he sighed as well. “In what way?”
They resumed their progress, Letitia’s heart beating a bit faster than was usual for a stroll along country paths. “Well, he has given me the manuscript and there are editorial suggestions included. Things he says will strengthen not only the content of the book, but also the chances that it will be read by many more people.”
He tilted his head to one side and glanced at her. “What do these suggestions encompass? Not a rewrite, surely…”
“No, no. I’m sure not.”
“You haven’t looked?”
She bit her lip. “I’m rather afraid to.”
“Coward,” he teased. “But you do think he found it appealing, overall?”
“I do, yes.” She took a breath. “He even went so far as to write up a contract. If I can satisfy his suggestions, then he will sign it.”
“Good heavens.” James sounded astonished. “That sounds quite unusual and leads me to endorse your opinion. He was definitely interested.”
“Yes. So I must be brave and review the manuscript soon.”
“Would you like my help? You have never allowed me to read it, but I consider myself a relatively literate sort of gentleman. Perhaps another viewpoint would be of use?”
Letitia shook her head. “Let me work on it first. But thank you, James. I will most certainly call upon you for advice and assistance if the need arises…there’s no-one else whose opinion I trust more than yours.”
“You promise?”
“I promise. Word of a lady.”
“In that case, Miss Letitia, Miss Harry…” James disengaged himself, “we have reached the place where we must part.”
Letitia realized the lane diverged and he was correct. She’d lost track of where they were in the delight she always experienced in his company. “Oh my goodness, indeed that is so.” She turned to him with a smile. “Thank you, James. As always an hour in your company raises my spirits, enlightens my mind and exercises my body.”
“My, my. All that?” His eyebrows rose.
“Yes, you jester.” She laughed at him, then daringly leaned over and dropped a brief kiss on his cheek. “Thank you dear friend. And good luck with the ballroom.” Moving quickly away, she nodded at Harriet. “Come then, Harry. We’ve had our walk. Time to attack that manuscript.”
“Yes, Miss Letitia. A lovely walk indeed.” Harriet dropped a polite curtsey to James. “Sir.”
“Good day, ladies.”
They departed as he raised his hat, then replaced it and headed away from them to FitzArden Hall.
“A very pleasant gentleman,” remarked Harry.
“Yes, isn’t he?”
