This was clearly an office that was used a lot.
Letitia was comforted by the nature of her surroundings. Books, to her, were friends. It was delightful to be in the company of so many of them all at once.
Mr. Lesley arrived via another door, apparently disdaining the humble frontage. He bowed and seated Letitia, offering tea—which she politely declined.
“Thank you sir, it’s a pleasure to see you once more.” She produced the bundled manuscript she had wrapped carefully earlier in the morning. “I have worked through your suggestions as diligently as possible. And of course I’m hoping they meet with your approval.”
With her heart in her throat, she placed the package on Mr. Lesley’s desk.
“I’m very happy to hear that, Miss Smith.” He eyed her with a slight smile. “I am glad to know thatLady Corinthhas devoted herself to this work.”
Letitia froze. Then sighed. “Damn.” The oath was soft, but made Lesley laugh. “I really did my best, you know.” She shook her head.
“I understand completely. And if it’s of any comfort, I shall continue to refer to you as Miss Smith. No one shall know that Miss Smith and Lady Corinth are one and the same.”
She inclined her head. “I appreciate your discretion, Mr. Lesley.”
“I’m not about to jeopardize the success of what I foresee as a very popular book by offending its author.”
“Really?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t offend you for anything. Even a best-selling novel.”
“No, I meant you thinkCytherean Taleswill be very popular?”
“In my professional opinion, your book has great potential to attract interest, discussion and probably more than a little outrage.”
“Oh dear.” Letitia’s heart skipped a beat. “Is that bad?”
“Not at all,” Lesley shook his head. “The more outrageous it is deemed, the better it will sell.”
“And in your personal opinion?” She had to ask.
“I’ve given it a lot of thought, my dear. I’ve been in this business a long time and I’ve seen books that are worthy of a place on every bookshelf in the country, and others that are barely worthy of wrapping dead fish.” He sighed. “I have even published a couple of those. I don’t ever intend to do so again, which is why I devote my full attention to each and every book we accept.”
“You are thorough.”
“Yes, I am. My name as publisher is worth something. Thus the fact that not only do I think your book has merit—I believe it will sell extremely well—is based on my experience.” He tapped the manuscript. “You, my dear, have created a volume that will appeal to men with its more lascivious passages, but will also appeal to women on an educational level. And that, may I say, is a rare feat of literary brilliance.”
“Oh, goodness me.”
Letitia caught her breath as Lesley’s words sank into her mind. He reallydidlike her book, and he’d actually understood her underlying reason for writing it. Well, apparently miracles were still happening in this world.
“I’ve surprised you.”
His observation surprised a chuckle out of her. “That is an understatement, Mr. Lesley. You’ve stunned me. I’m finding myself hovering between euphoria and terror.”
“Well now, that’s to be expected.” He nodded genially. “I have heard similar sentiments from that very chair more than a few times.” He turned to a shelf behind him and pulled out a pile of what looked to Letitia like samples of leather. “As far as binding goes, I think the lighter and more feminine we can manage, the more likely we are to pull in the ladies. What do you say?”
He put several pieces of skin on the table, and Letitia moved closer, extending a hand and touching the soft stuff reverently. There was a blushing pink, which was most attractive, a dove grey, a beautiful warm reddish brown, and a pale lavender shade. Each was slightly textured and she looked up at the shelves behind him to see if there were any samples.
“Don’t bother,” he advised. “These just arrived last week and I immediately thought ofCytherean Tales. We haven’t used any of them yet…your book will be the first.”
“If you accept it,” cautioned Letitia.
He sat back. “I’ll confess, Miss Smith. Had you refused to make those changes, I’d have accepted it anyway. I do feel that if you’ve dealt with some of my suggestions, it will be a stronger story and thus sell even better. But either way, I know quality when I see it. So what would you think about using the pink?”
A quarter of an hour was spent in debate about the various merits of pink leather over the others; and included the consequent discussion on type, cover imprint colours and other physical details that sent Letitia’s head whirling.
