“Yes, they do.”
“Then you may reassure her that yes, there is indeed a very active interest in such books. I think it fair to describe this as erotic, if you’ll forgive my blunt words. And such volumes have achieved very healthy sales numbers, while not necessarily finding their way into the most popularly visited sections of bookshops or libraries.”
“Ah,” exclaimed Letitia. “I see what you mean.”You’re going to make a fortune selling my book under the counter.
It was no more or less than she’d expected.
“Well then, if you have no more questions from the lady, it only remains for me to mention our publication schedule. We have a number of volumes that need to be set up for printing; that means that within three to four months, we would have an opening forCytherean Tales. In fact,” he tilted his head to one side in thought, “January might be an excellent month to debut the work. We could make sure to get the word out to…” He stopped, looked at Letitia, and chuckled. “There I go. The publisher always trying to ensure the success of a book.”
“Is that not a good thing?”
“I suppose it’s a good thing for everyone, but it does sometimes send my conversation down paths that can be hard to follow.” He rose. “It’s been delightful meeting you, Miss Smith.’
Letitia rose too. “Thank you, Mr. Lesley. I have enjoyed our conversation, and will make sure that Lady Corinth reviews your suggestions immediately. I take it you would like to hear from her before Christmas?”
“Even sooner if possible.” He thought for a moment. “Would December first be acceptable, do you think? An informal deadline which should give her time to consider the changes and perhaps complete them?”
“I believe that should be acceptable, yes.” She turned and picked up the contract. “What about this? Will it still be valid at that time?”
“Yes.” Mr. Lesley drew himself up. “We believe it to be a fair offer, and Lesley and Sons does not withdraw such an offer lightly. Unless, of course, Lady Corinth herself refuses the contract or submits her document elsewhere.” He frowned. “We do not consider work that has been shopped around, as it were.”
“Of course,” said Letitia soothingly. “You have my personal assurance, Mr. Lesley. Lady Corinth has always been committed to the idea of publishing with Lesley and Sons. She wouldn’t dream of going elsewhere, I’m convinced.”
He nodded. “That is good news. Now I must take my leave.” He picked up his hat.
Letitia curtseyed. “Of course. As must I.”
He opened the door. “Your maid awaits you, I trust?”
“Oh, I…” She hesitated. Yes, she would have a maid with her. Of course she would. If she was who she claimed to be. Thinking frantically, she glanced through the door and saw Harriet sitting quietly in one corner of the inn’s foyer. “There she is.” Meeting Harriet’s eyes, she beckoned, and Harriet stood then walked toward her.
“Excellent,” approved Mr. Lesley. “I see I can leave you in safe hands.” He doffed his hat. “A pleasure, Miss Smith.”
“Thank you again, sir.” Letitia smiled and then turned to Harriet. “Would you get my cloak, please, Harry? We’re ready to leave.”
*~~*~~*
“You don’t mind the walk?”
Letitia glanced at her companion as they began the journey back to Ridlington Chase.
“Not at all.” Harriet looked around. “This countryside is so lovely. And the air is clean and fresh. A delightful change from the metropolis, I can assure you.” She carried a small portmanteau, but without effort. There could not be much inside.
“Good. Because we must talk.” Letitia formulated her thoughts. “As you guessed, I pretended you were my maid. Mr. Lesley expected me to be accompanied and for reasons I’ll go into shortly, it was necessary to meet those expectations.”
“Yes, I gathered as much.” Harriet nodded. “It was indeed clever of you.”
“Not so much clever as a momentary improvisation. However,” continued Letitia, “it has given me an idea as to how to solve your problem and also assist me with mine.”
“Oh?” Harriet’s eyes turned to Letitia in curiosity. “I am all ears, Miss Letitia.”
“I think you should actuallybemy maid.”
Harriet’s mouth fell open, and if it hadn’t been a matter of import, Letitia would have been hard pressed not to laugh at the picture she presented.
“What?”
“If you’re agreeable, that is.” Letitia guided Harriet onto the lane toward the Chase. “You were the one who actually began my train of thought on this very topic. You said you needed to be invisible.” She glanced at Harriet. “Who is more invisible than a lady’s maid?”
