The “my dear” made her grit her teeth. He had no business speaking to her in such a familiar fashion. But she was not about to kick him out of the house until she knew why he had come to see her.
“Thank you,” she said instead. “I was rather pleased myself that I managed to escape, especially considering the alternative. Now, if you don’t mind, sir, I would rather discuss another subject—any other subject.”
Humphrey looked chagrined. “How very insensitive of me. I swear I did not mean to focus on such a disturbing topic. I merely intended to convey my great admiration for your daring and bravery. The truth, however, is that I came here today for an entirely different reason.”
“Last night you indicated that you wanted to compare our observations on various foreign locales.”
“Actually, I wanted to do more than compare notes.” Humphrey picked up one of the small tea cakes on the tray and took a bite. “I believe I mentioned my admiration for your writing talent. The essays you pen for theFlying Intelligencerare quite remarkable. I am told that readers await each piece with the same eagerness that they await the next installment of whatever sensation novel the paper happens to be publishing.”
Amity blushed. “I am very pleased that my little essays have attracted an audience.”
“Quite a large audience, I understand. My own talents, whatever they may be, are confined to the field of photography.”
His uncharacteristic modesty amused her.
“You are quite brilliant with a camera, sir,” she said briskly. “As no doubt you are well aware. I would also add that you are a very entertaining speaker. So many of those who lecture on the subject of exploration and travel have a gift for putting the audience to sleep. But last night the crowd hung on your every word.”
“Thank you.” A determined glint appeared in Humphrey’s eyes. “Our talents appear to complement each other very well, wouldn’t you say?”
Now they were getting to the heart of the matter, Amity thought.
“Well, I had not thought about it in quite those terms,” she said, “but I suppose one could say that was true. Your photographs certainly speak volumes.”
“But it is your writing that speaks to the wider audience because your observations are in print for all to read. I will come straight to the point. I recently paid a visit to the gentleman who is going to publish your book.”
Alarm flashed through her. She had allowed herself to be influenced by Benedict and Penny, she thought. Nevertheless, her own intuition was finally rising to the occasion.
“You saw Mr. Galbraith?” She felt as if she were walking across quicksand now.
“Yes.” Humphrey’s eyes lit with determined enthusiasm. “He told me a great deal about your travel guide for ladies. He seems to think it will sell very well.”
“Mr. Galbraith has been very encouraging.” Amity picked up the teapot. “I am putting the final touches on the manuscript now.”
“It occurred to me that the book would sell to a much broader audience if you and I engaged in a collaboration.”
A hansom rolled to a halt in the street. Automatically Amity glanced out the window. She saw Benedict emerge from the cab.
Distracted, she set the teapot down so sharply the china rang on the silver tray. She considered the possibility that she had not heard Humphrey correctly.
“I’m sorry, what did you just say?” she asked carefully.
He gave her a winning smile. “I am merely suggesting that you and I collaborate on your travel guide.”
She went quite blank. “I don’t understand. I have almost completed the manuscript. There is nothing left to collaborate on, if you see what I mean.”
“That is wonderful news. It means that all that is necessary is to add my name to the title page.”
“Your name?” She stared at him. “Sir, it’s a guide for ladies going abroad. Not gentlemen.”
“I realize that. But only consider how much more authoritative your guide will appear if my name is also on the cover.”
Anger crackled through Amity. “I am well aware that your name carries a great deal of weight in certain quarters, but you did not write the book, Mr. Nash. I wrote it.”
Benedict was on the top step now. He banged the knocker. Amity watched Mrs. Houston hurry past the open door of the drawing room on her way to respond to the summons.
“You saw how many ladies were in the audience last night,” Humphrey said. There was an edge of urgency in his tone. “I don’t want to sound vain, but I do have a way with women. Just imagine if I were to give a series of travel lectures like that one with the goal of publicizingA Lady’s Guide to Globetrotting.We could make the book available for purchase at the door along with my photographs. I’m sure the lectures would dramatically increase sales. Together we could make a great deal of money, Amity.”
Mrs. Houston opened the front door.
