“That must be the author now,” Josiah said.
A moment later, a surprisingly young woman swept into the office. She wore a military-style blue spencer over a blue and white striped gown with minimal decoration on the hem. Roman thought she looked stylish, but he did not keep up on current fashions, particularly women’s.
Ellis drew in a sharp but soft breath. Roman snapped his head toward his secretary. The sound she’d made was not loud enough to carry to anyone else, and the flicker of recognition in her gaze was gone as quickly as he detected it. Perhaps he was mistaken.
He shifted his focus to Miss Brightly and could have sworn he saw the same flash of recognition in her expression, but it was quickly replaced with confusion.
“Miss Euphemia Brightly?” Roman asked. “I am Lord Keele.”
Miss Brightly dipped a curtsy. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, my lord.”
Roman caught Ellis’s expression. She had her lips pressed together as if she were trying not to laugh or smile, but that didn’t make sense. What was going on between her and Miss Brightly?
He looked back to the author, but she still appeared perplexed. “This is Mr. Lacey and his daughter, Miss Lacey.”
Miss Brightly walked over to the desk and held out her hand to Margot. “I’ve enjoyed our correspondence.”
“I have too,” Margot said warmly.
Roman noted that Miss Brightly went to Margot first instead of Josiah. She ought to have addressed him first, but perhaps she didn’t know that. Except her clothing and demeanor gave him the impression she was Quality. Why was she writing novels? She was of a marriageable age and very beautiful, with blonde hair and wide, blue-green eyes that reminded him of the sea on a summer day. Indeed, she was an ideal English beauty.
Miss Brightly turned her attention to Josiah. “Mr. Lacey, I do appreciate you meeting with me today. It is my honor to have your interest in my book.”
“I’m delighted to meet you,” Josiah said. “My daughter cannot stop raving about your novel. I confess I found it rather provocative. It’s sure to generate a great deal of conversation.”
Roman agreed. Miss Brightly had penned a story that would surely set Society on its ear, for the protagonist of the novel, Miss Dinah Peabody, does not end up wed despite having two very different suitors. Instead of choosing either of them, she chooses herself. Rather, she chooses to be an independent woman, which her aunt’s wealth will allow.
“I hope that means you enjoyed it,” Miss Brightly said coyly.
“I did, in fact,” Josiah replied, though Roman didn’t think his enthusiasm for the content matched his daughter’s. Instead, Josiah almost certainly saw the potential for great sales because of the novel’s controversial ending.
“I liked it immensely,” Roman said, drawing Miss Brightly’s regard. “I found it very interesting and unique.”
“I should like to read it,” Ellis said.
Roman realized he’d been remiss in introducing her. “Miss Brightly, this is my secretary, Mr. Ellis. He’ll be recording notes from our meeting day.”
That look of recognition flashed—very briefly—again in Miss Brightly’s gaze. One of her sculpted blonde brows arched. “Mr. Ellis?”
Ellis nodded. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Brightly.”
“Likewise,” the author murmured with the faintest hint of a smile.
Once again, Roman had the sense there was something going on. In fact, he was almost certain of it. Did the author know Ellis? More accurately, did Miss Brightly know Ellis as a woman? She would have to. Roman didn’t think Ellis had masqueraded as a man in any other situation.
“Shall we sit?” Josiah extended his arm toward the table and moved toward the chair at the head. “Come sit beside me, Miss Brightly.” Josiah indicated the seat to his left.
Margot went to take the chair on her father’s right, and Roman hastened to hold it for her. He nearly did the same for Ellis before recalling that she was a man. He needed to stop thinking of her as a woman, but that had become difficult since he’d made out the distinct feminine curve of her backside. He’d also noticed that she let her voice pitch upward when they were alone. He assumed that her natural voice, which, while deeper than most women, was still deliciously feminine.
Delicious?
Yes. He found the lower timbre of her tone utterly alluring.
“I don’t see any point in prevaricating,” Josiah began. “Miss Brightly, we would like to publish your novel. I’m prepared to offer one hundred and fifty pounds to purchase the copyright.”
Miss Brightly smiled, but right away, Roman could see this was not what she wanted. Whilst she appeared pleased, her expression lacked satisfaction along with her joy.
“I’m so glad you’re interested in publishing A Season in Shadow, however, I have been advised by my solicitor not to sell the copyright. In fact, I would prefer you negotiate the terms of a commission-style arrangement with him directly, if you are amenable to that.”
