“Are you sure you want a commission arrangement?” Josiah asked. “If the novel isn’t successful, you won’t make nearly as much as you would if you sold the copyright.”
“And if it is successful, I stand to earn much more,” she said slyly. “Forgive me, but I do think this novel has the potential to be in high demand.”
“I do too,” Margot said. “We’ll do a commission if that’s what you prefer.” She glanced toward her father, whose brows had shot up as soon as she revised the offer.
Margot had never done that before, and it wasn’t really her place. Still, Roman couldn’t see Josiah being angry with her. He allowed Margot ample participation in Lacey and Company with regard to the publishing side of the business. As their sole remaining child, he and Harriet didn’t deny her anything, as far as Roman could tell.
“I’d also support a commission arrangement,” Roman said, and Margot sent him a grateful smile. He focused on the author. “You’re a shrewd businesswoman, Miss Brightly.”
She met his gaze with a fiery stare. “I’ve nothing to lose, my lord.”
“Now I really can’t wait to read the book,” Ellis said.
It seemed to Roman that his secretary could scarcely keep from smiling. Her eyes were aglow as she regarded Miss Brightly with something akin to…pride? It could be that Ellis was simply happy to see another woman’s success, but Roman was certain there was more to it than that. He looked forward to discovering what that was.
“How shall I contact your solicitor?” Josiah asked.
“He’s actually downstairs,” Miss Brightly said as a touch of pink colored her cheeks. “I brought him—and my aunt—along in case you made an offer of publication.”
Josiah chuckled. “Well, I admire your confidence, Miss Brightly. And I can’t say I’m surprised by it. I expected the author of A Season in Shadow to be a singular person. Your writing is as astute as it is enchanting.”
“Thank you.” Miss Brightly’s expression now held satisfaction—and pride—along with her substantial joy. “I’ll just go downstairs and fetch my solicitor and aunt.” She started to stand, but Margot waved her down.
“I need to be on my way shortly, and I’d be happy to send them up,” Margot said. “My mother will be arriving to fetch me. We’ve a shopping excursion planned.” She rose.
Roman stood with Josiah and noted that Ellis didn’t move from her chair. She was focused on Miss Brightly. Roman made a sound in his throat. Ellis snapped her gaze toward him and bolted to her feet.
Josiah glanced at Margot. “I’ll walk you downstairs.” He transferred his attention to Miss Brightly. “I’ll invite your aunt and solicitor to come back up with me.”
Miss Brightly smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Lacey.” She looked to Margot. “It really was lovely to meet you.”
“I do hope we will see each other again whilst you’re in London,” Margot said. “Perhaps we can meet at the library on New Bond Street.”
“Perhaps,” Miss Brightly replied in a noncommittal tone. Roman wondered why she was being evasive.
As soon as the Laceys departed the office, Roman strode quickly to the door and mostly closed it, leaving just an inch of space. He positioned himself there so he could see when Josiah returned with the others, but he speared a stare toward the women sitting together at the table.
“Quickly, how do you two know one another?”
Chapter 4
Ellis should have realized that Keele had seen the connection between her and her dear friend, Pandora Barclay. Euphemia Brightly wasn’t just her assumed author name; it was the one Ellis and Min had chosen for their unserious plans to someday pen horrid novels together when they were spinsters sharing a cottage by the sea. As soon as Ellis had heard the name, she’d become apprehensive.
“Did you think I was Min because of the name I used?” Pandora asked softly.
Anxiety tore through Ellis once more. Keele had no idea who Ellis really was, and the name Min was a clue she couldn’t afford. “I wasn’t sure what to think,” Ellis said. Hoping to divert the conversation before Pandora could reveal anything else, she turned toward her employer. “Miss Brightly is a friend of mine.”
“You recognized her name,” Keele said.
“I did recognize the name, but I didn’t know who the author was until she walked in,” Ellis explained.
Keele appeared nonplussed.
“Euphemia Brightly is not my real name,” Pandora said with a chuckle.
“She does not care to use her real name,” Ellis added.
“I do not.” Pandora regarded Ellis with unchecked curiosity. “Nor do I imagine you want anyone knowing you’re a woman, though clearly Lord Keele does.”
