“As am I,” another gentleman said, brushing Jeromy aside as he thrust his card into Gideon’s hand. “I’m Mr. Clement Robards. Ain’t no one better in the business at finding rare tomes than me.”
As Jeromy and William immediately began voicing their protests to that statement, Gideon pocketed the cards, wondering if he was soon going to have to step in before a bout of fisticuffs occurred. Thankfully, the gentlemen seemed to realize they were hardly making a good impression, and after Jeromy muttered something to Clement about telling tall tales, theyreturned their attention to Gideon, smiles now firmly on their faces.
“What type of books do you collect?” Jeromy asked.
“I’m sorry to disappoint all of you,” Gideon began, “but I prefer procuring new pieces to add to my art and antique weaponry collection. However, my older brother has an extensive library he’s always adding to. I’d be happy to pass on your information as well as any referrals you can give me pertaining to the clients you represent.”
Oddly enough, the men exchanged glances before William cleared his throat. “While we can certainly provide your brother with references, what you must understand is that book collecting is a delicate matter. Confidentiality is a must these days, especially after what happened with Mr. Thomas Garrett, another book agent, a few years back. Mr. Garrett made the mistake of mentioning within earshot of his footman a specific title that one of his clients, Mr. Richard Hartford, longed to acquire. It didn’t take long for word to get out that Mr. Garrett was searching for a first edition copy ofA New Voyage Around the Worldby William Dampier.”
“Madness quickly ensued,” Clement added. “Not only was Mr. Hartford inundated with book agents wanting to replace Thomas Garrett, which Thomas took umbrage over, but every serious collector in New York decided they desperately needed that book as well. I remember scouring all my sources, but alas, I was unsuccessful.”
“All of us were thwarted after the criminal set got involved,” William grumbled. “Once they heard how in demand that specific book was, our sources were set upon by hoodlums. They, unsurprisingly, were the ones successful with finding the few editions that were lurking around. They then approached the most known collectors, Mr. Richard Hartford included, and got an exorbitant price for their copies. We book agents were left out in the cold.”
“Is the criminal element still actively involved in book collecting?” Gideon asked.
“Of course they are,” William said. “It’s a lucrative business, but good heavens, here we are, waxing on and neglecting our dear Miss Duveen in the process.” He turned a smile on Adelaide, who missed the smile because she was watching Lottie, who’d climbed from the ladder and was now standing a table away from them, flipping through some books. Given the way her head was tilted, it was obvious she was eavesdropping on their conversation.
“I don’t feel neglected in the least,” Adelaide said, turning her attention to William. “It’s fascinating to hear the intimate details of book agenting, and I’m hopeful all of you will expand more about your business when we begin meeting for our newly formed book salon. As I said, our meetings would need to wait until January, but I’m looking forward to gathering with like-minded individuals, although I hope we’ll be able to encourage a few ladies to join us as well.” She batted far-too-innocent lashes Gideon’s way. “I wouldn’t want to be the only lady in attendance since ladies and gentlemen always have differing perspectives about books. It would certainly make our deliberations more engaging if we can find other ladies to attend, although ... wherever are we going to find some willing recruits?”
Gideon suppressed a groan when Adelaide returned her attention to Lottie and then began strolling toward her, purpose in her every step.
The potential for another fiasco was significant.
Before he could take a single step to stop her, she was in front of Lottie, who was eyeing her warily when she wasn’t sneaking glances to the front door, clearly contemplating whether she should make a break for it.
“Forgive my intrusion,” Adelaide began, “but since you’re the only other lady customer here today, may I dare hope you’d be interested in attending a new book salon we’re in the process of forming?”
“A book salon?” Lottie repeated.
“Indeed, one where we’ll discuss the written word at length.”
“An intriguing notion, but I suppose it would depend on where this salon will be held,” Lottie said.
“If Mr. Bainswright is agreeable, we’d hold it in this shop.” Adelaide’s brow puckered. “But forgive me yet again. I’ve failed to introduce myself. I’m Miss Adelaide Duveen.”
“Miss Duveen, did you say?” Lottie asked.
Apprehension was swift when Adelaide didn’t hesitate to nod, which was certainly problematic since Lottie was now in possession of Adelaide’s real name, something that could possibly pose a problem, considering Lottie was involved with Frank Fitzsimmons.
“And you are?” Adelaide asked.
“Jane. Jane Smith.”
Adelaide beamed a smile. “What a lovely name. And with the expected pleasantries out of the way, dare I hope you have an interest in joining us?”
“I’m not sure I’d like discussing books while customers are roaming about,” Lottie said. “Seems like that might be rather distracting.”
“Oh, we wouldn’t hold our salon during business hours. We’d wait until after the shop closes for the day.”
“I see,” Lottie muttered before she picked up a book lying on a table and considered the spine. “When will these salons take place?”
“We haven’t ironed everything out, but after we settle on a date and time, I’ll arrange for Mr. Bainswright to post a notice on the window beside the front door. You’ll simply need to check the window for details.”
Lottie set aside the book. “I’ll make sure to do that. But now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m in the mood for a heavy read. So far nothing has caught my eye.”
“Mr. Bainswright got in a new shipment early this morningfrom one of his frequent suppliers,” Adelaide said, nodding to a crate that was sitting on the floor beside an empty table. “He hasn’t had time to display or shelve those books, but I know he’s already catalogued them. I myself found three unusual books in the crate to add to my collection. Perhaps you’ll enjoy the same good fortune and find a special treasure for yourself today as well.”
“Do you think Mr. Bainswright would be agreeable to all of us looking through the crate?” William Osborne asked, stepping forward and settling another overly warm smile on Adelaide before Lottie could do more than glance at the crate in question.
