There were presently twenty members, including Emily’s grandmother, the Viscountess Attersby, who was an absolute delight. Outspoken and energetic, the older woman would always fill her teacup with brandy before conveying her thoughts on the latest novel they’d all been assigned.
The meetings offered a lovely diversion from everyday life.
She glanced at her friend, aware she ought to say something. Unwilling to bring up Mr. Gibbs, she said, “I’m sorry. It’s been a busy week at the shop.”
“That’s a good thing, isn’t it?” Harriet asked, taking another sip of tea. Her curly red hair was unfashionably short, but the locks still had a charming effect, which was further enhanced by her forest green eyes.
“Certainly,” Ada agreed. She bit her lip and watched as the other book club members began taking their leave. “How about you? Are you still working yourself to the bone or have you been able to get some more rest?”
“I’m here, aren’t I?” Harriet shrugged. “My job doesn’t allow for much rest, but I’ll not complain about it, Ada. You know well enough that I love what I do and that I can’t afford to risk losing the pay.”
Following the deaths of both her parents, most recently her father, Harriet had been left to care for her significantly younger twelve-year-old sister, Lucy. Despite being born into gentry, neither Harriet nor her sister had been provided for in their father’s will, since said will had been non-existent.
As a result, everything had gone to a rather detestable cousin who’d tossed them both out of their home immediately after the funeral. It was a blessing that Harriet had managed to find good employment, though Ada often wondered whether the lengths she’d been forced to in order to do so were worth it.
Ada glanced at Lucy, who always attended with Harriet. She was still playing with the marbles Emily kept here for her entertainment. “I believe it’s a bit of a luxury to be fond of one’s work.”
“Having had jobs I hated, I have to agree,” Harriet said, her voice quiet. She met Ada’s gaze and smiled. “We’re lucky, you and I, to get paid for something we enjoy doing.”
Ada nodded. “We received several orders over the past few days, so my binding skills have been put to good use.”
“I plan to order more books myself,” Emily said as she came to join them after seeing her grandmother out. Emily’s fondness for books outdid her interest in men and marriage by leaps and strides. But what only a few select people knew was that Emily also wrote a successful book review column for The Mayfair Chronicle, under the assumed name, The Lady Librarian.
“I look forward to it,” Ada informed her. She loved it when either one of her friends stopped by the shop, since they’d often stay for a cup of tea and a lengthy chat.
“The last editions you prepared for me were absolutely stunning. I’m sure others will agree.”
“They do,” Ada said. She pursed her lips when she noted her friends’ expectant gazes. “A lady remarked on my most recent work last week when she spotted the books on the counter.”
“She must have been very pleased with her purchase,” Harriet said.
“Oh, they weren’t for her,” Ada told them a bit too quickly. When both of her friends raised their eyebrows, Ada attempted a nonchalant shrug. “They were for a—” she cleared her throat “—gentleman.”
“Really?” Emily’s curiosity could not be denied. It was in the pointed look and that mischievous smirk she sent Ada. “Do I detect an interest on your part?”
“No.” Not one that was worth entertaining. She decided to change the subject. “Have you given any more thought to your father’s birthday gift?”
Emily nodded while munching a piece of shortbread she’d snatched from a plate. “There’s a new edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica.”
“Yes, the fifth one,” Ada said, recalling the two complete sets that had just been delivered to the shop. “Consisting of twenty volumes.”
“Right.” Emily gulped down a mouthful of tea. “So I thought I’d give him that. It’s a fairly large order requiring a lot of binding, so I hope you can find the time, Ada.”
“Of course I can,” Ada assured her. She reached for Emily’s hand and gave it a light squeeze. “Thank you, by the way, for your constant mentions of Between the Pages in your column. I’m sure it has helped drive a lot of the traffic we’ve seen lately. Uncle James has certainly remarked on an increase in sales.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Emily said. “That shop is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered by anyone with an interest in books.”
“I completely agree,” Harriet said before glancing toward her sister. “Lucy, it’s time to tidy up now so we can get going.”
“Already?” Lucy asked.
“Unfortunately, yes. I’d like to catch Mrs. Newson before she closes her shop for the day.” Harriet stood and shook out her coarse cotton skirts. She turned to Ada and Emily. “It was lovely seeing you both again.”
“I’ll walk with you,” Ada said as she too rose to her feet.
“Take this.” Emily handed Harriet a small bundle.
Harriet frowned at it. “Thank you, but you’ve already done so much for me and Lucy. I really shouldn’t be—”
