Whenever Brody had glanced at a clock last night, he’d thought of Finn and how he was faring. He hastened his strides, praying he’d manage to get home before his brother.
Thankfully, Mr. Hudson, a self-proclaimed morning man, had already opened the office when Brody showed up. He entered the office and approached the man’s desk with every intention of seeing to Harriet’s best interests.
“Good morning, Mr. Hudson.”
“You’re earlier than usual today, Mr. Evans. Good to see you. There’s some tea in the back room if you’d like to help yourself to a cup before the others get here.”
“Thank you, but I fear I’m unable to stay.” He pulled up a chair and sat so he could face his employer with greater directness. “I went back to check on Mr. Michaels yesterday – to see if he needed help with his sister.”
“That was very good of you.” Mr. Hudson studied Brody. “It’s unusual for the editors and the print staff to mingle. Most of the men out here in the front consider themselves better than those who’ve got ink-stained fingers.”
“An arrogant point of view,” Brody muttered, “and not one I share. If anything, the print staff have the harder work, yet they accomplish it like a well-oiled machine.”
“I’m of a like mind. Mr. Michaels alone is more indispensable than anyone else in my employ.”
“It’s good to hear you say so since it will no doubt make this conversation a great deal simpler. Unfortunately, Mr. Michaels has caught the same thing that brought his sister low. He ought to be ready for work the day after tomorrow, but until then, he needs to rest.”
Mr. Hudson’s eyebrows dipped in response to his frown. “I cannot afford for him to be absent another day. Not without someone else stepping in.”
“I’d do so if I were able, but I can’t.” Brody would not budge on this. He had to see Finn and beyond that, he’d no intention of leaving Harriet until he knew she was fully recovered.
“I’m sorry, but you must understand. The press is at a virtual standstill until he resumes his work. I’ve got three men waiting for him to show up. What are they supposed to do in the meantime?”
“Oliver’s able to fill the sorts. It won’t be as fast without a reader, but some of the work will get done.”
Mr. Hudson shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I have to find a proper replacement this instant. Work on the manuscript you recommended needs to commence if we’re to get the book into shops before Christmas.”
“A day or two won’t prevent that from happening,” Brody insisted. “Mr. Michaels is a hard worker. More than that, he’s the best there is.”
“I agree, which is why this decision is so bloody hard to make. But the fact of the matter is, he isn’t here.”
“Considering the state he’s in, I can’t imagine you’d want him here.” Brody raked his hair with his fingers. “He’s been vomiting all night and has one hell of a fever. He can barely stand, yet you’re ready to punish him for remaining in bed.”
“As much as I sympathize, it doesn’t change the fact that I’m losing money while he’s away. He’s the most critical part of this enterprise, Mr. Evans. Surely you understand why I’m forced to do what I must to keep my business operational.”
“It’s just for a day or two,” Brody repeated.
“And I wish I could afford to wait, but I can’t.” He grabbed a piece of paper and started writing TYPESETTER NEEDED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
“He’ll be back as soon as he’s fully recovered,” Brody said as he shoved to his feet. “In case you’ve not yet found a replacement or the new man doesn’t work out. You can decide what to do then.”
Mr. Hudson glanced at Brody. “You’re an honorable man, looking out for your friend in this way. I’m impressed, so I’ll agree to consider taking him back if he does decide to stop by. In the meantime…” He stood and crossed to the window where he proceeded to post the notice. Turning, he shoved his hands in his pockets and met Brody’s gaze. “What about you?”
“I already told you I can’t stay today.”
Mr. Hudson responded with a slow nod before grabbing a second piece of paper on which he announced the need for Brody’s replacement. It was fine. Brody didn’t need the job. It had just been the means to an end, right?
“Thank you for the chance you gave me,” Brody informed Mr. Hudson. He offered his hand and Mr. Hudson shook it. “Good luck withA Seductive Scandal.”
“A Seductive Scandal?”
“The title I had in mind for the novel.”
“A bit risqué,” Mr. Hudson murmured while tapping the edge of his mouth with one finger, “but it will certainly draw attention. I’ll keep it in mind.”
Brody tipped his hat in parting and left with an unhappy sense of unease in his stomach. He regretted having to leave since he’d gotten on well with his colleagues. Staying, however, would be impossible when his conscience compelled him to put his brother and Harriet first. And besides, he didn’t actually need the job.
But for Harriet, losing her source of income would be disastrous. Worse was the fact that she viewed her profession as more than the means with which to get by. She genuinely enjoyed her work. Finding out she might not be welcomed back would crush her.
