“I’ve already provided her with a copy of the book,” Ada said, “and she has assured me she will start on it as soon as she finishes reading two others.”
“So then, the review will likely be ready in one month’s time, give or take?” Harriet asked with eager excitement.
“Yes. I believe it will be published the same week the book is released.”
“Extraordinary.” Callum was wildly impressed. “How did you even know whom to contact? I thought her identity to be a secret.”
“It is,” Ada said. She fiddled with a piece of lace on her skirt. “Few people know who she really is, but it just so happens she and I are good friends.”
“Lucky us.” Anthony grinned and raised his glass for another toast. “ToSeductive Scandalbeing a smashing success.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Callum said with a laugh. He downed the remainder of his champagne and went to collect the bottle so he could refill the glasses. Glancing toward the window, he saw the rain had ceased and the sun had broken through the clouds.
“Looks like the weather’s cleared up,” Anthony said when he and Ada prepared to leave. “Maybe we can walk home instead of taking the carriage.”
“Mind if Peter and I join you?” Callum asked. He enjoyed a good afternoon walk and believed the exercise was good for his ten-year-old ward.
“Of course not.” Anthony turned to Brody and Harriet. “What say you?”
“I’m afraid we’re off to Hudson & Co.” The printing press where Harriet still worked, much to the shock and dismay of theton, was in the opposite direction of Westcliffe House. “Thank you for offering though. And for the drink.”
They said their goodbyes and took their leave. Callum went to fetch Peter and then the four of them headed toward Berkley Square. The pavement was wet, sending up the occasional spray of water whenever their shoes struck a spot where moisture had gathered. Callum took a deep breath. The air was fresher now, perhaps a bit cooler as well.
“Mama always loved rainy days,” Peter murmured, his comment piercing Callum’s heart.
It was only a few months since Callum’s cousin, along with his cousin’s wife, had died in a fire. Lewis Davis had named Callum in his will, asking that he take responsibility for his son if the worst were to happen. Peter had spoken very little since coming to live with Callum, despite Cullum’s efforts to try and help him with his grief.
So far, he feared he was doing a terrible job.
“I can understand why,” Ada said. “There’s really nothing better than sitting inside while raindrops drum on the windows. I’m rather fond of it myself. Especially since such days are perfect for reading. Do you enjoy reading, Peter?”
“Sometimes.”
“What’s the best book you’ve read?” Ada asked.
“Gulliver’s Travels,” Peter remarked. He went very quiet before saying, “Papa used to read me a chapter at night before bed.”
Unsure of how to respond, yet knowing the gut-wrenching pain he himself had gone through as a fully grown man when his father had died, Callum drew Peter close to his side and hugged him. He didn’t care who might see or if they thought public displays of affection were inappropriate. The only important thing right now was helping Peter through this difficult time as best as he could.
“We’ve got that book in the library,” Callum said once he’d released Peter. “I’m happy to read it for you if you like.”
“Thank you, but it won’t be the same,” Peter muttered.
Of course it wouldn’t. “Perhaps a different book then. We can visit the bookshops together. I’m sure we can find something to strike your interest.”
“The Swiss Family Robinsonmight be an option,” Ada suggested. “Unless you already own a copy.”
“I believe…” Callum frowned when he noted the woman approaching from the opposite end of the street. Damnation. It was she. The Earl of Rosemont’s daughter, Lady Emily. He’d recognize that ginger hair anywhere, even if he could only spy a few stray curls from beneath the brim of her fashionable bonnet. “Come, let’s cross to the other side.”
“Oh, but I cannot do that,” Ada said. “Not without greeting my friend.”
Callum almost tripped. “You and Lady Emily know one another?”
“Indeed.” She shot a surprised look in Callum’s direction. “It would seem you do too.”
Of course they knew each other. They moved in the same circle and were of a similar age. Naturally, they’d both been present at various engagements over the years. Ever since her debut.
“I sense a story here,” Anthony said with a hint of amusement.
