Her gaze met his with unyielding directness. “Would you rather tomorrow’s paper be sold as is? Imagine the impact that would have, not just on you but on Westcliffe and Corwin as well. On their families. They need this as much as you do.”
Of course they did, but her sacrifice still seemed out of proportion compared with what she had done. Callum could scarcely credit it. Unfortunately, having wasted most of his fortune, he was unable to make the payment himself. Whatever funds he had at his disposal had to go toward servants’ wages and bills. As such, he lacked the ability to stop her.
Dazed, he watched as her father wrote the cheque and handed it to Mr. Loughton. It twisted Callum’s gut knowing Emily had to save him like this when he should be able to save her instead.
Somehow, he’d have to make this up to her, for despite her argument being that she owed him, he couldn’t stop feeling like it was the other way around. He’d set all of this into motion. Had he simply applied a bit more common sense, they probably wouldn’t be in this situation to begin with.
“Mr. Hudson says he can help,” Brody said when he and Anthony returned some time later, both panting for breath. “Harriet will too. She’ll need a copy of the page that’s getting pulled, a newspaper-sized printing frame, paper, and the review that’s supposed to replace the old one.”
“I can provide the frame and the paper,” Mr. Loughton said, proving himself more helpful now that he knew his expense would be covered.
“Is there a desk I can use?” Emily asked. “That way I can write the replacement review while the rest of the items are being prepared for delivery.”
“You can use mine,” said Mr. Conrad. “I’ll see to acquiring the paper and the frame.”
Emily thanked him as he departed and took her seat. She selected a piece of blank paper from a small stack and dipped the available quill in the inkwell.
Once finished, she re-read what she’d written a couple of times before handing it to Callum.
His pulse leapt as soon as he read the first line.A novel that’s sure to delight enthusiasts of Miss Austen’s writing.He glanced at Emily and saw the hope in her eyes. She bit her lip, betraying the uncertain depths of anxiety she experienced as she awaited his opinion.
“This is incredible,” he whispered.
“Can I see?” Anthony asked. Callum handed him the review. “Filled with memorable characters, an engaging plot, and the sort of wit that will surely brighten your day, this marvelous debut of a novel reinforces the dream of a great romance. It is, without doubt, the sort of story one will want to re-read time and again, and one that I would highly recommend you purchase without further delay.”
“That’s quite the stamp of approval,” Brody said. “Thank you, Emily.”
“Yes,” Anthony said. “Thank you.”
“I scarcely know what to say,” Callum told her. “If this review has the effect I believe it shall have, the book is bound to fly off the shelves when it goes on sale tomorrow.”
“It is the least I could do,” Emily told them as she set the quill aside and stood. “And just so you know, I believe I’ll agree with every word I’ve just written once I finish reading the book. As I intend to do as soon as I return home.”
Impulsively, Callum pulled her into his arms.
She squeaked but he ignored her as he dipped his head and pressed his mouth to hers. It didn’t matter that they were standing in a busy office space and that he really ought to refrain from such an inappropriate show of affection. All that mattered was Emily and her feelings. It was imperative he prove to her that he did not harbor any ill feelings toward her, that he forgave her for what she’d done, and that they would be fine. She need not fear on that score.
So he hugged her close, squeezing her slightly against him while adding a bit more force to the kiss, just to be sure she understood him. They belonged together and no error in judgement, however great or small, would change that. Whatever mistakes either of them made in the future, they would get through it together.
Someone coughed and Callum grinned against her lips as he slowly withdrew, adding distance. The look in her eyes was one of confusion and wonder.
“Oh,” was all she said, in response to which Callum almost kissed her again. She was simply too adorable.
“There will be time for that later,” her father said. “Afteryou speak your vows.”
Three long months from now.
Callum sent the earl a disgruntled look only to note that he seemed to be forcing a frown in an effort to hide his amusement.
“He’s right,” Anthony said. He waved the piece of paper with the review. “There’s work to be done at the moment and we’ve a schedule to keep if we’re to succeed.”
“I’ll need the new pages by midnight, at the latest,” Mr. Loughton informed them when Mr. Conrad returned. Three men followed him, each carrying bundles of newsprint while Mr. Conrad himself carried the frame.
“We’d best get on with it then,” Brody said.
Callum agreed. They couldn’t afford to waste a second. “I’ll hail a hackney carriage so we can transport the items.”
“We can use our carriage too if needed,” Emily said. She glanced at her father. “Right, Papa?”
