When she’d done so yesterday she’d been too beside herself to think of the possible repercussions.
“The book is a splendid success,” she told Ada when they met in the Westcliffe parlor. “The bookshops are already selling out.”
“I thought it might be a busy day after reading the splendid review you wrote,” Ada said. “It’s my intention to go help my uncle this afternoon.”
“Too late for that,” Emily told her. “He’s already sold every copy ofSeductive Scandalhe had in supply.”
“You’re joking.”
“Not at all.”
“But the shops have only been open for a couple of hours.”
“What can I say?” Emily grinned. “The book your husband wrote with his friends is a smashing success.”
“How marvelous.” Ada gave Emily a hug. “I’m sure it’s thanks to you.”
“Absolutely not. Several customers read the first pages before choosing to purchase a copy. Had the writing not been up to par, they’d not have done so, no matter how good my review might have been.”
“Am I to understand there’s good news?” Westcliffe asked as he sauntered into the parlor. “Your squeals and laughter were audible from the dining room so I trust there’s cause for some celebration?”
“The book is selling out,” Ada told him with a wide grin.
His expression brightened. “You don’t say.”
“I was actually wondering if you’d be willing to ask Corwin and Stratton to join us,” Emily said. “I’d like to let them both know, but I cannot stop by Stratton House on my own.”
“Of course.” Westcliffe rang for the butler and issued instructions for both of his friends to be summoned, along with Corwin’s wife, Harriet. “And please ask Cook to prepare a feast for luncheon. Given the hour, I believe my friends will be staying to eat.”
Emily counted the minutes after the butler’s departure. She could not stop from checking the clock, which appeared to be moving at a snail’s pace.
“Have you decided on where you’re going to have the wedding?” Ada asked.
“Not really.” Emily took a sip of the tea she’d been served. “So much has happened since we decided to marry, I’ve not found the time.”
“Of course.” Ada placed her hand over Emily’s. “Anthony and I were both extremely sorry to hear of your grandmother’s death. That must have been terribly hard.”
“Yes. It was very sudden.” A solemn moment of silence followed. Finding it stifling, Emily chose to say, “I think St. George’s would be lovely, if Callum agrees.”
“I’ve always liked that church,” Anthony said. “It’s a good size – not overwhelmingly large.”
“Exactly,” Emily agreed. “When I get home I’ll start putting together a guest list. Mama will likely want to be involved, especially with regard to the wedding breakfast. And then, I suppose, I should visit a modiste.”
“I’d love to come with you,” Ada said. “I’m sure Harriet would as well. We could make a day of it, if you like, with luncheon at Mivart’s.”
“What a lovely idea.” Emily glanced at the clock again and saw that only ten minutes had passed since the last time she’d checked. Returning her attention to her friends, she said, “The next book club meeting is set to take place this coming Saturday. I’m thinking of suggestingSeductive Scandalas the monthly novel.”
“Yes,” Ada agreed. “If some of the members have not yet read the book, this will get them to do so, which should improve on word-of-mouth sales.”
“But if the book is sold out,” Anthony mused, “will you not risk making it difficult for them to get their hands on a copy?”
“Perhaps we can use our copies. I believe we have three between us. Callum has one too, so that’s four editions we could potentially lend. Besides which, I can check with the printer to see if it’s possible to have additional copies printed upon request.”
“It’s possible they’ll publish a second edition based on success,” Ada said, “but that does tend to happen a few months later.”
“Callum did mention the possibility of your writing a second book with Emilia Parker and Mr. Dalton as the main characters. What’s your opinion on that?”
“I’m happy to give it a go,” Anthony said. “Working with Brody and Callum on this was actually a very enjoyable experience. I’d like to do it again.”
