Chapter 2 #2
Ellis was suddenly quite engaged, and his apparent nervousness disappeared. “Another coastal romance?”
“Indeed,” Josiah replied. “The heiress inherits a manor and is beset by suitors.”
Roman met Ellis’s gaze, which was rather animated. “Have you read The Captain’s Daughter?”
“I have,” he replied with enthusiasm. “I found the story most riveting. Tremaine’s style is both familiar and somehow singular.
Charlotte was very well-written. I—that is, my sisters said they identified with her greatly.
I appreciated Lieutenant Moreton’s honor and quiet dignity.
” He glanced toward Josiah. “I didn’t realize you were the publisher. ”
Josiah’s features gleamed with pride. “I’m pleased to hear your sisters enjoyed the novel. They are the readers we hope to reach.”
“The description snared their interest immediately,” Ellis said.
Josiah’s dark brows arched. “Did it? Margot wrote that.” He sent a proud look toward his daughter.
“It was very well done,” Ellis noted with a nod at Margot. “I tried to help someone write something similar for a novel they wrote, and it’s more difficult than one would think.”
“Thank you,” Margot replied with a gleeful smile.
“It can be challenging. Though I think writing a novel would be much harder. In fact, I’m struggling with writing something for Tremaine’s next story.
” She turned her focus to her father. “Perhaps Mr. Ellis should read The Heiress of Tidehaven. Then he could assist me with writing a description. It certainly sounds as though he shares our appreciation for Miss Tremaine.” She grimaced briefly.
“Oh dear, now I’ve exposed our author’s gender, and she’d hoped her identity would remain secret. ”
“I won’t say a word,” Ellis vowed sincerely. “Not even to my sisters.”
“Thank you,” Margot replied with an expression of relief. “What do you think, Papa?”
“If Mr. Ellis has the time to read The Heiress of Tidehaven, his observations may be most helpful. However, he may be too busy with his current role.”
“I’d be happy to read it when I am not working,” Ellis offered eagerly.
Though Roman didn’t yet know him well, he could see how keen the young man was to read the novel.
He could also see just how passionately he felt about the first book.
Furthermore, Roman had noted which books Ellis had removed from the library since taking up residence, and they were—to a one—novels that were written primarily for a female audience.
“I’ve no issue with Ellis reading Tidehaven and participating in our discussions.
In fact, I would like him to so that he may take a record. His shorthand skills are excellent.”
“Excellent idea,” Josiah said. “It’s wonderful to find someone who is so enthusiastic about Tremaine’s work. Perhaps you’d even like to meet her. She is unwed and around your age, I would guess.” He chuckled and gave Ellis a meaningful look.
Ellis’s brows briefly shot up, and Roman could have sworn he saw a bit of pink in the secretary’s cheek above his beard. Then Ellis chuckled. The sound was a bit higher in tone than his voice. The two didn’t go together.
Roman interpreted Ellis’s reaction as discomfort. Perhaps he already had a betrothed. Or didn’t want to marry. Or wasn’t attracted to women.
Harriet pursed her lips at her husband. “Do not say such things to Mr. Ellis, dear. Perhaps he is already engaged.”
“I am far too busy to bother with marriage,” Ellis said gruffly. He turned his attention to Roman. “Should I fetch a notebook and pencil?”
“Yes, thank you,” Roman replied.
Ellis stood, and as soon as he was gone from the library, Harriet sat forward slightly and shifted her gaze toward Margot then Roman. “Now that your secretary is absent for a few minutes, may we speak of your engagement?”
Roman schooled his features lest he reveal anything.
Whilst he wasn’t entirely opposed to marrying his former sister-in-law, he also hadn’t decided if they would suit.
Margot was vivacious and…young. It wasn’t that she was immature, for she wasn’t.
She just felt a bit like a younger sister, even though Roman hadn’t come to know her very well until after his wife had died.
Whilst they were married, Margot had spent most of her time with family near Cambridge.
Harriet’s older brother was a vicar with a substantial living, and he’d taken on educating both Clarissa and Margot.
Roman would certainly benefit from marrying another heiress, though he wondered if he ought to find a bride from another family, as mercenary as that sounded.
Margot had the same cash dowry as her sister, but the business interest, which was quite valuable, had only been for Josiah’s firstborn daughter.
He could likely obtain an overall higher dowry if he married someone else.
Furthermore, if he could marry within the peerage, it would only bolster his family’s standing, particularly after its near bankruptcy thanks to Roman’s father.
Still, marrying Margot would be easy. Roman already knew her, he liked her, and he loved her parents as his own. These were compelling arguments for agreeing to the union that both Harriet and Josiah hoped to secure.
What of Margot? She had been curiously quiet on the subject.
In fact, she typically endeavored to change the topic of conversation.
Roman eyed her now to see her reaction, but, like his, it was nonexistent.
Perhaps she was also trying to mask her true feelings.
Did that mean she was conflicted, as he was?
“Is now the right time to discuss this, Mama?” Margot asked finally. “This is a business meeting.”
“One might argue that your marriage is business,” Josiah said with a faint shrug. “It certainly was with your sister. Until it wasn’t.” A nostalgic expression passed over Josiah’s features as he glanced at Roman.
“I would prefer my marriage not be included with business,” Margot said firmly.
Roman had noted a faint twitch at the side of her mouth as her father had spoken. He didn’t want her to be uncomfortable. “We can discuss it next time we have dinner.” They dined together frequently, usually once a week.
Harriet smiled warmly. “Wonderful. We’ll talk about it on Sunday then. I’d like to announce the betrothal before Christmas.”
Ellis returned, and his arrival stopped any further discussion.
Roman flicked a glance toward Margot and thought she seemed relieved.
She also tossed a furtive, perhaps perturbed, look at her mother.
Perhaps he and Margot should have a conversation soon.
Shouldn’t two people who were contemplating marriage have some idea of what the other thought?
Roman would prioritize speaking with her.
Retaking his seat, Ellis opened the notebook and began writing with the pencil. He was likely recording the date and those present. He was incredibly efficient.
They spent the next while discussing the performance of works recently published and those that were forthcoming.
Then it was time to review submissions, which went entirely through Margot now.
She’d begun reading them a year or so ago to amuse herself.
But she’d had incisive observations about the writing and stories, so much so that her father had asked her to assume evaluation of everything they received.
“Tomorrow is our appointment with the author of A Season in Shadow,” Margot said. “I’m most eager to meet them.”
Harriet’s brow creased. “I’m still not sure this story is right for Lacey and Company.”
Roman had started the novel last night, and whilst the author had clearly read—and been influenced by—Wollstonecraft, he didn’t see that as negative. However, he knew Harriet wouldn’t agree. She could be conservative in some of her thoughts about a woman’s place.
“Mama, it’s an exceptional story. We must publish it,” Margot asserted. “If someone else does, we’ll regret it. I’m sure of that.”
“Perhaps we can decide after Keele finishes it,” Harriet said diplomatically.
Josiah sent his wife a discerning glance. “You don’t typically offer your opinions.”
“That’s because I usually agree with Margot—and with you,” Harriet replied. “However, I’m concerned the conclusion of this story will be disappointing and even shocking to some.”
“Given Margot’s enthusiasm, if Keele also likes it, I’m inclined to support the book’s publication,” Josiah said.
“Though I haven’t yet finished the novel, I already support it. That said, I haven’t completed it, so I can’t speak to the conclusion.” He met Harriet’s gaze. “I’ll finish reading it tonight.”
“Thank you. Do try to consider how the ladies of Society will react,” she added.
“I will.” Roman was now keen to see what gave Harriet pause.
“Perhaps Mr. Ellis should also read the novel,” Margot said. “He seems well-versed in this genre, which is remarkable for a man.” She laughed good-naturedly. “You will make someone a splendid husband, I think.”
“Well, I’m afraid I have the only copy right now,” Roman said. “But perhaps he should attend the meeting to take notes.” He looked to Ellis. “I know you’re busy putting things in order since you took on this position, but you can manage to come, I’m sure.”
“I don’t suppose the meeting is here?” Ellis asked. “I shouldn’t want to lose much time going somewhere.”
“We are meeting at Lacey and Company on Paternoster Row,” Roman replied. “You’ve worked very hard this week. I’m sure you can spare the time. In fact, I insist. I would like you to see the offices, as you may work there on occasion.”
Ellis’s brows drew together sharply, but he quickly smoothed his expression. Even so, it was hard to miss that his initial reaction had been disdain—or even alarm. “Then of course I shall attend.”
“Splendid!” Margot exclaimed. She grinned at Ellis. “It’s so refreshing to meet a gentleman who appreciates romantic novels.”
Whilst Ellis inclined his head in response, there was a sheepish cast to his gaze as he glanced away from the seating area.
“We should be on our way,” Josiah announced.
The ladies stood; Ellis bolted to his feet.
In his haste, he dropped his notebook to the floor.
Pivoting away from Roman, the secretary quickly bent.
The tails of his coat split with his movements, and Roman had a very distinct view of Ellis’s backside.
The truth, which Roman had begun to suspect, was unmistakable to his eyes now.
The Laceys took their leave a few moments later. Ellis started to turn. “I should return to work.”
“Just one moment,” Roman said. “I’d like to speak with you about something.” He moved past the secretary and closed the door to the library with alacrity. Turning, he rejoined Ellis, whose expression had turned wary.
“Should I sit?” Ellis asked with the barest edge of apprehension.
“I don’t think so, though it depends on the length of your explanation.” Roman crossed his arms over his chest.
Now Ellis’s blue eyes took on a sheen of fear. “My explanation about what?” The secretary’s tone was higher than normal, and Roman assumed it was closer to Ellis’s real voice.
“It’s clear to me you are not who you purport to be.
I’ve felt something was off since I hired you, but now I’m certain.
You’re a woman masquerading as a man.” He pierced the secretary, who looked more and more to him like a bearded lady, making him wonder how he’d ever been fooled in the first place, with an expectant stare. “Why?”