Page 67 of The Earl's Bluestocking Bride
Amelia grimaced. She understood Lady Drake’s reluctance to allow anything that may attract unwanted attention to her youngest child. Still, women had so few choices that she sympathized with Kate’s desire to choose what to put on her own body.
“One day, you will be able to choose whichever fabrics you like,” she said. “For now, you must listen to your mother. I’m sure she has reasons for her decisions.”
Kate cocked her head. “But once I’m married, won’t my husband make those choices?”
Amelia felt a pang. For so many women, that was true. “Then you’ll have to make sure to marry someone who values your happiness.”
“Like Andrew values yours?” she asked, her wide eyes innocent.
Another pang. While it was true that Andrew did his best by her, their marriage wasn’t exactly what she would wish for Kate.
“A letter has arrived for you, my lady.”
She spun toward Boden, her hand flying to her chest. She hadn’t heard him arrive. She drew in a deep breath to calm herself, and some of the tension eased from her shoulders. He may have startled her, but he’d also saved her from answering a question she didn’t feel entirely qualified to address.
She rose, crossed the room, and took the letter from him.“Thank you, Boden.”
“My pleasure, my lady.” He bowed and backed out.
She carried the letter to the chaise and studied the seal on the back. She didn’t recognize it.
“Who is it from?” Kate asked, setting aside the leatherbound volume containing her painting and sitting on the other end of the chaise.
“I’m not certain.” She didn’t usually receive mail, since she rarely sent correspondence, so her insides were alive with curiosity as she broke the seal and opened the letter.
She unfolded the paper and read.
To the Countess of Longley,
Many thanks for submitting your manuscript, Stranded: Part 1 of the Adventures of Miss Joceline Davies, for consideration.
After much deliberation, we have decided to accept your submission—provided we come to an agreement on some minor editorial changes.
If you wish to proceed, please write back to advise us of your availability to meet and make arrangements for the publication of Stranded.
We are also interested in procuring further parts of Miss Davies’s adventures, if you have them available. We can speak on the matter when we meet in person.
Sincerely,
Mr. Thomas Newton, Editor in Chief
Oh heavens.
Her breath hitched, and she hurried to reread the letter.
“What is it?” Kate asked urgently.
Amelia squealed, gripping the edges of the paper so tightly, they crumpled.“They said yes.”
She could hardly believe it. She’d dreamed—fantasized, really—but deep down, she’d feared she’d spend her life scribbling for the entertainment of no one other than herself. Not that doing so would be terrible, but this was infinitely better.
“Who did?” Kate sounded confused.
Amelia beamed. “Joceline’s stories are going to be in print.”
Other women would be able to read them. She could inspire them to wonder about the wide, wide world.Her jaw ached, and she realized she was grinning so widely, it hurt. Clutching the letter, she jumped up and danced on the spot.
“Really?” Kate rose, a smile stretching her mouth.
