the book’s total price as payment minus the publishing materials until the cost of the commission was exceeded. After that, they would split the proceeds, with the agent receiving twenty-five percent of any future books sold. It was a pretty standard practice as far as Lord John knew.
The first contract was drawn out to these very specifications. He knew that it was often the route taken by new authors as it was a much lower risk for the publishing house. It was also the reason why he needed access to the sum of money that had been once allotted to a military commission.
The second contract, however, was something he had never expected. The agent had explained to Bridget that after discussing it with other members of his establishment and all having found the book to be of high quality, they would be willing to front all the costs of publishing as a means to speed the process along.
The agent was so sure that the book would sell well that he was willing to take on the entire risk of a new author. He would pay the publishing fees, and Constance Brown would receive fifty percent of the proceeds, while the remainder would be split between the initial publishing cost and the agent himself. Once the expenses were met, Constance Brown’s income would rise to seventy-five percent with the publishing agent keeping his quarter fee.
It was a startling arrangement primarily because, as far as the agent knew, it was to a woman. Often when women were the authors, the most publishing houses would do was pay the lady a flat price for the initial round of publications and a small percentage for any future reprints.
“I wanted to make sure that the second contract was still fair. It seemed the better deal to me, but I thought it best I make sure you were in agreement before I chose one over the other,” Miss Thatcher explained as Lord John read one and then the other.
“Your instincts were right. It is a far better deal, and one that we can work with even if my brother goes back on his word and keeps my inheritance, but I’m glad you considered letting me look at it first.”
“Well, of course. It may be me that is in the room with the agent, but it is your book. I would never wish to make such an important decision without your input first. You don’t really think he will go back on his word, though?”
“No,” Lord John affirmed. “We may not see eye-to-eye on most things, but we agree that a gentleman’s word is his honour. He will still give me what is owed. In fact, this is even better. Now we can use those funds for much better things.”
“We? For what?” Bridget asked.
“Well, our marriage for one,” Lord John stated plainly.
“Marriage? I don’t believe you have actually asked me, sir,” Bridget teased.
“You’re right,” Lord John said, coming to stand.
He straightened his coat and made sure his golden locks were adequately settled. No one was in the room but the two of them and Betsy, who played quietly with her dolls. Sensing that a vital moment was about to happen, she set her playthings aside.
Lord John reached for Miss Thatcher’s hand and helped her to stand. He kissed her hand softly before clearing his throat.
“Miss Bridget Thatcher, would you do me the greatest honour of accepting my hand in marriage. I cannot promise that we will always have more than we need, or that we will not have trials in our years, but I can promise that I will always love you and that I will happily stand by your side as we weather the storms together.”
Bridget's eyes filled with tears at his heartfelt declarations. It took her a minute to answer. She did her best to swallow back the tears, though one did seem to escape as she frantically nodded her head in.
“Yes, a thousand times yes!” she finally spluttered.
Lord John raised her hand to his lips one last time before wrapping an arm around her and kissing her passionately on the lips.
“Uncle John! Are you going to marry Miss Thatcher?” Betsy squealed as she danced around them.
They had almost forgotten the little girl was in the room with them as they kissed. They looked away, both laughing heartily.
“I would like to. I hope you won’t have any objections to it?” Lord John answered, scooping the girl up into his arms.
“I think it’s wonderful!” Betsy furrowed