A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,5

it on good authority that several other successful authors used this option to publish their works.

“You will pay for the cost of the book’s publication?” His eyes widened with surprise.

“Yes. Artemis Press will act as the distributor and earn a five percent fee from the profits.” She’d saved much of her earnings from the previous book for this purpose. The income from the broadsheet chapters continued to go to her family.

“You must be jesting.” Mr. Raybourne scowled, but the expression still displayed one of his dimples to full advantage. “Twenty.”

“Now who’s jesting? Seven percent.” Who knew negotiating a contract could be so exhilarating? Perhaps she had more of her father in her than she realized.

“Ten.”

She considered further. The percentage was fair. In truth, she wanted him to have stakes in the endeavor so he’d be more motivated to do all he could to make the book succeed. Ten percent would make it worth his while to increase sales. “Agreed.”

“Excellent.” The wolfish smile he offered gave her pause.

What had she gotten herself into?

Chapter Two

“Do you see Caroline?” Lady Gold asked as she glanced about at the Stannus Ball the following evening.

“Not yet.” Annabelle stood beside her mother in the receiving line to greet their hosts. Already bits of conversation drifting to them from the guests confirmed the subject of Napoleon’s return to power and the efforts of the British-led coalition to stop him were on everyone’s mind. But this evening, talk of the war was only part of what held Annabelle’s thoughts. “Louisa and Granger should be in attendance as well.”

Her cousin, Louisa, and Louisa’s husband, the Earl of Granger, had met just before Christmas and married soon after. The couple was enjoying wedded bliss as were Caroline and Aberland.

Annabelle was happy for them all. Truly.

Prior to marrying, Caroline had kept the family from the brink of financial disaster with her many clever ways of saving money. Being caught with Aberland in a compromising position when she’d been hoping for a proposal from a wealthy duke had been a rocky beginning to their relationship. The moment when that hope had been dashed had been painful for the entire family but nearly crushed Caroline.

However, sometimes fate stepped in to change the course of a life to an unexpected outcome. Only time made the reason for the change clear. And with time, Caroline realized her future had actually been saved. Aberland hadn’t been the impoverished rake they’d believed him to be. And the duke had proved less than worthy of her affection. Louisa had shared a similar change of circumstances with Granger.

But neither of those situations shook Annabelle’s belief that marriage would jeopardize her own dreams, something she had no intention of allowing. The previous evening was a perfect example. She’d stayed up late into the night, writing an idea for a scene that had come to her vividly. As an unmarried woman, she could keep whatever hours she wanted and have not only the freedom but the peace and quiet to listen to the voice in her head. What man would allow his wife to write when the whim or a deadline struck?

She and her mother greeted their hosts, Lord and Lady Stannus, then proceeded into the ballroom where everybody that was anybody had convened. The music had yet to start, but the musicians were warming up. She and her mother searched the crowd for Caroline and her tall, dark, and handsome husband.

Annabelle spotted them first and led the way to the pair, excited to tell her about the second book contract if they had a moment of privacy.

“Good evening.” Caroline greeted them warmly as did Aberland. “I hope you’re both well.”

“We are, indeed.” Lady Gold smiled, but Annabelle didn’t miss how she studied Caroline as if to make certain all was well with her eldest daughter.

Annabelle understood how important it was to their mother to know that Caroline was happy, but she didn’t think there was any reason to worry on that front.

Caroline gave them each a beaming smile as she squeezed their hands. “I’m so pleased to see you both. Tell me all your news.”

Annabelle chuckled. “We saw you a few days ago. What makes you think anything has occurred?”

“I still miss seeing you every day, and you never write letters, only stories,” Caroline said even as she tucked her arm under her husband’s.

“It’s true. She does still miss you.” He smiled at her, the love in his eyes warm and gentle.

Annabelle felt Caroline’s absence fiercely. She’d encouraged Annabelle’s love