about their child but was vocal about it. Her father adored all three of his daughters, though Annabelle tended to think Caroline was his favorite. That didn’t mean he didn’t love them all. These days, they were pleased if Sir Reginald recognized them.
He’d been well enough for Aberland to escort him to the office the previous day as promised. Thank heavens her brother-in-law had taken an interest in the business and had already managed to shift the company’s financial numbers from negative to positive. While he didn’t have experience with shipping, his time spent working as a spy made him an excellent judge of character. He also had a fair head for business.
His love for Caroline would’ve been enough for Annabelle to like him, but his gentle guidance with her father secured her affection. Aberland was a good man with a good heart.
Despite that, Annabelle watched her sister closely for the shift that seemed to occur in married women, where they soon began to care more about their husband’s wellbeing than their own. She was prepared to warn Caroline the moment she exhibited the same behavior that had stolen the life from their mother as well as their aunt, Louisa’s mother.
Aunt Felton had thoroughly enjoyed married life, so much so that when her husband, the Marquess of Whirlenhall, passed away, she’d been set adrift, unable to find joy in anything. Her search for love had landed her in one fiasco after another, much to Louisa’s dismay.
Annabelle didn’t want that. Love wasn’t worth losing oneself. She adored her writing career and couldn’t imagine a husband who would allow her to continue it after the wedding. Marriage was bad enough, but love changed people. Remaining a spinster would be the best way to protect against that and allow her to follow her dream, especially if she had the financial wherewithal to do so.
“Mr. Raybourne will see you, miss,” Mr. Bing said as he held open the door for her.
“Wait here, Lizzie,” she directed the maid, who took a seat in the reception area.
“Good day, Mr. Raybourne.”
Thomas stood behind the desk, a curious expression on his face. “And to you, Miss Gold. What a pleasant surprise.”
She was determined to keep their association on a professional footing, especially after dancing with him the other night. That dance made their relationship feel too personal. She’d promised herself to limit her social interactions with him so she could keep her wits about her when dealing with him.
Yet even now, those green eyes pulled at her. Thank goodness he hadn’t flashed those dimples, or she’d completely forget the purpose of her visit.
“I have an idea to improve book sales I wanted to share with you.” She handed him a torn piece of paper.
“You wish me to purchase a tonic for gout?” he asked with a frown.
“No, but I believe you can see from reading the advert that this particular tonic would be the ideal remedy to purchase if one had the need. It clearly states the advantages of the product and where it can be found.”
“And?” He studied her much like he’d examined the advert—with a genuine curiosity that made her lose her train of thought.
If only she could control the heat that suffused her entire being each time she saw him. What was it about him that caused this reaction? She spoke with various men at balls and other gatherings and never experienced this uncomfortable sensation.
Now wasn’t the time to worry over such things, she reminded herself.
“If we placed a similar advert about the book, including where it could be purchased, perhaps we could gain additional sales.”
“I don’t remember seeing any adverts for books.”
“That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be the first.”
“It’s an interesting idea. I’ll consider it.” He gestured toward the empty chair.
“Do you have other thoughts on how to spread word about the book?” she asked as she took a seat.
“One or two, but nothing I’m prepared to discuss at the moment. How is the new book coming along?”
She was pleased he had asked. He looked tired today. Had he enjoyed one too many late nights? Did he ever grow weary of that life?
What drove him to it? Motivation was something she considered more than most people because of her writing. Characters needed to act in a certain manner for a reason, just like people did. What was the reason behind his behavior?
“I am nearly done rewriting the rough copy into a fair copy. I’m taking care to make certain the end of each volume