Lilly doubted that. She ’d always locked her desk. Irene had snooped around and found the key.
The colonel rubbed his hands together. “I believe Miss Westbrook prefers to speak to me alone.”
“I think not, MacIntyre. I have something to say to you.” Jack leaned across the worn tablecloth sprinkled with crumbs from MacIntyre’s pastry. “I told you that Miss Cole is one of my authors and I take a great interest in her career. A personal interest. Drop your blackmail scheme right now, because she ’s not paying you one red cent.” Jack glanced at Lilly.
“Then maybe you’d like to, Grail.”
Jack shook his head. “No. Nothing from me, either.”
“I want to hear from Fannie herself. Speak up, Miss Westbrook.”
She glared at the colonel as he blew a smoke ring in her direction. “You’ll not get a dime from me.” Lilly stared at the arrogant man, thrilled she ’d finally defied him. “Or from Mr. Grail. You can expose my name in your horrid newssheet, but it doesn’t matter because I’ve decided to promote myself and my novels for Jones and Jarman. You have no hold over me any longer.”
Jack reached for her hand. She pulled her attention away from the colonel and looked down at Jack’s hand. His touch warmed her icy fingers, but heated her heart even more. These were the hands she longed to hold forever—hands that could make her feel secure and safe.
A stinging in the back of her eyes told her that unexpected tears threatened to spill. Had the day’s stress gotten to her, or did having Jack here with her touch her beyond belief?
His eyes pleaded with her for understanding—and maybe something more.
“I know how much you want to stay in the background. So if you don’t wish to engage in any promotion for any of the titles published by Jones and Jarman, I understand.”
“Thank you.” Lilly squeezed Jack’s hand, hoping he would sense her overwhelming gratitude for his selflessness. The future of his company rested on her doing promotions, yet he ’d give her an out for—
“I find your mutual self-sacrificing quite touching,” the colonel interrupted her thoughts, “but shockingly unrealistic. Think of the humiliation and heartbreak this will cause your family, Fannie.” He looked from Jack to Lilly. “I don’t care who pays me, but someone will or Fannie Cole is going to see her true name in the next edition of Talk of the Town.”
The colonel leaned toward Lilly, his stare hard. His noxious cigar breath drifted across the table. “If you don’t pay up, I’ll expose you on page one of Talk of the Town so nobody can miss it. I’ll write how you cheated on your fiancé with your publisher. Oh yes, Irene told me all about you and your good friend, Jack here, and his personal interest in you. What do you say to that, Miss Cole? Do you want to be cut from every rich and powerful family in New York and Newport? Or would you rather pay a small sum for my silence? You can go on just as you always have, marry Grail or some society swell, and write your stories. What’s your answer?”
Lilly tried to speak, but only a croak came forth. “I planned to pay your blackmail because I was afraid our friends would ostracize my family and me.” She looked at Jack and George. “Irene ’s previous marriage will cause a dreadful scandal for George and our family, but we ’ll face it and weather it. I refuse to do anything less in this matter.” She shook her head. “I’ve hidden my work as if I’m ashamed of it. Well, I’m not. It’s time I own up to my career. I won’t be timid any longer.”
She smiled at her brother. “George, you’ve given me courage and I’m grateful for your example. And I’m so proud of you.” Funny how he was the last person she ’d expect to show fortitude in the face of social shunning.
She took Jack’s hand again. “And I want to help you build Jones and Jarman into a prosperous publishing house. If I’m going to be unveiled as Fannie Cole, I may as well go a step further. So feel free to introduce me to ‘my public.’” She chuckled at her last two words. It would take awhile to adjust to celebrity, but with Jack’s help, she ’d overcome her reticence. “Just don’t overdo it.”
Jack blinked, and in a low voice said, “Then you’re not going to switch to Atwater Publishers?”
“No, I’m not. I admit I once considered it, in order to preserve my anonymity, but I don’t believe so any longer. I’ve decided to stay with you.” She wanted to say “to stay with you forever,” but she bit her lip.
Jack’s eyes softened. “You’re willing to promote Fannie Cole?” Then he added, “For me?”
“I am.”
Jack’s obvious relief showed in a big smile soon followed by a frown. “But what about your family? It’s one thing for them to know you’re Fannie; it’s another to see you promote yourself as a dime novelist.”
His concern touched her deeply. “I trust they’ll come to see that my writing is worthwhile and that they can weather the storm alongside us.” She focused on Jack, her heart thumping, her throat dry.
I love you, Jack. I want to marry you! She wouldn’t voice her feelings in this place, in front of Colonel MacIntyre and George, but she hoped her eyes conveyed her heart-felt feelings. How she wished they could be alone so she could tell Jack the true feelings that she ’d had for so long, but the moment wouldn’t allow that.
Colonel MacIntyre thrust himself to his feet and re-lit his cigar. “You’re making a big mistake, missy.”
Jack tore his gaze from Lilly, then stood. He towered over the editor. “It doesn’t matter what you do if Miss Westbrook goes public. You have no hold over her.” Jack pointed his finger in MacIntyre’s face. “But I have the note you sent to Miss Westbrook. There’s enough evidence in that to prove you’re a blackmailer. If you print one word about her or the Westbrook family ever again, you’ll be sued and your scandal sheet will be shut down for good.”
MacInyre choked on his cigar and bent over coughing.
Jack frowned. “And for the trouble you’ve caused, I expect you to make reparations or else I’ll take your blackmail letter to the police.”
Rufus MacIntyre ’s tiny eyes narrowed. “No, you wouldn’t do that.”
“Tell you what. I’ll reconsider if you make a large, anonymous donation to the Christian Settlement House of New York. Your kind gesture will be greatly appreciated.”
Again, Jack’s gesture swept her off her feet. She bit her lip hard to keep from crying, but she looked at him with eyes that said, “I love you for this and for all that you are.”
A sneer spread across Colonel MacIntrye ’s face along with a hint of fear. “I don’t find that necessary. They’d never believe a former colonel in the Union Army would do such a thing.”
“Shall we find out?” Jack asked.
MacIntyre paused. “All right, I’ll do that,” he muttered as he smashed his cigar into the ash tray.
Jack stared at the man. “See that you do. I’ll be checking up on you. I’ll telephone Miss Diller, the directress, tomorrow afternoon to make sure your contribution has arrived.”
Lilly mouthed a heartfelt thank-you toward Jack, then let him lead her and George out of the cave-like restaurant, away from the stink of the colonel. Jack took her arm, unaware that his touch sent a surge of love through her. He helped her into her carriage and climbed in beside her, then directed the coachman to take them back to Summerhill. George lumbered off to his gig and drove off, just ahead of them.
As the carriage jolted forward, Jack settled close to Lilly. Her heart swelled. “I truly appreciate what you’re willing to do for my company. But wouldn’t it be better for you to accept Sterling’s offer? He’ll give you everything you want—anonymity, a new nom de plume, and probably more money than Jones and Jarman could ever afford.”
Lilly’s eyes widened. “Do you have another dime novelist to take my place?”
He shook his head. “I’m afraid not in the romance area. But that’s all right. I’ll concentrate on my newspaper and magazine.” He paused. “We ’re on the verge of purchasing a manuscript from a new writer of western dime novel
s, so I’m sure that will help.”
“But tell me, when did you find this new authoress—of westerns, you say? You’ve never mentioned her before.”
“Lewis Jarman telephoned me just an hour or so ago. He’s excited about the possibilities of promoting her books.”
So the telephone call she overheard concerned their newest find; it wasn’t about her. How could she have jumped to such an unfair conclusion?
Lilly grasped his hands. “Since George has shown so much courage, I can’t do anything less. I shall go public. And I want to write for Jones and Jarman, not Atwater.”
Jack’s face lit up. “Are you sure, Lilly?”
“Positive.”
“But that’s an enormous sacrifice. Maybe I should curtail my ambition, as you once said. It takes so much time and energy to build a publishing empire.” Jack tilted his head. He looked nervous, unsure of himself. “I’d like to spend the extra time with you, Lilly.”
Joy swept through her body. A smile turned up her lips. “I’d like that as well. But growing Jones and Jarman into a prosperous publishing house is your dream and I’ll not ruin it. I want to help you.”
“Thank you, Lilly.” He brushed a kiss across her hand.
Jack slipped his arm around Lilly’s shoulder. She sighed with a happiness she ’d only known for a short time six years before.
“I’ll never let you down again, Lilly.”
She leaned closer. “I tried to forgive you, Jack, at least in my head, but I wasn’t willing to trust you with either my career or my heart. I see now that I can. And I do. I couldn’t imagine how this dreadful problem would end, but I knew the Lord would find a solution for me. And He did.”
Jack grinned. “A solution for us.”
She tilted her head toward him and he bent down and kissed her. She accepted the warmth of his lips upon hers and let the sweetness linger. Wrapping her fingers around his, she stroked them tenderly.
“I love you, Lilly.”
She realized how deeply she ’d craved those words. “I love you too.”
“Lilly, I asked you before and promised not to pressure you, but will you do me the honor of marrying me? I need you so very much.”
She didn’t hesitate. “Oh, Jack, and I need you too. I love you and would be honored to be Mrs. Jackson Grail.”
A few joyful tears trickled down her cheeks as he again pressed his lips to hers. Jack flashed a smile brighter than sunshine. They were together at last.
They took the long route back to Summerhill, enjoying the glory of the afternoon and each other. When they arrived home they found George pacing in the foyer.
“I thought we could go in together and explain things to our parents. They’re waiting for us along with Miranda. I assume you don’t mind her presence, Lilly.”
Lilly sighed, not because of Miranda, but because of what was ahead of them. She braced herself for her confession. Dread shot up her spine as she tried to harness her thoughts. Lord, You’ve shown me Your will today. Please help me to explain without upsetting anyone too much.
As if knowing her feelings, Jack took her hand into his and gave it a slight squeeze. Looking into her eyes, he smiled. With a newfound courage she entered the sunny drawing room on Jack’s arm.
Lilly cleared her throat. Mama and Papa were perched on the stiff furniture. Miranda sat beside the unlit fireplace tatting a lace collar. All three looked up at her. “I have something important to say. Actually, to confess.” Jack stood close beside her. Lilly took a deep breath and clutched her hands together. “For a long time I’ve been afraid to tell you my secret because I knew you’d be mortified.” She took another breath and steadied her hands. “I write dime novels for Jones and Jarman Publishing. My pen name is Fannie Cole.” She heard her father gasp.
“Why Lilly, I had no idea,” Papa murmured.
Mama patted Papa’s hand and looked at Lilly with kindness. “But I did know. I believe Lilly’s writing is a worthwhile endeavor. Her books are beautifully written and convey an uplifting message. What could be more important?”
Lilly let out a gasp. “Oh, Mama, when did you discover I was Fannie Cole?” Tears pooled in her eyes.
Mama smiled shyly. “I recently finished Dorothea’s Dilemma and loved every word of it. As soon as I came to the scene by the pond, I realized only you could have written it. Of course, I was shocked, but I’ve had some time to reflect on it. More than anything else, I’m so very proud of you.”
Glancing at Papa, whose mouth was opened wide with disbelief, Mama gave a firm nod. “It’s past time I let you children fly on your own and accept you both for who you are becoming. I thought I knew better what would make you happy, but I was wrong. That’s what I wanted to tell you before you left this afternoon. And one more thing.” Mama paused and her eyelids fluttered. “I’m ashamed to admit that after I discovered you were Fannie, I—I found the key to your desk drawer and I opened it. Your latest manuscript was inside. Lilly, I snooped. I wanted to confess, but I didn’t have the gumption. I am so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?”
Lilly threw her arms around her mother and hugged her tightly. “Yes, Mama. I too was afraid to confess so I pulled farther and farther away from you. I thought you’d be ashamed of me and I couldn’t bear that. I’m so sorry I misjudged you.”
Mama laughed as tears escaped down her cheeks.
“I’ve decided to promote my books to help Jones and Jarman grow as a publishing house. I’m sure it will be hard at first, but with Jack’s support I’ll get used to it. I’m afraid society will ostracize us and for that I’m truly sorry.”
George leaned against the green marble mantle and pulled at his goatee. “And if Lilly’s career doesn’t end our foray into ultrafashionable society, surely Irene ’s indiscretions will.” Briefly, he told his parents what had transpired.
Vanessa lifted a hand to her forehead.
“Mama, are you all right?” George asked. Lilly’s father reached out to grab his wife ’s hand. They shared a long look.
“It’s only . . . it’s a bit much to take in.” She looked up to George. “I’m sorry, son. That is a horrible loss for you.”
“I’m sorry I brought her into our family. I’m afraid you and Papa will bear the brunt of my foolishness.”
“That’s all right,” she said, looking from her son to her daughter. “Our real friends will stay loyal,” Mama said. “Our true friends.”
“And I have new plans too,” George said. “A position teaching young boisterous boys would suit me well. Just today I’ve been offered a teaching position at a preparatory school in Connecticut. Irene would hear nothing of it. But now there ’s nothing to hold me back. I’ll begin in September.”
Papa lighted up. “Splendid! You always were so good with children. Much better than in the office.” He grinned at George.
Late afternoon sunshine flooded the room with golden warmth. Lilly breathed easily for the first time in weeks. Glancing up at Jack, she knew the time had come. She smiled, hoping for support. Jack laced his fingers through hers and gently squeezed.
“Mama, Papa, you may have surmised that Colonel MacIntyre was trying to blackmail me. Jack wanted to confront him, but I was afraid to admit I wrote the Fannie Cole novels. I didn’t feel I could trust Jack to keep my secret. But he proved he could and—I also realized I love him.” She clasped his hand tightly. “We ’re going to be married.”
The Westbrooks erupted with shouts of approval. George pecked her cheek and whispered, “It’s about time.” Mama rushed forward with wide-open arms.
Papa thumped Jack on the back. “Best wishes, son. You’re getting a delightful girl and, I dare say, she ’s getting an equally fine man. My best to you both.”
Mama raised a finger to her flushed cheek. “When will we have the wedding?”
Jack laughed. “How about the end of August or September at the latest?”
“August sounds best to me.” Lilly tossed her head backward as Jack reached down to
touch her lips with the loveliest kiss she ’d ever tasted.
Joy, fireworks, an explosion of passion—just as she ’d always imagined. Perhaps love and excitement weren’t too much to hope for after all.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I’d like to thank all the wonderful people at Thomas Nelson who helped publish this book: Allen Arnold, Natalie Hanemann, Lisa Bergren, and Becky Monds. I’m also grateful to Mary Connealy, Christy Barritt, Anne Greene, all the contest judges who read parts of the manuscript, the Gulf Coast Chapter of RWA, and Karen Solem. An enormous thanks goes to my children, Justin and Alicia, for all their encouragement, my “Seeker sisters,” and Beth White and Fran McNabb, two fabulous authors who have helped me most with my writing.
READING GROUP GUIDE
1. Jack proposed to Lilly without thinking through the objections he’d encounter from her parents. Should he have asked for her hand in marriage even though the answer would certainly have been no? Do you sympathize with him despite his cowardly behavior in leaving Lilly? If not, how could he redeem himself in her eyes?
2. Lilly thought she could keep her writing secret. Do you think she was justified in hiding her career from her family and friends? If she’d chosen to tell them, how should she have handled the situation to make it more palatable? If they continued to oppose her, what could she have done?
3. Lilly saw her writing as a ministry and God’s will and purpose for her life. From that perspective, did she have a choice in writing in spite of opposition? Was she brave, prudent, or cowardly in keeping her career secret?
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