didn’t feel like a stranger. She felt more like a dear family friend.
Meredith continued. “My aunt Delilah was born in Sussex and wished to return to England. So here I am. . . . And today when I needed a quiet place to write, I thought of the lovely bookshop I visited a few days ago. I hope you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind in the least! I’m quite thrilled that you are here! I simply love the idea of a book being written in a bookshop. It’s rather poetic, don’t you think? There is a great deal of inspiration with so many classic novels around you. Please feel free to come and write here whenever you wish. Stay as long as you like. I’ll let my staff know, so they won’t interrupt you.”
“Thank you. That’s very kind of you.” Meredith was touched by the offer. “I shall certainly take you up on that.”
Colette smiled warmly. “I think it’s important to encourage writers, especially female writers. We’ve never had a writer actually writing here before, but you shall be Hamilton’s Book Shoppe’s first in-house writer, Miss Remington.”
“Oh, my. That’s such an honor! Thank you. I don’t know if I am worthy of such an accolade, but I shall endeavor to try to be.” Meredith liked the woman so much and felt such an instant spirit of kinship with her.
“I’ve no doubt you will. I’ve always been in awe of writers and had great respect for them. I’m such a great lover of books, but the thought of actually writing one is simply overwhelming to me.” Colette glanced at Meredith’s manuscript. “How close are you to finishing your book?”
“I have more than half of it written. Then I shall have to edit it and put it all together neatly. I know a publisher back in New York who was interested in taking a look at it when I finished, so I’ll send it to him when I make it presentable.”
“How exciting!” Colette exclaimed, her blue eyes sparkling. “If you need anyone to read it for you, I would be happy to help. Also, I am familiar with a number of people in the publishing business here in London, so I can introduce you to them as well, if you like. John Murray is a friend of mine and he’s a prominent publisher in town. Maybe you could have your book published here and in America as well!”
“You would do that for me?” asked Meredith, utterly stunned by the generosity of this woman she barely knew. “Someone you only just met?”
“Of course. Think nothing of it. Women need to help other women when they can, for it’s a man’s world, make no mistake about it, and we ladies need all the help we can get. So I like to do what I can to help the female cause. To that end, I only hire women to work in my bookshops.”
Why, this lovely lady was a modern and progressive woman! Meredith could not believe her good fortune. “I’m so lucky to have met you.”
“I believe I’m the fortunate one! Just think! A female author right here in my bookshop!” Her pretty face beamed with delight.
“I’m not a published author yet,” Meredith added shyly.
“But you will be.” Colette nodded her head for emphasis. “I just know it.”
They talked together easily for some time, and Meredith told her the plot of her book, how long she had been writing, and about the magazine articles she had written in New York.
She found it amazing that Colette was so supportive and encouraging. Not once did she ask why Meredith wasn’t looking for a husband or why she wasn’t married yet. None of that seemed to matter.
How refreshing to not have marriage as the topic of conversation for once! And to find someone who didn’t care to discuss marriage! That was a rarity, indeed.
Their conversation was so unique and inspiring, her spirit soared for the first time in weeks. No one had ever shown such a genuine interest in Meredith’s writing before. She even allowed Colette Hamilton to read a few chapters of the manuscript.
“It’s wonderful. You have such a way with words,” Colette said in awe after she had read the handwritten pages of The Edge of Danger. “I can’t wait to find out what happens. I want to read more!”
Thrilled with the response, Meredith exhaled with relief. That was what a writer always wished to hear the most. I want to read more. Her head spun with the dizzying compliment. “I’ve never shown my writing to anyone before, except Mr. Robinson at his publishing office.”
“And he is the one in New York who wishes to publish it?”
Meredith nodded. “He said he would be interested in seeing it when it’s finished, of course. So I’m hopeful about it.”
“That’s quite exciting. I am so happy for you, Miss Remington. And I’m proud of you.” Her smile was genuine. “I must introduce you to my younger sister, Paulette. She’d love to read your work as well. If you come to the shop next week at this time, I shall arrange for Paulette to be here to meet you.”
“That sounds wonderful. And again, I don’t know how to thank you,” Meredith murmured, a bit overwhelmed by the compliments. A successful businesswoman who reminded Meredith of her mother, believed that she was a talented writer and was proud of her. Meredith’s heart swelled with joy.
“There’s no need to thank me at all. I’m happy to have you writing here. Now, a good writer must not spend all her time chatting with a nosey woman, but she simply must have a little sustenance to keep her going. So I shall bring you a cup of tea. Do you take cream and sugar?”
“Just a little sugar, please, and thank you again.”
Meredith couldn’t help but grin at her good fortune.
Of all the shops in London, she had stumbled upon the perfect one. She knew the moment she’d set foot in Hamilton’s Book Shoppe that it was special. Now it would become her second home, a refuge where she could be supported to finish writing her mystery novel.
A few minutes later, Colette Hamilton returned with a cup of hot tea and a freshly baked lemon scone.
“Now I shall let you get back to your writing,” Colette said. “I’ve distracted you enough for the time being. If you need me, I shall be upstairs in my office. But all the staff have been made aware that you are a special guest and are to have anything you need.”
“You’re too good to me. Thank you!”
Meredith was in heaven and continued to write undisturbed for the next hour and a half, while sipping tea and enjoying the scone. But it was now time to go. She’d been gone too long already and needed to get back to Lavinia’s house. There was yet another ball she was required to attend that evening, and lengthy preparations would be necessary. Delilah would be frantic if Meredith didn’t return soon.
After she had gathered her things, she ventured up the staircase to say goodbye to Colette Hamilton and to thank her again. When the door at the top of the steps opened, Meredith was surprised to discover that she wasn’t in an ordinary office, but what seemed like a lovely home.
“I’m sorry to intrude, but I must be going, and I wanted to thank you again before I left,” she said to Colette.
“You’re not intruding at all, my dear, and I’m so glad you came up to see me. How did your writing go? Did you get a lot accomplished this afternoon?”
