The Fourth Estate

“And the shares?”

“As the price has already been settled, she doesn’t seem to care who buys them, as long as her book gets published.”

“But she wanted more time to think about it,” said Kate, who remained silent for a few moments before adding, “Why didn’t she question you more closely on why you would want to buy the shares?”

Townsend shrugged.

“I’m beginning to wonder if Mrs. Sherwood wasn’t sitting on board waiting for us, rather than the other way round.”

“Don’t be silly,” said Townsend. “After all, she’s going to have to decide if it’s more important to get her book published, or to fall out with Alexander, who’s been advising her to sell to Armstrong. And if that’s the choice she has to make, there’s one thing in our favor.”

“And what’s that?” asked Kate.

“Thanks to Sally, we know exactly how many rejection slips she’s had from publishers over the past ten years. And having read the book, I can’t imagine any of them gave her much cause for hope.”

“Surely Armstrong is also aware of that, and would be just as willing to publish her book?”

“But she can’t be sure of that,” said Townsend.

“Perhaps she can, and is far brighter than we gave her credit for. Is there a phone on board?”

“Yes, there’s one on the bridge. I tried to place a call to Tom Spencer in New York so that he could start amending the contract, but I was told the phone can’t be used unless it’s an emergency.”

“And who decides what’s an emergency?” asked Kate.

“The purser says the captain is the sole arbiter.”

“Then neither of us can do anything until we reach New York.”

Mrs. Sherwood arrived late for lunch, and took the seat next to the general. She seemed content to listen to a lengthy summary of chapter three of his memoirs, and never once raised the subject of her own book. After lunch she disappeared back into her cabin.

When they took their places at dinner, they found that Mrs. Sherwood had been invited to sit at the captain’s table.

After a sleepless night Keith and Kate arrived early at breakfast, hoping to learn her decision. But as the minutes passed and Mrs. Sherwood failed to appear, it became clear that she must be taking breakfast in her suite.

“Probably fallen behind with her packing,” suggested the ever helpful Dr. Percival.

Kate didn’t look convinced.

Keith returned to his cabin, packed his suitcase and then joined Kate on deck as the liner steamed toward the Hudson.

“I have a feeling we’ve lost this one,” said Kate, as they sailed past the Statue of Liberty.

“I think you might be right. I wouldn’t mind so much if it weren’t at the hands of Armstrong again.”

“Has beating him become that important?”

“Yes, it has. What you have to understand is…”

“Good morning, Mr. Townsend,” said a voice behind them. Keith swung round to see Mrs. Sherwood approaching. He hoped she hadn’t spotted Kate before she melted into the crowd.

“Good morning, Mrs. Sherwood,” he replied.

“After some considerable thought,” she said, “I have come to a decision.”

Keith held his breath.

“If you have both contracts ready for me to sign by ten o’clock tomorrow morning, then you have, to use that vulgar American expression, ‘got yourself a deal.’”