Grace knew the exhibit in the front window was eye-catching, a blend of popular mysteries with a sprinkle of children’s books to entice a housewife with a child in tow to enter. It was purposefully styled, as Mrs. Nesbitt said, but then many displays on Paternoster Row had been.

“Thank you,” Mr. Evans replied. “Grace has worked hard on it, as well as everything else in the shop.”

Mrs. Nesbitt spun around and faced Mr. Evans, tall and skinny to his short and plump. “I mean it looks very much like my display. How dare you?”

He gave her a bored look. “Do not blame your flagging sales on our prosper.”

“How could I not?” Mrs. Nesbitt declared. “To what else do you attribute your success aside from organizing your shop like mine?”

“Competition,” Grace interjected, bolstered by Mr. Evans’s support. “You are amid many other booksellers on Paternoster Row, yet we’re alone here on Hosier Lane.”

“And offer friendly service.” Mr. Evans gave what appeared to be a kind smile in Grace’s direction. “On that note, Mrs. Nesbitt, I’d like you to take your leave lest you scare off my customers.”

Her mouth fell open with apparent offense. “I’ve never...”

“Heard of such a thing?” Mr. Evans’s brows lifted. “Well, if you haven’t, then I wager it’s far overdue.” He indicated the door.

Mrs. Nesbitt sniffed, lifted her head so high she most likely couldn’t see properly and swept from the bookshop.

Mr. Evans frowned at Grace.

She flinched inwardly, anticipating a rebuke for having caused such a row in the store where they might have been heard by customers.

“Don’t join the ATS, Miss Bennett. Stay here.”

“In London?”

“At Primrose Hill Books.” He put his hands in his pockets and lowered his head. “I know you’ve a mind to go to Harrods and it’s not fair of me to ask.” He glanced up at her, his expression hesitant. “I’m grateful for what you’ve done with the shop and would like you to at least consider staying on.”

Grace stared at him, unable to believe her ears. Surely she was dreaming.

“With a raise, of course,” he added.

She grinned at him. “Who could say no to such an offer?”

“I’m glad to hear it.” He nodded, more to himself. “Quite glad indeed.”

That afternoon at tea with Viv, Grace happily shared she wouldn’t need the good word put in for her at Harrods after all. With Viv having gathered all the information required to begin her application for the ATS, the two had much to celebrate.