“That ship sailed a long time ago, Theo.” Walter turned to face him. “When they started producing Pocket Books. Besides, we couldn’t produce hardbacks now anyway.”

The nationwide paper shortage had limited book production, and with the army taking all the cotton for camouflage netting, there wasn’t enough left for bookbinding.

“I have something to tell you,” Walter said. “I need you to make a trip to our London office. Publishers are facing even more restrictions over there, and the way the British rationing system works means they get paper based on the sales achieved the previous year. It hasn’t been good for them.” He looked Theo in the eye. “And I do know how you like a challenge.”

“Normally, yes, but this isn’t a good time, Walter—”

“It’s never a good time, Theo, particularly in the middle of a war, but we must all do what we can.”

The men surveyed each other. Theo had been willing to make the sacrifice that Howie had, but his government had deemed him more valuable serving the American war economy, and he didn’t know how to defend himself to others when he could still taste his own bitter disappointment so strongly.

Theo said, “Hypothetically, what can I do that they can’t do themselves?”

“There are some opportunities—paperbacks, access to the new quota systems—but they haven’t made the most of them and, as you can imagine, with their lack of resources and skilled labor, it’s a precarious situation. Everyone’s getting a little nervous. Especially George.”

“Is he happy for me to intervene?”

“I’m sure he and his staff would prefer to handle matters themselves, but they’ve had a rough couple of years. Rupert’s departure left a big hole, and I understand there are other staffing issues that haven’t been handled well. No matter what George thinks, I would rather you went.”

Theo knew that Walter’s brother was the minority partner in the business, and surely he wouldn’t feel great about an American interloper showing up. It would be difficult enough for Theo to abandon his commitments here, let alone offer help that was unsolicited and unwelcome.

“Look,” said Walter, “I know it’s not ideal, and I know Virginia isn’t pleased about it either. But the war isn’t as distant as it was, Theo, and with your industry contacts and expertise—well, I need to find out if you can help them . . . or if we might need to close their office.”

“It’s as bad as that?” Theo asked, struggling to keep the shock from his voice.

Walter nodded gravely. “If they can’t meet the demand for books, maybe we can.”

This was worse than Virginia had suggested, far worse than he’d contemplated, and he was surprised that Walter expected him to fall into line so easily.

“But you know my work here with the council is important?” Theo said hurriedly.