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It’s #bookqw and Annmar cannot risk being ‘fired’.
More from Chapter 1:
“My word,” Polly muttered, “I haven’t heard language such as that since leaving the countryside. Your employer has some gall sending you to see a client here.”
“Mrs. Rennet’s decisions are greased by gold.” At the lift of Polly’s brows, Annmar intoned, “Make decisions to make the customer happy,” words the illustrators working for Rennet’s Renditions heard a dozen times a day. “I do appreciate you accompanying me when the other illustrator couldn’t. The client’s building is there.” She lifted her chin toward the three-story machinery factory ahead.
“I wish to see this Mr. Shearing for myself, especially after a girl I work with said his blue eyes are the fairest south of the Peak District.”
Annmar frowned. “Blue eyes have nothing to do with anything.”
“Then make him believe it,” she said as they approached the factory’s steps.
Annmar pressed a hand to her corseted middle to quell her twisting stomach. She would not be Mr. Shearing’s mistress. Even her lifelong dream was not worth losing her dignity. Nonetheless, she must stay employed with Rennet’s. “Not before this drawing is approved.” Annmar waved the rolled paper. “Mrs. Rennet fired a fellow last week for leaving a smudge on the corner of his illustration. I can’t hinder an advertisement’s progress.”
Steam hung in the crisp September air around Shearing Enterprises, muting the office’s glossy green door. Over the brick archway, tall, gold lettering proclaimed the business pledge across a signboard: The Latest in Agricultural Technology, Backed by the Best Craftsmanship in Derbyshire. Decorative gears and rods at the base formed a trademark as strong as the businessman they represented.
Oh, why did Mr. Shearing’s eye have to fall to her? Going against the industrial magnate would be difficult, and under Polly’s tutelage it seemed likely Annmar would create some reason for Mr. Shearing to have her fired from Rennet’s Renditions before the morning was over.
Polly patted her arm. “Do you want to practice again?”
Giving a shake of her head, Annmar raised the brass door knocker and rapped it.
~~~
How does Annmar free herself of Mr. Shearing? Pick up a free download The Unraveling, first in a serialized novel! https://books2read.com/TheUnraveling
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On a personal note:
Along with family members, I’ve just traveled to Norway, spending much of our time on a small ferry cruise called Havila Voyages. What an extraordinary trip they offer, with excursions for outdoor adventure and my favorite – the local history and culture. Of course, a natural history excursion would rate higher to me, but those trips seem to only be offered in the summertime. That means, we must go again!
Geiranger Fjord World Heritage Site Norway 12 Mar 2025
Coast near Myrland Norway 19 Mar 2025
Norwegian houses at dusk in Vardøya Norway 17 Mar 2025
Northern lights near Båtsfjord Norway 17 Mar 2025
We chose to take the voyage in the winter because of the increased possibility of seeing the northern lights. They were visible 5 nights out of 11. This viewing of nearly an hour shone the most intense. I can’t recommend this voyage enough!
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