"Shhh, it's okay…honey, hmmm...
Joan quickly managed to calm young Edward while Vera tended to Margaret, handing her tea and adjusting her pillow.
Joan waited a few minutes before returning Edward to his crib. She stood quietly to the side with a faint, reassuring smile. Margaret was quietly pleased. She hadn't expected such a level of composure from a trainee nurse.
The now-calm atmosphere was interrupted by another Knock, and as expected,it was the husband, Mr Timothy.
"Thank you for your service.please, go ahead and attend to your duties, I'm here for my wife"
They closed the door behind them and walked a short distance before Vera began to explain what had happened.
There was no need for an explanation. Joan had already understood the situation from Margaret's reaction. She hadn't blamed Vera for the mistake, nor had she asked for another nurse, although it was too early to draw any conclusions.
"I don't know what happened. She had the baby securely in her arms, but for some reason, I felt her grip weaken. Perhaps her arms simply gave out."
"Maybe she's unwell," Joan said, scanning the hallway for Helen.
"Maybe...
Helen was seen heading to the nursery, holding a baby. She followed her after noting Vera.
"Who is this cute baby?"
"She is our lovely Hella,"Helen said as she put the baby in her crib.
They chatted briefly about Lily and their daily routine before Vera called Joan back.
They returned to Mrs Margaret's room, and continued to attend to her after her husband left. Although the tension between them was obvious, Joan didn't dwell on it. It wasn't her place to interfere, and she wasn't particularly curious about their family affairs.
The rest of the day passed peacefully, with little Edward keeping them company. Over the following days, Margaret gradually warmed up to them as she settled into the ward.
"Good morning, Mrs Margaret. How are you doing today?" Vera greeted as she entered with water and utilities.
"Good morning. Hmm?I don't see Joan…"
Asked Margaret as she noticed the absence of another figure.
"Oh, she stepped out for a little while. She'll be back by lunch."Vera paused before continuing while putting her stuff by the bedside" if you need anything, I can call another nurse for you"
"No, it's okay. I was only curious" Margaret replied indifferently while ruffling her hair.
Thankfully, the baby Edward is still asleep, so she can freshen up in peace.
Wearing a neat white blouse paired with a black skirt, Joan adjusted her hat as she walked toward the subway. She already had a general understanding of the publishing process, including the basic procedures and pricing, so she should be fine. And even if it doesn't get through, she shouldn't be discouraged, as it's her first attempt.
Getting down, Joan walked in the direction the driver pointed. A side street crowded with men in suits and women in neat skirts, all hurrying toward the publishing houses facing one another.
Harrington & Bell Publishing Co.
A medium publishing house, relatively specialized in education books, and medical books.
As soon as she entered she was attacked by the smell of ink and paper. After asking a passing worker, she headed for the second floor before finding Mr Smithing's secretary, who registered her arrival and gave her a number.
It is true she was recommended by two doctors for the book, but that did not allow her to skip the usual procedure. So she waited in line with the other three men and one woman on the chairs outside the editor office.
Doesn't know if she should be thankful or not, but the line shortened rather fast, with each interview lasting less than fifteen minutes.
Joan stood up from her chair, tidied up a little before knocking on the door briefly, then entering.
Inside were two desks, one beside the window while the other was closer to the door. Reading the name on the desk panel, she greeted the middle-aged man in his early forties.
"Good day, Mr Smithing" Joan greeted politely.
"Good Day to you too, Ms Blackwood, if I'm not mistaken, Dr Charles recommended you?" asked Mr Smithing, who raised his gaze from the pile of papers in front of him, leaning back in his chair.
"Yes, I'm Joan Blackwood"
"Please, take a seat Ms Blackwood"
"I had read your manuscript after Dr Charles sent me a copy,it has potential, but there are some revisions we would like you to consider"
"What kind of revision?"
"The material is strong, but the balance needs work. Some sections move too quickly and would benefit from a little more explanation, while others go deeper than necessary." He flipped through a few pages before continuing. "I would also like a physician to review the more technical sections before we proceed."
Joan nodded slowly. "That sounds reasonable."
"If you're willing to make the changes, I can recommend a first printing of five hundred copies. Your royalty would be ten percent of the retail price, with the book priced at one dollar and fifty cents."
"What do you think?" he asked, in a tone that suggested the terms were hardly negotiable.
"Very well. I'll be happy to work with you, Mr. Smithing."
Thankfully, the meeting ended sooner than Joan had expected. Mr. Smithing was as practical as he was refreshingly efficient.
The writer's naming skills are really first class.
Please, share your thoughts on Joan's progress in the comments 💭