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Smith escorted us to a small room. He entreated us to sit in chairs, while he perched on a desk cluttered with books, papers, pens, and inkwells. “You must have traveled here immediately upon receiving my letter,” he said, still beaming with excitement.
    “We—we left Haworth that very day and just arrived in London this morning.” Blushing violently, almost too agitated to speak, I said, “We apologize for coming uninvited and without warning, but we wished you to know at the earliest possible time that Anne is the author of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and that I have not breached my contract with you.”
    “Ah, yes. Well, now that you both are here, the misunderstanding is resolved.” Mr. Smith added with sincere entreaty, “Please forgive me for doubting you, and let me express how splendid it is to make the acquaintance of a truly great author.”
    Wonderful praise, this—more recognition than I could have hoped for! Dazzled, I murmured, “Sir, you are too generous—I do thank you—yes, of course you’re forgiven—”
    “Tell me, Miss Brontë,” said Mr. Smith. “Is Ellis Bell another of your sisters?”
    Anne said in a nervous, strident tone, “Mr. Bell does not wish his identity revealed.”
    Mr. Smith’s eyebrows rose, and I feared that Anne had offended him. However, he proved himself capable of tact and sympathy, for he shrugged, smiled, and said, “Perhaps it’s best that some mystery remains. How long are you in town?”
    “I thought we might stay until Tuesday,” I replied.
    “Splendid! I shall host a dinner at my house to introduce Currer and Acton Bell to literary society!”
    I stared dumbstruck at him. Anne turned to me, face blanched, eyes terror-stricken.
    George Smith rushed on, happily oblivious to our reaction. “Oh, how I look forward to settling the question of whether Currer Bell is a man or a woman!”
    That question had been the subject of hot debate in the press. While my publisher named prospective guests, I had a dizzying sense of events carrying me further than I had intended to go. I yearned to meet distinguished persons I had admired from afar, but I was also terrified at the thought of exposure.
    “Sir,” I said, “you mustn’t trouble yourself on our account, or present us in public. Anne and I are as resolved as ever to remain incognito—we confessed ourselves to you only in order to do away with the inconveniences that have arisen from the mystery of our identities.”
    Enthusiasm flushed Mr. Smith’s face. “But this is a splendid opportunity for Currer Bell to increase her fame and astound the literary world.” His winning smile flashed.
    I saw Anne’s pleading gaze fixed on me, and I knew I must resist Mr. Smith for the sake of Emily, whose privacy would be lost if the authors Bell became connected with the Brontës of Haworth. “I’m sorry that I must disappoint you,” I said. “To the rest of the world we must remain the unseen Currer and Acton Bell.”
    George Smith looked chastened but said, “Of course I shall respect your wishes. I imagine this is all a bit overwhelming for you both, and you must be tired from traveling. Surely you would like a rest.”
    I thanked him for his solicitude. Too much excitement and too little sleep had rendered me faint and weak, and my head had begun to ache.
    “You must come and stay at my house, with my family,” Mr. Smith said.
    Oh, the dismaying prospect of living on intimate terms with strangers! While working as a governess or even visiting friends, I had suffered much embarrassment when people had closer observation of me than I wished. The human body is ever a potential source of disgust, and I lived in terror of offending. “We mustn’t impose on you, and besides, we’ve already engaged lodgings at the Chapter Coffee House.”
    “Well, at least allow me to bring my sisters to call on you.” Mr. Smith went on to suggest places he might take Anne and me during our stay.
    His words blurred together