Jane Actually

it means anything.”
    “Well, it meant enough for … who’s publishing her book?”
    “Random House,” Megan supplied.
    “Yeah, well it was enough for Random House to sign her up for a bazillion dollars and for whoever it is to make a
Sanditon
movie.”
    Megan agreed. “Uh huh, it has to be a pretty good book for them to pay her for it. They wouldn’t pay her if it doesn’t read like the real thing.”
    “I don’t know about that,” Cindy objected. “How many times have we heard about some famous author writing some amazing continuation and it reads like crap?”
    “I really liked the excerpt I read,” Beth Ann countered. “What about you, Megan?”
    “Well … it was good, but … well it was just an excerpt. I mean I liked it and all, but …”
    Megan’s comments trailed off and she looked thoughtful.
    “Sorry about the drinks,” their waiter said, again interrupting their conversation, placing their margaritas and Beth Ann’s daiquiri from the small tray he held, while a busboy behind them scurried over to their table with a much larger tray, holding a combination enchilada plate, chicken fajitas and a taco salad. Together, they completely covered their table with food.
    “Is there anything else you need? More salsa?” the waiter asked, eager to make up for the late drink order.
    The women assured him they were fine and were eager to be left alone to continue their conversation.
    “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything,” Cindy said. “Of course it’s big news Jane’s coming … I’m just bitching about it messing with our schedule.”
    “No, that’s OK,” Beth Ann said. “But I guess I feel a little stupid for not even thinking it’s possible that she isn’t the real Jane Austen. I mean it would be great if she is Jane, wouldn’t it? I’ve got like a million questions. Which reminds me we should plan for a really long Q&A period.”
    “What do you think most people think?” Megan asked, ignoring Beth Ann’s enthusiasm.
    “I don’t know,” Cindy replied, now very upset for having voiced her doubts.
    “There was a poll on Jane Austen Today, when it was announced on her birthday she’d been identified,” Beth Ann said. “I think it was about 50-50, but you know something like that’s not scientific. I didn’t pay it much attention.”
    “OK, enough about this. Let’s get back to planning this. I like your thought about the Q&A, Beth Ann. I also think we’ve got to make sure we include Jane … and her avatar … does anyone know her name? When Ajala called, she just said Jane and her avatar.”
    “Well, you’re not going to believe this, but I read that her avatar’s real name is Mary Crawford.”
    That information understandably generated further discussion among the three women, another round of drinks and ensured that little was actually accomplished that night with regards to the planning for the AGM.

White soup for the soul
Regency medicine
    M ary tried counting to ten but only got to three. Melody had been criticising her performance all morning in the still bare conference room of Melody’s new office.
    “If you have some problem with my reading, just say so,” she finally told Melody. “Don’t just sit there with that sour look on your face!”
    Melody, who’d been trying to remember how many antacids she’d taken that morning, was surprised by Mary’s outburst.
    “What? I don’t have a problem.”
    “Yes you do. You do nothing but look at me and wince, and it’s been that way all week. I think I’m doing a damn good job, but if you don’t like it …”
    But now Melody winced yet again and Mary realized she was in some pain.
    “Hush, Mary. Have you still not seen a doctor?” Jane asked.
    “What doctor?” Mary inquired.
    “She suffers from indigestion and should see her doctor.”
    “I haven’t got time to make an appointment,” Melody protested.
    “Then at the very least take one of the over the counter medications containing a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole.”
    Jane’s statement surprised Mary and Melody, who looked at each other and suddenly laughed.
    “Oh that’s great. I’m getting my health care advice from Jane Austen.”
    “I think that’s a whole new untapped market, Melody. Health advice from Jane Austen.”
    “White soup 1 for the soul,” Melody suggested.
    “Pardon me for taking an interest in your problem,” Jane said, “but if you fail to understand the perils of gastroesophageal reflux