James had recently become editor of a successful periodical magazine called The Loiterer. He had named it after his procrastinating peers whom he knew would take it to read every Saturday morning over their leisurely breakfast muffins. 

Each writer was identified by only a single letter of the alphabet and their editorial meetings took place in different coffee houses around the town. The men were charged a penny each to enter, but that was soon paid back through the plentiful supply of daily newspapers they could access when they were in there, and the never-ending stream of conversation they could listen in to.

“We must include some correspondence soon,” stated Henry, pointing to the letters page of a well-known newspaper. “Our articles must appear authentic; people should react to what we say.”

“They should complain too,” supplemented Mr Portal. “People need to show anger. That way our loyal readers will feel the need to come to our defence.”

“Clever,” smirked James. “I like your logic.”

“Why not a woman?” he prompted.

James looked blank, but Henry liked the idea. “Why not indeed?” 

Benjamin continued in a mock high-pitched voice: “I am frightfully sorry to be presumptuous, Sir - but I feel I must point out an error …” He acted out a fluttering of eyelashes and waved an imaginary fan in front of his face.

“What about Jane?” Henry clapped his palm down on the wooden table making his saucer tilt and clatter. “Do you remember in the holidays, James, when we were talking about setting up The Loiterer? Jane was determined we should include some romantic stories in its content.” 

James and Benjamin laughed and Henry took this as encouragement. 

“A foolish idea, I agree. But you see, our sister writes stories of her own,” he explained for the benefit of his friend. “I’m certain she would be able to put something together for us if we asked her.” 

“Well?” persisted Henry. “Shall we ask her?” 

“Yes, let’s do it,” decided James. “She can criticise our periodical: tell us we are a disgrace to women everywhere - that sort of thing. Are you planning to go home before the end of term?” 

“I could go next week if it will help,” offered Henry.

The plans were executed with precision and an engaging letter was provided. James sent a copy of the printed magazine to Steventon so that the family could read it aloud after dinner, and everyone agreed with a chuckle that Sophia Sentiment expressed her point very well indeed!