My agent just sent me a rejection she got from Allison McCabe, Senior Editor at Crown (which is a division of Random House). This was my first choice of publisher, but not my first choice of Editor, who used to work at Crown and is now at Penguin.

Anyway, here's what she said:

"I've sat on this for a while, because it is a very close miss. There is much to admire here, and the author has an excellent command of the time period. However, the forward motion is very slow, and I could not get past my sense of impatience. I believe that some of this is due to the author's intent to unfold the narrative over three volumes. We have found that readers tend to be much less patient with new authors than they are with old favorites, and I'm afraid that on our very commercial list, this novel would not sell enough copies to please my publisher or the author, so I must pass with regret.

I'm sure other editors will feel differently, and I wish you and this very talented writer the best of luck!"

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My agent sent this to me via mail, with a note stating:

"I thought you would like to see the enclosed. While not as nice as an offer, it is nonetheless encouraging.

P.S. I do not agree with Allison's feeling about the novel's pace at all."

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So I guess a "very close miss" is a good thing. I like that MY AGENT thinks it is a good thing.

Cross your fingers