When asked by a young glamourist for advice, Jane looked at the now white-haired Vincent and smiled. “Find your muse. After that, all else will follow. Meanwhile, your technique on weaving folds could use some refinement.”

Vincent looked up. His eyes twinkled in their map of lines. He mouthed, “Muse.”

Jane pursed her lips to hide her smile. She was content with her role; she had a muse of her own.

Acknowledgments

Allow me first to acknowledge the enormous debt I owe to Jane Austen, who not only inspired this novel but has taught me much about the importance of small details. My husband, Robert Kowal, deserves much praise for his patience and encouragement. He is my Mr. Vincent.

I would be remiss if I did not thank my first readers: Michael Livingston (yes, that’s where Captain Livingston got his name), Emily De Cola, Jenny Rae Rappaport, Federica Regec, Mary Claire Brooks, Eve Celsi, Elizabeth McCoy, Julie Wright, and Julia Thorne.

Special thanks to Aliette de Bodard, who came up with the French terms for the various glamours. Laura Boyle from Austentation.com, as well as Keith Dansey of the Hat Works Museum, who patiently helped me with Regency hat questions.

Then there are the friends and family who have supported me and whose names might seem familiar to you: Spencer Ellsworth, Suzanne Vincent, Edmund Schubert, Ken Scholes, Joy Marchand, Nancy Fulda, Will McIntosh, Brad Beaulieu, Livia Llewellyn, Lon Prater, Elise Tobler, Laurel Amberdine, George Sewell, and Alethea Kontis.

I shall close by thanking the wonderful people most directly responsible for this book’s presence in your hands: my agent, Jennifer Jackson; my editor, Liz Gorinsky; my copy editor, Deanna Hoak; the book designer, Nicola Ferguson; and the jacket designer, Terry Rohrbach of Base Art Co.

Thank you for your time and attention. May you find your muse.