Chapters (59)

I could not have written this book, or its two predecessors, without access to the impeccable research of the many excellent Austen scholars and enthusiasts – all of whom have been so generous with their time and their knowledge, and seem ever eager to help.

Of course, the late Deirdre Le Faye laid the foundations for all Jane Austen studies. Her Chronology is fixed to my desk, and I think of her daily with fond admiration. Grateful thanks, also, to Hazel Jones, Maggie Lane, Sophia Hillan and Margaret Wilson, who have all produced wonderful books about the various members of the Knight family. And to the estimable Helena Kelly, who was kind enough to read this work in manuscript form and catch a few howlers.

But, most of all, I am completely indebted to Margaret Smyth. Not only was she so kind as to share all that she already knew on the subject of Fanny and the Knatchbulls, but Margaret also threw herself into the quest of discovering yet more. Though I may, somehow, have written The Elopement without her, it would have taken years longer and been a much lonelier experience. I am so lucky to have found such a formidable fellow traveller and also, I hope, a good friend.

In Kent, the staff at the Maidstone Records Office were ever efficient and helpful, and Fiona Sunley and Rochelle Godden were both gracious with their homes and their time. And I have learned so much from my many happy visits to Chawton over the years.

Once more, I have had the great good fortune to work with Selina Walker and, yet again, she has proved herself to be the perfect editor. My thanks go to her and the formidable Cornerstone team: Venetia Butterfield, Laura Brooke, Sophie Shaw, Laurie Ip Fung Chun and Emma Grey Gelder. And as ever, to my brilliant agent, Caroline Wood.

Finally, all my love and gratitude to my husband, Robert Harris – first reader and soulmate – and, of course, my girls, Holly and Matilda. But this one is dedicated to my sons, Charlie and Sam Harris, and my darling new grandson, little George Harris Parr.

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING

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First published by Century in 2025

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ISBN: 978-1-804-94281-9