Many of the characters are inspired by real life people from both the Georgian and Victorian era. Edward by Astley Cooper (Queen Victoria’s surgeon) with a dash of John Hunter; Etta by Mary McGhie; Mary by George Eliot and Harriet Martineau; Annie by, amongst others, Annie Swynnerton; Natalya by a mix of glorious storytellers from both now and the past including the extraordinary Orcadian writer, George Mackay Brown.

A note on the use of gas – in 1840, many of the streets of London were lit by gas lamps as were many theatres and shops. Whilst gas in the home came, en masse, somewhat later, some houses in the capital did feature gas lighting at this time. As Edward is already seriously over-spending, I thought it was exactly the sort of thing a show-off like him might have invested in.

I’ve been unbelievably lucky to work with the amazing team at Manilla Press. Whilst it’s my name that’s on the cover, I owe a true debt of gratitude to the brilliant wonders that have helped make this an actual physical book and one that is so beautiful to look at.

To Sophie ‘The Great’ Orme for seeing the potential in a rough-cut stone, and for cutting and polishing it with me.

To all of Team Manilla – in particular: Katie Lumsden and Katie Meegan for eagle eyes and wise words; Felice McKeown and Grace Brown for marketing magic; Nick Stearn for his stunning cover design; Karen ‘Stretchy’ Stretch and Clare Kelly for publicity brilliance; Jenny Richards for understanding what’s in my head visually; and to Sally Taylor for her exquisite illustrations.

To my amazing agent and dear friend Anwen for giving me the confidence to keep on writing.

To Hannah Khalil for being my ever-inspiring writer twin.

To Naomi ‘Nay’ Luland for keeping faith in me over two decades.

To Rachel Buchanan for early feedback and all the chats.

To Jules Woodman for first telling me about Shropshire botanist Mary McGhie.

To Jane Packer for saving me from embarrassment on all things medical.

To Alex Snow for veterinarian advice, wild cake, and secret wanders.

To Mireille Harper for thoughtful feedback and generosity of spirit!

To Laura Wildgoose from the beautiful Wildegoose Nursery for botanical checks.

To Kathie Touin Brown for guidance on all things Orkney.

To the Griffiths family – particularly Sian for ‘crackling’ support.

To Dulcie at Mostly Flat – May the Great Goblin rise again one day!

To Julia Walling for helping me embrace my inner hermit and for Etta’s cabin.

To Stephenjohn Holgate for wise words of advice and general brilliance.

To Iran for roses, barefoot walking, and cups of tea.

To Jon Saxon and Adam Tutt for letting me borrow The Blood Bay and The Blue Boar and relocate them from Ludlow to London.

To Robin Dance for twinkly-eyed mischievousness.

To Dorothy Blackwell at the Back to Backs in Birmingham and all those at the Judge’s Lodging in Presteigne.