ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I’d like to thank: Mary Verney, my gem of an editor at Walker Books. This is our third book together and, as before, it’s been an absolute pleasure.

Brianne Collins, for copyediting with such care and attention to detail.

Lisa Coutts, for the distinctive Verity cover art.

Historian Doctor Marjorie Theobald. Her book The Wealth Beneath Their Feet: A Family on the Castlemaine Goldfields (Arcadia, North Melbourne, 2010) was an inspiration during the writing of this novel. When Marjorie kindly offered to check over the manuscript for me, I was delighted.

Howard and Lachlan, for their love and support.