First and foremost I would like to acknowledge Nicholas Fothergill, owner of the beautiful, historic stately home Stanford Hall, near Lutterworth, Leicestershire. An English Heritage building, the house was built between 1697 and 1700 by William Smith for Sir Roger Cave. Nicholas Fothergill is a descendant of Sir Roger. Stanford Hall, besides being Nicholas’s home, is now also a stunning venue for many events held in its grounds and in the house. I am honoured that Nicholas allowed me to model the country home and estate of my fictional Mellor family on Stanford Hall. Thank you.
And a special thank you to two wonderful ladies, my editor at Pan Macmillan, Louise Buckley, and my literary agent, Judith Murdoch. You are both always there for me, and your belief in me supports and helps me more than you can know.
I further thank Louise, along with Laura Carr and the rest of her team, for their sensitive editing of my novel – the difference you make is amazing. Thank you.
Thank you too to my beloved daughter Christine Martin and son James Wood, for reading and rereading my manuscripts. Your advice on what is and what isn’t working as the manuscript develops is invaluable.
And to my much-loved nephew, Chris Olley. For your knowledgeable input on the First World War, I am truly grateful.
To ‘Gungeek’ on YouTube, thank you for answering my questions on cordite with such in-depth knowledge of your subject.
And to my dear friends Pat and Den Payne, who have a knowledge of the areas of London. When I told them the type of setting I needed for the London homes of my fictional Mellor family, they took me to Holland Park and there I found the perfect location. Thank you too to my dear friend Jacqueline Lacey for your help with the few French phrases used in the book.
And, as always, my heartfelt thanks to my beautiful family. To my darling husband, Roy. To our children, Christine, Julie, Rachel and James, and their husbands/ partners, Nick, Ed, Rick and Scott. To all our grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To my Olley and Wood families. You all bring me joy; you support me and enrich my life. You climb mountains by my side and catch me if I fall. I love you all with a special love.