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The new novel from the bestselling author of Miss Austen and Godmersham Park.

1820. Mary Dorothea Knatchbull is living under the sole charge of her widowed father, Sir Edward – a man of strict principles and high Christian values.

But when her father marries Miss Fanny Knight of Godmersham Park, Mary’s life is suddenly changed.
Her new stepmother comes from a large, happy and sociable family and Fanny’s sisters become Mary’s first friends. Her aunt, Miss Cassandra Austen of Chawton, is especially kind. Her brothers are not only amusing, but handsome and charming.

And as Mary Dorothea starts to bloom into a beautiful young woman, she forms an especial bond with one Mr Knight in particular.

Soon, they are deeply in love and determined to marry. They expect no opposition. After all, each is from a good family and has known the other for some years.
It promises to be the most perfect match. Who would want to stand in their way?

'Has all Austen’s wit and unnerving powers of observation with an extra twenty-first century zap' Ferdinand Mount

'Few writers are as perspicacious or half as delightful as Hornby' Karen Joy Fowler

'Gripping and moving and also so sharp and funny. I loved it!’ Sabine Durrant

©2025 Gill Hornby (P)2025 Penguin Audio