A standalone novel in The Dread Penny Society set in 1865 London brimming with secrets, scandal, suspense, and romance.
ADVANCE
PRAISE
·
"The real joy in Eden's follow-up to The Lady and the
Highwayman (2019) is the furthering of the overarching crime story and the
work of the Dread Penny Society as Hollis and Ana pursue a chaste romance. Eden
excels at exploring the realities of Victorian life and class differences. Once
again, chapters of penny dreadfuls written by the characters are interspersed
throughout, with Hollis' story about a school for ghosts offering particular
delight. Fans of Eden's smart series will be thrilled and impatient for the
next installment."— Booklist, starred review
·
“Every time I thought my racing heart just couldn’t take the
suspense anymore, I'd turn the page and smile.”— Bookconfessions
·
“Eden writes it well, so thoroughly researched that you’re
transported and in Victoria England. Great suspense and romance.”— Leslie, Books
and Socks Rock
·
“Undeniably clever, suspenseful, well-researched, and deftly
written…”— Katie Jackson, RegencyProofreading.com
·
"Charming,
suggestive, and featuring rich historical details, The Gentleman and the
Thief has the elements of a gritty, juicy penny dreadful."— Foreword Reviews
READ AN EXCERPT
Ana Newport had
attended very few Society gatherings in the past two years, and none away from
Thurloe Collegiate School, where she was a teacher. She took a deep, reassuring
breath as she waited to depart for a musicale.
“You needn’t be
worried, Ana,” Elizabeth said. “You will play your violin beautifully and win
the hearts of everyone there tonight.”
That was not at all
the reason for her nervousness, but it was a reason she could admit to.
“I haven’t played in
public in years. And I’m hardly a regular on Society’s guest list.”
“Well, you’re on this
one,” Elizabeth said.
At first, Ana had
refused Elizabeth’s suggestion that she attend. Society had not been kind when
her family’s fortunes had turned. That made her wary. But Elizabeth had let
slip that Mrs. Sudworth would be in attendance, and there was no question of
refusing after that. Ana needed to be there if that terrible, horrid, wretched
woman was.
A knock sounded at the
door. Elizabeth hadn’t moved far from the door in the past fifteen minutes,
waiting for the gentlemen who were accompanying them that night.
A moment later, the
men stepped inside. Fletcher Walker was a well-known author of penny dreadfuls,
who had managed to gain something of a foothold in Society despite having spent
his early life in the gutters. His close friend, Hollis Darby, came from an
“old money” family. They’d been part of the upper crust for generations, and he
was precisely the sort of refined and intimidating gentleman she’d been in awe
of when she had still been part of that world, young and starry- eyed and
naive.
Mr. Walker pulled
Elizabeth into an embrace the moment the door was closed behind him. “I’ve
missed you, dove.”
“If you came by more
often, you wouldn’t have to miss me.” Elizabeth threaded her fingers through
his but addressed both of the gentlemen. “Shall we be on our way?”
Before Ana could take
more than one step toward the door, however, Mr. Darby held out his hand.
“Please, allow me to carry your violin. I promise to be very careful with it.”
He was always the
perfect gentleman. How well she remembered the strict propriety of those of his
standing. She remembered nearly as well how hypocritical that often proved.
“I know it ain’t
proper,” Mr. Walker said to the group as they approached the waiting hackney,
“but I’d much prefer to sit with Elizabeth.” He eyed Ana and Mr. Darby with an
undeniably charming bit of pleading. “Have a heart? Do a bloke a favor?”
“I will not impose
upon Miss Newport,” Mr. Darby said.
“And neither should
you, no matter your wish for a bit of sparking.”
“If they are going to
be sparking, I don’t know that I want them in the same carriage regardless of
where they’re sitting,” Ana said.
Mr. Darby smiled at
her humor. No matter that he occupied an elevated rung on the ladder of
Society, he had a way of setting her at ease.
“I will not be made
uncomfortable by the arrangement Mr. Walker suggested,” Ana said.
“Capital.” Mr. Walker grinned.
They were soon inside
and settled, and the hackney began its journey to the evening’s destination.
Across the carriage, Elizabeth and Mr. Walker spoke quietly, their heads
pressed together. Mr. Darby sat beside Ana, her violin held carefully on his
lap.
“I hope you will
forgive me if this proves a bit of nosiness,” he said, “but you seem anxious.”
“I am.” She clasped
her gloved hands. “I have not been out in Society in years. And I’ve not played
any instrument outside of Thurloe in at least that long. I have every
expectation of things going terribly wrong tonight.”
“I, for one, have
every hope the evening will go wonderfully right.” His voice was so
soothing and calm, so very reassuring. “I
cannot think of anyone more perfectly suited for
a musicale. You won’t want for topics to
discuss, as music is your area of expertise. And you will impress all in
attendance with your talent.”
“You have never heard
me play,” she answered, amused. “I might be terrible at it.”
His smile, dimly lit
by the late-evening sun, blossomed. “Miss Black speaks very highly of your
skills. I am not nearly brave enough to question her reliability.”
Ana hazarded a glance
across the way. Elizabeth and her beau weren’t paying them the least heed. “She
has been very kind to me.”
“I cannot imagine
anyone being anything but kind to you.”
She didn’t need to
imagine it. Her family had once occupied a minor place amongst the influential.
They were newly accepted in Society, not for their standing but for their
growing wealth. Her mother had possessed
flawless manners and grace. Father had been the epitome of a gentleman despite
having earned his fortune. All of that had disappeared in an instant. The
Society peacocks had turned to vultures.
“Merciful heavens,
Miss Newport. You’re growing paler by the moment.”
She tried to smile,
but the memories were not pleasant ones. “My family suffered a reversal of
fortunes a few years ago. Based on how we were treated at the time, I am not
entirely confident of my reception tonight.”
“Society is a fickle
beast.” He leaned closer, though not so close as to be inappropriate. “I will
be nearby all evening. Should anyone treat you with any degree of unkindness, I
will gladly intervene on your behalf.”
She could not afford
to have anyone dogging her heels the entire evening. A lighthearted response
would likely gain her a bit of freedom. “Perhaps we should engage Mr. Walker’s
help should fisticuffs be necessary.”
Mr. Darby smiled at
her once more. She did like his smile; it was genuine and kind. “He would not
need to be asked twice.”
(Chapter 2, pages 16-20)
PURCHASE LINKS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah
M. Eden is a USA Today best-selling author of witty
and charming historical romances, including 2019’s Foreword Reviews INDIE
Awards Gold Winner for Romance, The Lady and the Highwayman, and
2020 Holt Medallion finalist, Healing Hearts. She is a two-time
“Best of State” Gold Medal winner for fiction and a three-time Whitney Award
winner. Combining her obsession with history and her affinity for tender love
stories, Sarah loves crafting deep characters and heartfelt romances set
against rich historical backdrops. She holds a bachelor’s degree in research
and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local
library.
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1 comment:
enjoyed the excerpt.
denise
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