by Martha Keyes
A small smile threatened at the corner of Izzy’s mouth. “Like what?”
A mischievous grin spread across his face, and he stood, taking her by the hand. “Follow me.”
No, it hadn’t felt simple at all then. Charles had made her forget the doll and Cecilia’s selfishness. He had taken her outside where they had rolled down the hill, until their stomachs hurt from laughing, and then they had thrown rocks while sitting on the big fallen tree which spanned the width of the stream—all until Izzy’s governess had found them and scolded them.
But the scold hadn’t dampened her spirits, and she hadn’t even minded when she saw Cecy pick up the doll again when Izzy walked into the room.
Did Mr. Galbraith remember his kindness toward the young Isabel? It was unlikely. He hadn’t even seemed to notice her on his next visit to Portsgrove, two years later.
But Isabel had never forgotten him.
She looked at Mr. Galbraith across the room, coming down the set with the utterly perfect Miss Darling beside him.
She swallowed and averted her eyes. A six-year old’s admiration was a silly reason to feel jealous at the sight of him with another woman, be she ever so beautiful.
If Isabel ever had the chance to repay him for his thoughtful action, she would be grateful. But more likely than not, they would have no reason to cross paths. Whatever their fathers’ business had been, it had long since ended.
She would accustom herself to seeing him from time to time, an announcement of his engagement would be forthcoming, no doubt, and that would be the end of a long, silly girlish fancy.
Also by Martha Keyes
Families of Dorset Series
Wyndcross: A Regency Romance (Book One)
Isabel: A Regency Romance (Book Two)
Cecilia: A Regency Romance (Book Three)
Hazelhurst: A Regency Romance (Book Four)
Phoebe: A Regency Romance (Series Novelette)
Regency Shakespeare Series
A Foolish Heart (Book One)
Other Titles:
Goodwill for the Gentleman (Belles of Christmas Book Two)
Eleanor: A Regency Romance
Afterword
Thank you so much for reading Wyndcross. The story of Kate and William had its beginnings long before I had ever stepped foot in Dorset, England—and before I had the slightest clue how to write fiction. I had a very blurry vision of one scene of the novel and picked a spot I had never been to in England on Google Maps, hardly dreaming how much I would come to love the area.
When I finally got the chance to go to Dorset myself, I was enthralled. But I knew that I had been telling the wrong story. I scrapped half of what I had written (and later heavily revised the rest). I am so grateful for all I’ve learned in the process of writing Kate and William’s story
I’ve done my best to be true to the time period and particulars of the day, so I apologize if I got anything wrong. I continue learning and researching while trying to craft stories that will be enjoyable to readers like you.
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Acknowledgments
This novel has been a labor of love and time. It bears only a little resemblance to the story when I first began writing it in 2015. There were so many times I wanted to give up on Wyndcross and leave it on the “shelf,” but my parents encouraged me enough to help me push through. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for believing in me even when I didn’t know how to believe in myself.
A big thank you to Dan Hogan who read the manuscript and provided constructive feedback and a dose of much-needed hope.
Thank you to my husband, Brandon, for picking up my slack at home as I’ve worked on this story since long before we even had kids.
Thank you to my boys who keep me grounded while inspiring me to reach for greater heights.
And, as always, thank you to all my fellow Regency authors and to the wonderful communities of The Writing Gals and LDS Beta Readers. I would be lost without all of your help and trailblazing!
About the Author
Martha Keyes was born, raised, and educated in Utah—a home she loves dearly but also dearly loves to escape whenever she can travel the world. She received a BA in French Studies and a Master of Public Health, both from Brigham Young University.
Word crafting has always fascinated and motivated her, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that she considered writing her own stories. When she isn’t writing, she is honing her photography skills, looking for travel deals, and spending time with her husband and children. She lives with her husband and twin boys in Vineyard, Utah.
