Thank you to all of the Lonely Scriveners, both past and present. Though my ego sometimes bristled at your feedback, I know that this book was immeasurably improved by your honest and helpful words. I am honored to call you talented people my friends and partners in creating stories that would otherwise remain untold. May they fill the earth!
Thank you to Diana who was the very first person to read through this story in one of its earliest forms. Your encouragement and enthusiasm were invaluable, as is your friendship.
Thank you to the extremely helpful Beverly Matthews of Tonbridge School in England who sent me A Look at the Head and the Fifty by Barry Orchard, as well as Septimus Rivington’s A History of Tonbridge School, and D.C. Somervell’s work by the same name. I am truly grateful for the resources you took time to send to a stranger in the U.S. and I hope that Heath (my rendition of an aged English boys’ school) doesn’t cause you to shake your head in chagrin.
Thank you to Tony for listening to my vision for this book’s cover. You created something even better than I dared to hope for. You are extremely kind and talented.
Thank you to Jo Beverly, the bestselling author of multiple historical novels, as well as Grant Bavister, the Assistant Head of the Crown Office and the Assistant Registrar of the Peerage & Baronetage. They answered questions for me regarding baronetcies and an heir’s coming of age. Hopefully I have not shamed them by getting it wrong in spite of their generosity of time and information.
Thank you to the readers of this book. It is my great hope that you enjoyed reading this story which I ached and labored over. You get points if you caught the reference to Jared and Jerusha Hess’ Napoleon Dynamite that I couldn’t resist hiding in these pages. Double points go to the readers who also perceived my references to Delaney Walnofer’s Dragon Clutch, a gripping tale of dragons and humans.
To anyone who is an expert on early-nineteenth century England and who found errors and/or inconsistencies upon these pages, then know that (in the words of my friend, George) that is my gift to you. Enjoy your superiority. :)
Finally, many thanks to Jesus. You tucked into my little human brain a desire to create the people on these pages, and gave me the resources to make it happen. I am truly grateful for the life, grace and purpose which You continue to grant me.
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The Writings of A.E. Walnofer
A Girl Called Foote Page 30
