To the Manor Drawn

by Leslie Ann Bosher

  Author’s note

  For the doctrinaires amongst you I declare that some dates quoted do not necessarily coincide with historical reality. As they say in Hollywood, ‘Never let the truth get in the way of a good story’.

  At great personal risk from those with nationalistic inclinations, I further declare that I have used the terms English and British interchangeably. Please try to adjust.

  It is no coincidence that similarities to characters living or dead is entirely intentional in order not to protect their identity. You know who you are.

  Acknowledgments

  Writing a book is an adventure. To begin with it is a toy and an amusement. Then it becomes a mistress, then it becomes a master, then it becomes a tyrant. The last phase is that just as you are about to be reconciled to your servitude, you kill the monster, and fling him about to the public.

  —Winston Churchill, November 1949

  I would like to thank all those who have helped me fling this ‘creature’ to the public with special recognition to Tim Seal for his partnership and for producing such good-humoured illustrations; Ian Wilson for placing Rutland on my map; Andrew Hayns for his website expertise; Marty Shannonhouse and Leslie Demler for providing a constant stream of encouragement; Jo Parfit for setting me on course; Jenny Barry for not flinching after reading my first draft; Rosie Milton for keeping me limber while working at the computer; Jane Minshall for her continuous support; Rachel Keeling for riding in like the Cavalry to assist with the final edit and above all to Bill for always believing.

  I would like to express my gratitude to the professional team at Murdoch Books who orchestrated the preparation of this publication. I am indebted to Kay Scarlett, Publishing Director, and Colette Vella, my Publishing Manager, with whom I have enjoyed one of the most memorable experiences of my life; to Karen Ward, Karen Gee and Antonia Pesenti, each of whom contributed their talents to this lovely book.

  In conclusion, I would like to express my appreciation to our neighbours and friends, mentioned or otherwise, who unknowingly helped put the meat on the bones of this story.