She drew a sharp breath.
Her silence spurred him on. “I was wrong. I know that now. I don’t know what came over me that day after Matthew left, and I’m so sorry. All I know is that I can’t let you get in that carriage without telling you that I love you.”
She stared at him with those wide blue eyes. And yet her silence was jarring.
“I don’t expect you to understand. I know I hurt you, and I promise if you, if you will forgive me, I will never, ever hurt you again. Please, Julia. I’ve come to ask you to stay.”
Tears glossed her eyes, and she stammered, “But I c-can’t stay. My family is leaving. I’ll be alone, and I—”
“Then marry me,” he blurted. “Marry me. Stay here with me.”
She snatched her hand back, and it flew to her chest. “What did you say?”
“Marry me.” He could not prevent the smile that spread over his face. He placed his hands on her shoulders and stepped closer. “Oh, darling Julia, if these last few weeks have taught me one thing, it is that I never want to be separated from you. I’ve been miserable, and I realized my sadness came from being without you. I love you, Julia. Please, don’t get in that carriage. Don’t go away.”
Tears filled her eyes, and her full lips parted as if in surprise. She stepped closer, glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one was watching, then returned her gaze to Isaac. A smile curved the corners of her lips. “Ask me again.”
His heart raced as optimism swirled. “Julia, my love, will you marry me? Will you become my wife?”
* * *
Julia gripped Isaac’s hands and snuck a glance up at the man next to her as they stood before her aunt and uncle. Her heart leapt at the sight.
How things could have ended differently. Had he arrived just fifteen minutes later, she would have already boarded the carriage for London. And then where would they be?
But now his hazel eyes were fixed confidently on her uncle, awaiting his response. Even the harnessed horses behind them seemed eager for an answer, for they pawed at the earth.
And yet her uncle said nothing.
Aunt Beatrice’s shrill voice shattered the silence. “A miner’s wife?” Her hand flew to her bosom in horror. “But, Julia, consider. London awaits!”
She tightened her grip on his work-worn hand. “My mind is made up, Aunt. I am not going to London. I’ll stay here.”
The morning wind caught the ribbons of her aunt’s ostentatious bonnet and whipped them around her face. “I cannot allow it. What will your uncle Jac and aunt Delia say?”
Julia’s confidence soared. “They’ll say that if I have found the man I love, then they are happy for me. Please, I hope you will be happy for me too.”
“Love? You speak of love?” Aunt Beatrice scoffed. “And you love him? This I cannot believe.”
“I do, Aunt.”
“Consider his family.” Aunt Beatrice shifted her gaze to make sure the servants were not about and lowered her voice. “Consider what they have done to us! Surely you cannot overlook it.”
“That was Matthew. Isaac is not his brother.”
“But how will you provide for her?” Mr. Lambourne interjected. “With your brother gone, surely the mine will be undergoing changes.”
“You are quite right, Mr. Lambourne. A great deal of changes are afoot. The biggest one is that my brother has relocated to America. He has signed over ownership of Tregarthan Hall and all of his holdings to me—including Wheal Tamsen.”
Julia jerked her head upward at the news. After all the pain and hardship, how happy she felt to know that Isaac’s home was returning to him.
“But he’s up to his neck in debt,” Uncle William stated. “Surely that will fall to you. A terrible situation, if you ask me.”
“No, it’s not ideal.” Isaac nodded in agreement. “It won’t necessarily be easy, but I like to think I’ve a level head on my shoulders. Surely it is not beyond repair. And I’ve a bit set aside on my own. Perhaps you’ve forgotten that I also own Wheal Gwenna. We are not without options. Far from it.”
“Well, that does shed a different light on the matter,” Aunt Beatrice said. “Security is vital, as I’ve told you many times, Julia.”
“So you understand my decision not to accompany you?”
Aunt Beatrice eyed Isaac skeptically. “There’s no need for such a rush! You are an unmarried woman. Betrothed or not, it will not do for you to stay behind, alone, without a chaperone. No, no. Your uncle Jac left me in charge of you, and I must insist.”
A thread of panic twisted through her. “If I need to, I’ll return to Penwythe Hall for the time being, but my mind is set.”
Jane stepped forward, her baby in her arms. “I will stay behind,” she blurted. “I am a married woman, and a mother at that. I would be happy to serve as her chaperone.”
Less than an hour later, Jane’s and Julia’s trunks had been removed from the carriage. Julia and Isaac had walked out to the drystone wall to see the carriage off. They stood at the tree line, their tree line, and stood hand in hand, the carriages growing smaller as they disappeared down the road.
Isaac wrapped his arms around her, and she melted into his embrace. He’d become a stronghold for her—a place of protection, a place of rest. She no longer regarded him as she did when she’d first arrived. The feelings he had awakened in her were far stronger than any Percy was ever able to reach in her heart, and that realization was as frightening as it was thrilling.
She snuggled tighter in toward him. He smelled of winter and horses, of smoke and cold, and she pressed her cheek against the broadcloth of his caped greatcoat. They stood there in silence, locked in an embrace, and for those several moments Julia felt safe. No one could touch her, no one could hurt her.
“See it there, between the trees?” He tightened his arms around her.
“See what?” she asked, drawing her brows together.
“Tregarthan Hall.”
She lifted her gaze and saw it—a tall, gabled slate roof rising above the morning mist. She could almost laugh. Aunt Beatrice had wanted so badly for Julia to be mistress of the fine house. And now she was about to become just that.
“It’s beautiful, but I understand if you don’t want to live there, Isaac. Your brother treated you—us—vilely. If it brings back memories—”
“No. He will not taint it for me. It is the house my father built. And now I can’t wait to share it with you.”
She smiled, sank back against him, and looked to Lanwyn Manor. Much had been stolen from it over the past few months, but in spite of all that had been lost, so much had been gained—the freedom to love. The sense of worth in herself. The pursuit of happiness. There might not be real treasure of silver and gold hidden in the walls, as the legend had claimed, but with Isaac’s arms around her, Julia realized this was the treasure her heart had sought all along.
Discussion Questions
These characters were such fun to write! Did you have a favorite? Who was it, and what did you like about them? Who was your least favorite character?
If you could give Julia one piece of advice at the beginning of the book, what would it be? What advice would you give her at the end?
When Julia leaves her home at Penwythe Hall, she is escaping certain events that she would rather forget. Have you ever made a drastic move to remove yourself from a certain situation?
Let’s talk about Miss Prynne. Do you think she is a villain or a victim? Why or why not?
Growing up, Isaac always knew what was expected of him—he was expected to help run his family’s mine. Have you ever been expected to take on a specific role? What was it? Did you take on the role? If so, how did it change the course of your life?
Do you think Beatrice Lambourne was a good person? What was her best quality? What was her worst? Do you think she had Julia’s best interests at heart? What about William Lambourne?
It’s your turn! What comes next for Julia and Isaac? If you could write the sequel to thei
r story, what would happen?
Acknowledgments
I am eternally grateful to those who have supported me and cheered me on while I was writing The Thief of Lanwyn Manor.
To my incredible family: If it weren’t for your encouragement and inspiration, this book would never have been written. You are such a blessing to me!
To my agent, Rachelle Gardner: Your support, friendship, and guidance mean more than you know. Thanks for rolling up your sleeves and coming alongside me!
To my editor, Becky Monds, and to my line editor, Julee Shwarzburg: Thank you for helping me transform this story from an idea to a finished novel. I am so grateful for you! And to the rest of the Harper Collins Christian Publishing Team: From marketing to design to sales and everything in between—thank you for all you do!
And finally, to KC, KBR, and the other writers I am lucky enough to call friends: You are a treasure! Thanks for the brainstorming chats, phone calls, and for sharing this journey with me. I am so blessed!
About the Author
Forever Smiling Photography
Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky golden retriever.
* * *
Visit Sarah online at SarahLadd.com
Facebook: SarahLaddAuthor
Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor
Pinterest: SarahLaddAuthor
Acclaim for Sarah E. Ladd
“Cornwall’s iconic sea cliffs are on display in The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, but it’s the lyrical prose, rich historical detail, and layered characters that truly shine on the page. The story anchors the foray into Cornwall’s copper mining legacy with historical accuracy and brilliant heart. Fans of Regency romance will be instantly drawn in and happily lost within the pages—this is Sarah E. Ladd at her best!”
—Kristy Cambron, bestselling author of the Lost Castle and Hidden Masterpiece novels
“Northanger Abbey meets Poldark against the resplendent and beautifully realized landscape of Cornwall. Ladd shines a spotlight on the limitations of women in an era where they were deprived of agency and instead were commodities in transactions of business and land. The thinking-woman’s romance, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is an unputdownable escape.”
—Rachel McMillan, author of the Van Buren and DeLuca series
“Brimming with dangerous secrets, rich characters, and the hauntingly beautiful descriptions Sarah Ladd handles so well, 1800s Cornwall is brought vividly to life in this well-crafted tale that kept me glued to the pages. What a brilliant start to a new series!”
—Abigail Wilson, author of In the Shadow of Croft Towers, on The Governess of Penwythe Hall
“The Governess of Penwythe Hall is a delightful and emotionally gripping tale that will tick all the boxes for any Regency lover: romance, history, and enough unpredictable intrigue to keep you up past your bedtime.”
—Kristi Ann Hunter, author of A Defense of Honor
“Lovers of sweet and Christian romance alike will fall in love with Delia’s strength amid the haunting backdrop of her tragic past and the Cornish coast. Throw in a handsome leading man willing to turn his life upside down for the children in Delia’s charge, and you have a story you can’t put down.”
—Josi S. Kilpack, Whitney Award–winning author of the Mayfield Family series, on The Governess of Penwythe Hall
“Absolutely captivating! Once I started reading, I couldn’t put down The Governess of Penwythe Hall. This blend of Jane Eyre, Jane Austen, and Jamaica Inn has it all. Intrigue. Danger. Poignant moments. And best of all a sweet, sweet love story. This is by far my favorite Sarah Ladd book. Don’t hesitate to snatch up this title!”
—Michelle Griep, Christy Award–winning author of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series
“A strong choice for fans of historical fiction, especially lovers of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South. It will also appeal to admirers of Kristy Cambron and Tracie Peterson.”
—Library Journal for The Weaver’s Daughter
“A gently unfolding love story set amid the turmoil of the early industrial revolution. [The Weaver’s Daughter is] a story of betrayal, love, and redemption, all beautifully rendered in rural England.”
—Elizabeth Camden, RITA Award–winning author
“This novel reads well and fast. The well-crafted metaphors and tight sequences make for an absorbing read . . . The style is fresh and the voice genuine.”
—Historical Novels Society on A Stranger at Fellsworth
“With betrayals, murders, and criminal activity disrupting the peace at Fellsworth, Ladd fills the pages with as much intrigue as romance. A well-crafted story for fans of Regency novels.”
—Publishers Weekly on A Stranger at Fellsworth
“An engaging Regency with a richly detailed setting and an unpredictable suspenseful plot.”
—Library Journal on The Curiosity Keeper
Books by Sarah E. Ladd
The Cornwall Novels
The Governess of Penwythe Hall
The Weaver’s Daughter
The Treasures of Surrey Novels
The Curiosity Keeper
Dawn at Emberwilde
A Stranger at Fellsworth
The Whispers on the Moors Novels
The Heiress of Winterwood
The Headmistress of Rosemere
A Lady at Willowgrove Hall
Copyright
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor
© 2020 Sarah Ladd
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.
Published in association with the Books & Such Literary Management, 52 Mission Circle, Suite 122, PMB 170, Santa Rosa, California 95409-5370, www.booksandsuch.com.
Interior design by Lori Lynch
Thomas Nelson titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fund-raising, or sales promotional use. For information, please email [email protected].
Publisher’s Note: This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. All characters are fictional, and any similarity to people living or dead is purely coincidental.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Ladd E. Sarah author.
Title: The Thief of Lanwyn Manor / Sarah E. Ladd.
Description: Nashville, Tennessee : Thomas Nelson, 2020. |
Identifiers: LCCN 2019031013 (print) | LCCN 2019031014 (ebook) | ISBN 9780785223962 (audio download) | ISBN 9780785223269 (epub) | ISBN 9780785223184 (trade paperback) |
Subjects: | GSAFD: Christian fiction. | Love stories. | Regency fiction.
Classification: LCC PS3623.I57778 (ebook) | LCC PS3623.I57778 T53 2020 (print) | DDC 813/.6--dc23
Printed in the United States of America
20 21 22 23 24 LSC 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor Page 29
