A Lady at Willowgrove Hall
Page 31
The years of pain and hopelessness flashed before her for but a fleeting moment, all of which now seemed to be a distant memory.
She glanced over her shoulder at the people filling the pews. Her past was again blended with her present: Her sister, Leah, was sitting two rows back, next to Rebecca Turner. Mrs. Stanton pressed a handkerchief to her eyes, and Hannah and Charlotte watched them, eyes wide. She lifted her eyes to view even farther back. The church was full of people she was just getting to know—people whom Nathaniel had known his entire life. And then, in the back pew, she saw him. Andrew Moreton, his new wife absent from the event. He was not in the Trent family pew, but in the back. A bystander.
So much hinged on that one decision she made when she was sixteen. How much pain and anguish it had caused her. But now, as she stood next to Nathaniel, it was clear—she had to have all those experiences to get her to where she was at this moment.
Nathaniel squeezed her hand, and she looked up at him. He smiled down at her, his pale eyes bright and wide, his dark hair falling over his forehead. Her heart ached at the expression of affection in his gaze. Warmth welled up within her. He loved her. Not for what she had or had not done. Not because of where she came from or who her family was. But because of her.
He did not let her hand go. Instead, he interlaced his fingers with hers, holding it tighter.
In one week, they would leave for Lockbourne. They would start a new life together. It would be a future free of secrets. Free of loneliness.
Her time at Lockbourne was the opportunity for new beginnings; not only would she be starting her life as Mrs. Nathaniel Stanton, but Leah would be accompanying them on their new journey. And even though Rebecca and Mr. Turner were staying to run his family’s farm, Mrs. Stanton and the younger girls were planning to travel north to spend the summer at Lockbourne. Cecily once felt so alone, and now she had a family to love—and that loved her.
As they waited for the vicar to begin, Nathaniel leaned over, squeezed her hand, and whispered, “Are you happy, Cecily?”
Tears misted her vision, but she did not want to cry today. Today she was experiencing a happiness she had never known. “Yes. More than I could ever imagine.”
He wrapped his hand more tightly around hers.
Her future was before her, wide and boundless. She had new memories to create, ones that would fill her heart and give her hope, and they would face their future . . . together.
READING GROUP GUIDE
1. In this novel, Nathaniel was asked to keep a secret from those he loved. Do you think Nathaniel resented keeping such a secret? Have you ever had to keep a secret from your family and friends? How did it affect you?
2. If you were able to give Cecily one piece of advice, what would it be? What about Nathaniel—what words of wisdom would you share with him?
3. Throughout the course of the story, Cecily spent a great deal of time with Mrs. Trent. What life lessons do you think Cecily learned from Mrs. Trent? What do you think Mrs. Trent learned from Cecily?
4. During the Regency period, a woman was defined by her reputation. Is that still true today? How do you think Cecily’s story would be different if it took place in modern-day America instead of Regency England?
5. In what ways is Cecily different at the end of the novel? In what ways is she the same? How does her perception of herself change throughout the course of the story?
6. Cecily and Andrew made a decision while they were teenagers that changed the course of both their lives. How do you think their experience shaped the adults they became?
7. What character in the novel (male or female) do you identify with the most?
8. Now it is your turn! What comes next for Nathaniel and Cecily? Does Lockbourne House flourish? Do they have children? What would you like to see happen to these characters in the future?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Writing a novel is a thrilling journey, and as I think about the people who have encouraged me along the way, I feel truly blessed!
To my husband, Scott, and to my daughter—your loving support and enthusiastic encouragement motivate me to follow my dreams. Thank you for traveling this road with me!
To my parents, Ann and Wayne—through prayers and guidance, you have shown me that nothing is impossible. And to my sisters, Sally and Angie—you encourage me and cheer me on. Thank you for always being there for me!
To my agent, Tamela Hancock Murray—you are not only my agent, but my friend. Thank you for dreaming big and caring about my stories. I am beyond privileged to work with you.
To my editor, Natalie Hanemann—thank you for coming alongside me again and joining me in this adventure. You rolled up your sleeves and dove right into this story. Your astute insight inspired and challenged me, and this story is stronger because of your guidance. And to the rest of the HarperCollins Christian Publishing team, from marketing to design, from production to sales, your collective talent astounds me.
One of the best parts of being a writer is meeting and interacting with other writers. To my writing accountability partners, Carrie, Julie, and Melanie—thank you for the support, the encouragement, and the laughs! And to my writing “sister” Kim—you have been there since the beginning of my writing career—I am so grateful for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo by 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 husband, sweet daughter, and spunky golden retriever.