I was lucky to start writing The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock in the company of wonderful first readers in my Novel History cohort, as well as Sarah Young whose patience and kindness were second to none, and Sophia Veltfort, who first commanded the mermaid to speak. Charlotte Bearn, Robyn Drummond, and Adam Rowles all bore me up with their enthusiasm as early readers of the full manuscript, and Dani Redd combed over it with a keen yet sympathetic eye I never deserved. Paula Cocozza’s advice and camaraderie were real gifts as I prepared to send it into the world, and Rose Tomaszewska was generous with her friendship, trade secrets and cheerleading from beginning to end.
I have had the startling good fortune to be encouraged and supported by truly wonderful institutions. My MA was made possible by the Malcolm Bradbury Memorial Prize scholarship: the team behind the MsLexia First Novel Prize bolstered my confidence, and I will never forget the immense joy and privilege of attending the inaugural Deborah Rogers Foundation Writers’ Award. That accolade made everything feel possible, and I am proud to be a part of Deborah’s legacy. Every writer knows what a fight it can be to make the act of writing possible. I couldn’t have done it without Jan Sutton, a wonderful employer and sounding-board while I began this novel; Sue Hill, who created work for me when I had none; Penny Freeman and Peter Hudson who lent me their cottage one blissful summer; and Nicky, Eve, Lene, Niall, Rachinta, Holly and Séamus, in whose box room I wrote eighty thousand words.
I wish I could give individual thanks to every historian I read during my research. If I lived and breathed the eighteenth century, it was only because you made it possible: your work gave me treasures every day, rewarded my enquiry and encouraged my empathy. However, I must particularly thank Dr Margaret R Hunt who took time to answer my pretty rookie questions, and Fiona Sinclair, who unfailingly filled me with knowledge, enthusiasm, and cake.
Thank you Karolina Sutton, a dauntless agent and wonderful companion on this adventure; and my editor Liz Foley for her patience, insight, and rock-solid support. I could not have chosen better in either case: thank you, thank you, for always seeing the book I wanted this to be.
If my parents had not made me a reader, I’d be no sort of writer at all. I must furthermore thank my mother for instilling in me these unorthodox tastes, and my father for making me proud to be a smart girl. Mandy Lee Jandrell always took me seriously as a maker, which meant the world. Thank you Oscar for every now and then – entirely unbidden – assuring me I was a good writer. You are a good brother. Agnes, my love: books will take you everywhere.
Thank you to Jamie for all the times my writing came before our relationship. If you thought that was the wrong order, you never let on. I can’t tell you how proud I am to have made such a match: my heart is full.
Finally, to Simon and Maddi. They had faith in me before I had any in myself, and I am delighted to dedicate this novel to them.