The Wolves of Andover

Truth shared our shackles, mute.
In thrall to fear, rough hands and hearts did seek
To pluck the truth from this tree’s blighted fruit.

Through boughs of glittering green I saw the dying leaves,
Drought-blasted, poised for flight.
God’s seasons soon will strip these branches nude;
And then, oh then, spring-born buds will seek the light.

—AUDREY CARRIER HICKMAN

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

MANY THANKS TO my wonderful agent, Julie Barer, for her constant encouragement, keen editorial eye, and joyful enthusiasm. To Reagan Arthur, a writer’s dream of an editor, I offer my profound gratitude for her expert guidance and sensitivity in shaping this book to its final form. My deep appreciation also to the following people at Little, Brown and Company: David Young, Michael Pietsch, Heather Fain, Luisa Frontino, Terry Adams, Sabrina Ravipinto, and Andrea Walker for all their continuing support. For the second time, I was so very fortunate to work with the sharp-eyed and exacting Pamela Marshall during copyedits.

To my family—my mom, Audrey, Josh, and Mitchell, the Hickmans, Morrisons, Orlowskys, and Muethings—I send all my love. My heartfelt appreciation also goes to my extended family and dear friends who have been cheerleaders, advisors, and sources of comfort. Finally, to Lowell and Sandy, Merci pour tout.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KATHLEEN KENT is the author of The Heretic’s Daughter. She lives in Dallas.

Also by Kathleen Kent

The Heretic’s Daughter

Copyright

Copyright © 2010 by Kathleen Kent

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

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First eBook Edition: November 2010

ISBN: 978-0-316-12205-4