The Daisy Chain: Kew Gardens, 1771, Four Women, One Flower, The Chance for Freedom - Softcover

Campbell, Al

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1913062937 ISBN 13: 9781913062934

Publisher: RedDoor Press, 2023

Synopsis

A captivating historical tale of science, secrets, and sisterhood in 18th-century London.

Kew Gardens, 1771. Talented botanical artist Daisy Salter finds her life transformed when she becomes Artist in Residence at Kew and 'Lady-in-Painting' to Queen Charlotte. But beneath the veneer of royal life and scientific discovery, Daisy is drawn into a world of espionage and intrigue by the enigmatic Johannes Van der Humm.

As Daisy navigates treacherous social currents and uncovers a plot to steal a rare flower for the Queen's birthday, she must rely on her wits and the bonds of sisterhood with Fanny and Kate to foil the plot. Set against the backdrop of Kew Gardens and the glittering court of Queen Charlotte, The Daisy Chain is a thrilling adventure brimming with romance, suspense, and the enduring power of female friendship. Perfect for readers who enjoy strong female characters and historical settings.

About this title

About the Author

A self-confessed serotonin storyteller, Al Campbell wants the words he writes to make people happy. Writing is both a habit and a hobby – originally as an advertising agency creative director and copywriter, latterly as an MA student through flash fiction, short stories and poetry. In common with many creative people Al is dyslexic, something to which he attributes his love of dialogue. This is his first novel.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

A coach and four drives through the arch and pulls
up at the Leg O’Mutton. Tired from the long
journey from Suffolk, crammed next to a fat parson
and opposite a farmer with halitosis, Daisy can’t wait to
get out. The postern throws her bags down into the mud.

The air at the Barbican, a nexus for transport, is foetid.
Having had to share a bed at the overnight inn with a
widow who snored, Daisy wearily stands surrounded
by the noise of animals and the smell of excrement,
endeavouring to keep her boots clean. She is tall for a girl
– easily tall enough to see over the withers of a good-sized
cob – and what country folk would describe as ‘lanky’.
Even in the weak, low-elevation, morning spring light, the
sun glints copper in her auburn hair, a shining contrast to
her sombre mourning clothes.

As she looks around, lost and forlorn, a youth barges
into her, knocks her to the cobbles, seizes one of her bags
and runs off. Daisy indignantly jumps to her feet and
starts to give chase.

Much to the surprise of them both, a strikingly tall
and handsome man sticks out a long leg and trips the
would-be thief who sprawls to the ground in a heap. The
man retrieves the bag, grabs the youth by the collar from
behind, pulls him to his feet and despatches him with
a kick up the backside. He walks over to Daisy who is
catching her breath and brushing dirt from her jacket.

‘Are you all right, miss?’ he asks in a deep baritone
voice, whilst holding out her bag.

Noticing he speaks with a foreign accent, Daisy regards
him with interest. He is strong-jawed with blue eyes and
long, fair hair tied neatly with a black, silk ribbon. Despite
his clothes being travel-stained, she sees he is elegantly
dressed. She finds her tongue.

‘Actually, sir, I am quite all right – and I would most
certainly have caught him. You didn’t need to involve
yourself!’

The man looks at her quizzically and raises an
eyebrow. Daisy takes the bag from him and remembers
her manners.

‘But I thank you, sir. My possessions hold no great
value, but much sentiment.’

The man bows. ‘Johannes Van der Humm, pleased to
be of service.’

Daisy curtseys. ‘Miss Daisy Salter – obliged to have
received the same.’

‘I assume, Miss Salter, that this is your first time at the
Barbican? You will have observed it is not the best place
for a young woman travelling alone.’

‘I have only been through London with my father
before now, sir. And then only twice.’

Van der Humm looks at her closely and realises she is
wearing mourning clothes.

‘Would I be correct in supposing that your father can
accompany you no more?’

‘Sadly, sir, he cannot.’

‘My sincere condolences.’ Van der Humm dips his head
in respect, and Daisy nods her gratitude. ‘Well, Miss Salter,
I am for the inn and some lunch. My Dutch countrymen
tell me that this inn, being so close to Smithfield Market,
does an excellent mutton pie. Perhaps you would join me,
and together we can oversee your bags?’

‘In that case, you are a very kind Dutchman, sir, but
first I must find which coach will take me onwards to
Richmond.’

Van der Humm smiles. ‘This is a happy coincidence.
I am bound for Bristol on a coach that departs at three
o’clock. That same coach makes a scheduled stop at
Richmond to change horses. Do you have your ticket yet?’

Daisy shakes her head. ‘Not as yet, sir; I still have to
buy one.’

The Dutchman makes an expansive gesture with his
hands. ‘Happenstance, I have a ticket to spare, my intended
travelling companion is unwell.’ He smiles. ‘Please, be my
guest – firstly for mutton pie and then the coach trip.’

‘That is very generous, sir, but I can pay – for
both.’

Van der Humm tilts his head to one side and looks
down his long and elegant nose. ‘I’m sure you can, Miss
Salter. But, on both counts, perhaps you will let a foreign
gentleman be, well, gentlemanly.’

Daisy smiles and nods her acceptance. Van der Humm
picks up her bags and ushers her into the inn.

Edition details

• Publisher: RedDoor Press
• Publication date: 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1913062937
• ISBN 13: 9781913062934
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288