Gilded Splendour

In the summer of 1737, a young apprentice carpenter at Nostell Priory in Yorkshire lovingly creates an invalid chair for a convalescent visitor. But although the tender love born between the humble carpenter, Thomas Chippendale, and the young noblewoman, Isabella Woodleigh, can never be openly declared, their lives are destined to remain intricately and intimately linked. Thomas’s career will be remarkable, his destiny to be the most renowned of English cabinet-makers. From a background of poverty, with low prospects, he works tirelessly to perfect his craft and his life is transformed. Yet the memory of Isabella, her absence and what might have been, continues to haunt him. Isabella, romantic and gentle, will suffer a crueller fate in her search for love and fulfilment. Great misfortune comes her way when she is forced to make amends for the actions of her cruel sister Sarah and their ruthless mother. When Sarah learns she is to be married to a wealthy older man, undesirable in every aspect apart from his money, she pursues a flirtation with Thomas to ensure the marriage is called off. Deeply wounded and desperate to ensure the safety of her family, Isabella resorts to drastic measures. The life that awaits her becomes a nightmare and it is only until her new home is visited by death that she escapes. Despite their wildly different courses in life, the unbreakable bond forged that summer between Isabella and Thomas will always hold them close... Gilded Splendour is a powerful story of love, loyalty and destiny, from best-selling romantic novelist Rosalind Laker. Rosalind Laker is a best-selling novelist that has been published all over the world, with her works translated into twenty languages. The author of over forty historical novels, her first work was published in 1970; Warwyck’s Wife is the first of her acclaimed Easthampton trilogy and is followed by Claudine’s Daughter and The Warwycks of Easthampton. She is also the author of Banners of Silk, Tree of Gold, The Silver Touch and To Dance With Kings . She lives with her Norwegian husband in Sussex. Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.