On Friday I shared the beginning of The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen. I’ve since started reading it an have gotten pulled into the Gothic nature of the story.
Abigail feels responsible for the financial problems that have forced her family to sell their London home. She had convinced her father that joining her uncle in a bank investment would be a good idea. Unfortunately her uncle and his two partners, Mr. Gray and Mr. Austen (a nod to Jane’s brother?), didn’t make a smart investment and the bank failed.
Just as things look to be at a complete loss a solicitor arrives with an astounding offer and very little information. A very distant relative is giving the family the use of manor house that has been abandoned for eighteen years. Pembrooke Park looks as though everyone just left one day and never looked back. Abigail is tasked with putting the house in order before her family moves from London.
Everyone Abigail has talked to seems to know something about why Pembrooke Park was abaonded but no one will really talk about it, the only information they offer Abigail is a warning: Beware trespassers who may be drawn by rumors that Pembrooke contains a secret room filled with treasure. Her first few nights there Abigail hears things in the house and sees things that have her convinced someone is snooping through the house.
This is pretty much where I am in the book. I can’t wait to read more!
Jane Austen Society of North America - New Jersey Region 