Gerard Roylake returns from Germany on the death of his father to take up his inheritance at Trimley Deen. On his first evening he walks to the nearby River Loke and recognises his childhood friend, Cristel Toller, the miller's daughter. He also meets a deaf man living at the mill known only as The Lodger. Gerard's stepmother, meanwhile, is keen to introduce him to local society and in particular to her friend Lady Rachel's sister. Gerard and Cristel gradually fall in love, incurring the Lodger's jealousy. He is obsessed with Cristel and loans Gerard a manuscript which describes his fear of inherited evil (from both his father and grandfather) as well as his study of medicine, illness and subsequent deafness. Pretending friendship, the Lodger invites Gerard to tea with the real intention of poisoning him. Despite warnings, the naive Gerard accepts.
- ISBN10 110538859X
- ISBN13 9781105388590
- Publish Date 25 December 2011
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Lulu.com
- Format eBook
- Language English