019 - Chapter V

Nestled in the southeastern corner of England, the county of Kent is a prime hotspot for the smuggling trade. With its proximity to London—an eager market for contraband—and the English Channel just 21 miles from France, Kent has long been a haven for those who dabble in illicit activities. Unlike the rugged coast of Cornwall, where smugglers depended on shipwrecks brought on by treacherous weather or human error, the world of Kentish smuggling was dominated by affluent gentleman smugglers. These cunning individuals had the means to run legitimate import businesses but chose instead to skirt customs regulations, profiting off the perilous labor of others while indulging in lives of leisure. Among them is Mr. Zachary Croyland, an intriguing old man with a wealth of knowledge about the trade—yet he remains critical of it. What role does he truly play? Is he merely an observer, savoring his brandy-soaked cherries, or does he have deeper ties to this underworld? And what of his brother, Sir Robert, and his two charming daughters? Meanwhile, the Radfords next door are a force to be reckoned with. Originally published in three volumes, The Smuggler weaves a tale of intrigue, ambition, and the shadows of human greed. - Summary by Lynne T.