The Lost Bride Trilogy, #1
Inheritance
by Nora Roberts
Contents
Prologue
Overview
On her wedding day in 1806, Astrid Grandville is stabbed by a jealous woman who steals her ring and curses future brides. Astrid dies in Collin Poole’s arms after vowing never to leave him. The murder and vow establish a haunting grievance that will echo beyond death and shape the story’s central mystery.
Summary
In 1806 at Poole’s Bay, Astrid Grandville narrates the joy of becoming Mrs. Collin Poole. She reflects on Collin’s virtues, their families, and the future they plan to build in the stone house on the cliff, eager for their wedding night and confident in their vows.
As the celebration continues, Astrid takes a quiet moment in their bedchamber. A woman she barely recognizes rushes in and, without warning, stabs Astrid repeatedly. The attacker declares Astrid will never have Collin, licks Astrid’s blood, threatens that brides will die by her blood oath, and steals Astrid’s wedding ring, insisting the marriage is not consummated.
Bleeding and in agony, Astrid forces herself into the hall to find Collin and reclaim her ring. As her vision fades amid the distant sounds of revelry turning to alarm, Collin reaches her and holds her while she dies. With her last breath, Astrid promises she will never leave him—an oath that implies her presence will endure beyond death.
Who Appears
- Astrid Grandville (Mrs. Collin Poole)New bride and narrator; stabbed on her wedding day, ring stolen; dies vowing never to leave Collin.
- Collin PooleAstrid’s groom and shipbuilder; finds Astrid dying, begs her to stay as she makes a lasting vow.
- Unknown woman (assailant)Jealous attacker; stabs Astrid, licks her blood, steals the wedding ring, and curses future brides.
- Connor PooleCollin’s twin; mentioned as partner in family shipbuilding and Arabelle’s intended.
- ArabelleAstrid’s close friend and Connor’s future bride; referenced in Astrid’s reflections on marriage.