About the Book: Mermaid and Mrs Hancock
One September evening in 1785, the merchant Jonah Hancock hears urgent knocking
on his front door. One of his captains is waiting eagerly on the step. He has
sold Jonahs ship for what appears to be a mermaid. As gossip spreads through the
docks, coffee shops, parlours and brothels, everyone wants to see Mr Hancocks
marvel. Its arrival spins him out of his ordinary existence and through the
doors of high society. At an opulent party, he makes the acquaintance of
Angelica Neal, the most desirable woman he has ever laid eyes on… and a
courtesan of great accomplishment. This