Description
It is two years before the First World War and the conflict which will change the role of women forever. But for now, young Mabel Oakley is caught between her own dreams of becoming a teacher and what is conventionally expected of a girl from her class and background.
At first things look bright: Mabel's own teacher advises that she should definitely go to secondary school, instead of leaving at 14 to get a job. Her parents are doubtful, to start with, but increasingly sympathetic. Her father pulls in a good wage as a solicitor's clerk.
But then a family tragedy strikes, and it looks as though Mabel will have no choice but to give up on her dreams and go into the dreaded domestic service as a lady's maid. If only, she thinks, if only there were some way out...
Praise for Diney Costeloe:
'Truly captivating' Woman & Home on The French Wife
'A treat from the very first page. I could not put it down!' Historical Novel Society on The Sisters of St Croix
'Historical fiction heaven ... Anyone who feels that women's hist fict is a simplified genre sub-set would definitely need a rethink after this' The Bookbag on Children of the Siege
Number of pages: 448
Dimensions: 229 x 148 mm
