Second in the best-selling Wideacre Trilogy, a compulsive drama set in
the 18th century. By Philippa Gregory, the author of The Other Boleyn
Girl and The Virgin's Lover.
The Wideacre estate is bankrupt, the villagers are living in poverty and
Wideacre Hall is a smoke-blackened ruin. But in the Dower House, two
children are being raised in protected innocence. Equal claimants to the
inheritance of Wideacre, rivals for the love of the village, they are
tied by a secret childhood betrothal but forbidden to marry.
Only one can be the favoured child. Only one can inherit the magical
understanding between the land and the Lacey family that can make the
Sussex village grow green again. Only one can be Beatrice Lacey's true
heir.