Emily's Dream
- ISBN-10
- 1848767056
- ISBN-13
- 9781848767058
- Series
- Emily's Dream
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2011
- Publisher
- Troubador Publishing
- Author
- Ruth Tansey
Description
An engrossing family saga about love overcoming all that is set in the potteries, and is based on the author's grandparent's story.Emily is a lively, imaginative girl who, aged 12, is obliged to go into service by her strict methodist father. Her work at Thursfield Hall sees her promoted from a scullery maid to head parlour maid, but her association with the distinguished family only encourages her to dream of becoming a lady, owning a fine house and beautiful things. Emily longs to escape from her life of service. After falling in love with the household groom, Charles, Emily finds herself pregnant. They are both dismissed from their places and, before they can marry, Emily must seek her father's approval. In his fury he forbids the match, forcing Emily into an arranged marriage with Elijah. Thomas, Emily's brother, refuses to accept his father's decision and seeks out Charles, determined to make amends. Meanwhile, Charles has been employed by Jeremiah Madely, a Cheshire mill owner. Thomas also starts work for Jeremiah, who eventually offers Charles a job as a groom and Thomas a position as the overseer of his farm, with a good living in Furlong Hall. Throughout, Charles pines for Emily and the son he knows she has borne him. When he hears that her husband has died, he seeks her out, finally able to offer her marriage. Emily, Charles, their son and the twins she bore Elijah set out for a happier future together. Thomas, who had married Jeremiah's daughter, finds himself in charge of the Mill upon Jeremiah becoming ill. This gives him the opportunity to give Furlong Hall to the care of Emily and Charles, who use it as a school. In a final twist, Emily's happiness is finally complete when she is reconciled with her father.
