Annie's Secret

<p><strong>1887 North Devon England</strong></p><p></p><p>When Lady Eleanor Fellwood gave birth to a badly deformed baby she insisted that the child be adopted as far away as possible. However that proved difficult to accomplish and so in return for payment Sabina Carter an impoverished widow living locally agreed to raise the little boy as a foundling. The child's father Lord Charles Fellwood of Hartford Manor warned Sabina that the matter must be treated in the strictest confidence or her family would be evicted from their home. As far as Lady Eleanor was concerned the child was being cared for miles away.</p><p></p><p>All was well for several years until fate took a hand and against his parents' wishes Robert Fellwood the heir to the Hartford Estate married Sabina's daughter Annie. Robert arranged for his mother-in-law Sabina and her family to reside in the Lodge House situated at the end of the Manor House driveway. A house that Lady Eleanor passed regularly and it was not long before she spotted Danny's dark curls among the Carter redheads. As she looked into the child's eyes and noted his disabilities she recognised her son.</p><p></p><p>Now at seven years old Danny has had numerous operations to correct his disabilities and is a happy healthy child. However his presence is a source of constant anguish for his birth mother as day after day she watches him play in the garden. Her husband Charles and son Robert are aghast when she announces that she wants him back! An impossible situation for all concerned and a rift develops between Robert and Annie as he struggles to find a solution to suit everyone.</p><p></p><p>Over the years Lady Eleanor has steadfastly refused to acknowledge her daughter-in-law for she disapproves of Annie's lower-class origins. When a freak accident forces the two women to spend time together they inevitably find themselves drawn into conversation. Before long the years of pent-up resentment and family secrets surface as home truths are aired. </p><p></p><p>Will the two women be rescued from their precarious situation unscathed? And if so will the family survive the scandal that is about to be unleashed?</p>