Hester Roon

<p>The <em>Fleece Inn</em> stood where the three roads joined—to London to Norwich and to the sea. Its trade was prosperous its</p><p>hospitality famous and its host fat Job was jolly and generous—to his guests.</p><p>      To his servants Job was cruel and menacing and to Ellie Roon the most menial servant at the <em>Fleece</em> he was a figure of</p><p>terror. Ellie was used to being shouted at and bullied but when her illegitimate daughter was born—in a rat-ridden attic of the</p><p><em>Fleece</em>—she decided that Hester must have a different kind of life.</p><p>      And so Hester Roon equipped with little more than courage and a strong will began her eventful progress in the harsh</p><p>world of 18th century England. After fleeing from the inn she became involved in the London underworld. From there she</p><p>was to find herself a destiny far beyond her imaginings.</p>