Nicola Webb

2023 | 290pp pb | ISBN: 978-1-914002-35-9

A true love story that defied convention and class

At the height of the Victorian era, John Patricius (Patrick) Chaworth­ Musters is born, heir to a wealthy landowning and mining dynasty. Worlds away, Mary Anne Sharpe is born into a family of Bedfordshire straw plaiters.

Mary Anne joins the Chaworth­Musters as a junior maid in 1881. Less than two years later, Patrick (aged 23), gets 20­year­old Mary Anne pregnant. His parents fail to part them but send them to live in Norway, unwed, but away from ‘polite society’.

Four years and four children later, Patrick unexpectedly inherits the family’s estate and returns to England. Contrary to convention, he marries Mary Anne, legitimising their children. She reluctantly takes on the daunting role as ‘lady of the manor’, having to manage the servants she had so recently reported to.

This is a Victorian story of love, duty, and sacrifice, which within 100 years, leaves the dynasty shattered and the family’s wealth drained.

The story you have put together is quite remarkable; full of fascinating detail and obviously the fruit of many hours research.

Dr Tony Gray, Director, Oxford Writing Mentors