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A thirst for education. Shattered dreams. Fragile relations.
1840s Scotland
Being sent to school in the small town of Milnathort, in Kinross Shire, is the most exhilarating thing that's ever happened to young Margaret Law. She sharpens her newly-acquired education on her best friend, Jessie Morison, till Jessie becomes an orphan and is spirited away to become a scullery maid. Letters, whether poorly or well-written, are a lifeline. They keep the girls in touch and maintain their friendship bond.
When Margaret's parents' tailoring and drapery business suddenly collapses her visions of becoming a schoolteacher are shattered. She must find a job.
Salvation from domestic drudgery - or never-ending seamstress work - comes via her loyal, almost-sister Jessie whose employer seeks a tutor for his disabled daughter. The once-a-month half-day-off exploring the exciting city of Edinburgh with Jessie is great fun, but the increasing volatility of her employer's wife, and other tension in the household, claws at Margaret's nerves.
Growing up, Margaret finds, comes with many heartaches. She worries about her parents' estrangement, and the mystery of Jessie's unknown father. Margaret's natural caution over what makes a strong loving relationship between a couple gets in the way of a developing, fledgling romance. Victorian morality is instilled in her but she finds, to her utter surprise, that not all adults play the 'values' game that they preach! And a life of piety might not mean a clean conscience.
When tragedy befalls the household in Edinburgh, the stability of Margaret's employment situation crumbles. Shouldering a heavy burden of loss she must forge a new pathway for the future - though where will that be and doing what?
