The Escape of Rose Alleyn

January 1900. Rose has been resigned to a life of mind-numbing drudgery in service, like five of her siblings, at Sawdons Hall. After going there to break the news of their mother s death, Rose s chance encounter with Leonard Pritchard, the charismatic tutor, changes everything. She finds solace as they talk about their mutual passion for poetry.

Leonard is to open a bookshop in the market town of Widdock. Impulsively, Rose writes asking him if she can be his assistant. Despite strong family resistance, Rose accepts his offer of a job.

As feelings between Rose and Leonard deepen, her old fears about the sexual relationship surface. What further threats will Rose confront? Will she ever lead the life she chooses?