Alan Shelston Books

Biography of the Victorian author, Elizabeth Gaskell, sheds light on her life, literary successes, marriage and humanitarian work (cover flap).

Ruth Hilton, an orphan and dressmaker's assistant, is seduced and then heartlessly deserted by the wealthy Henry Bellingham. A dissenting minister advises her to pass as a widow and be employed as a governess with the tyrannical Mr Bradshaw. However, the deceit brings grievous consequences.