The house of Lyall - Doris Davidson

A warm, earthy family saga set in the north-east of Scotland, from an established favourite author. Although young Marion Cheyne comes from a poor family and is considered lucky to work as a maid, she has her eyes set on better things. When her employer leaves a large sum of money lying around, she seizes her chance and escapes to Aberdeen, changing her name on the way. Fortune smiles, and a dream she thought impossible is fulfilled when she marries the heir to Castle Lyall. Marianne understands that it is a business arrangement, but though she is a woman of strong passions she will not allow love to interfere with social elevation. Life as lady of the glen suits her. She is popular with the workers at the woollen mill and the servants at the castle, and Marianne in turn vows to do everything in her power to protect the Lyall name. Through the trials and triumphs of two world wars, Marianne will stop at nothing to guard her hard-won position. But there are many secrets in her past that refuse to stay safely buried. Nothing in the small community of the glen can remain hidden for ever...