The Favourite Child

Isabella Ashton has always been her father's favourite, but when she becomes involved with the new birth control movement, Simeon is scandalised. He tells himself that it will be merely a phase before she settles down to a respectable marriage, but as Bella's enthusiasm for 'fallen women' shows no sign of abating, Simeon loses patience and banished her from the family home. Running a family planning clinic in Salford's mean streets is challenging but rewarding work, and Bella is grateful for the help of Violet Howarth, a big, generous-hearted woman who takes her in. Violet's son Dan also supports her mission and comradeship quickly turns into love. But Bella is also involved with handsome, ne'er-do-well Billy Quinn, leader of an illegal betting ring. His jealousy and possessiveness brings matters to a head and Bella finds everything she has worked for at risk, and herself in mortal danger...