Family Of The Empire

Probyn Kilmaster wants more from life than to follow his father down the pit. He has always admired his convention-defying Aunt Kit and, inspired by her, runs away to join the army, alienating himself from his family. On his first foreign posting he meets a woman much older than himself who persuades him to go through an unofficial wedding ceremony. But the relationship is a disaster and soon Probyn searches for escape. Narrowly avoiding court martial, he returns to England where he makes peace with his family. The peace is shattered, though, when he marries the young, inexperienced Agnes - his family is horrified because she is a Catholic. But Probyn stands by his decision - until the "wife" from his youth turns up and throws his world into turmoil. Sheelagh Kelly surely can write SUNDERLAND ECHO