The Trinket Wife

Set in Beaulieu in the New Forest in the South of England. Near the home of the author Jane Austen and Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey was filmed.

2004 is the year of the tsunami and of New Orleans storm and flooding. A testimony to the power of nature.

Big changes take place in this year for Elizabeth. She inherits a country cottage and a swathe of land along the side of the beautiful Beaulieu River. Her brother inherits the large, adjoining manor house 'Pipers'.

Elizabeth is married to Des, one of a twin, and she feels it is like being married to both brothers. They both try telling her what to do. Her brother-in-law is manipulative and desires the same rights to her inheritance as his brother. Des is caught between his wife and twin brother; she is caught between the two brothers.

The brothers, lust after 'Pipers', the manor house. Family tensions grow and cracks appear in an idyllic country existence. Des increasingly gives Elizabeth gifts of jewellery but less love.

In the village of Beaulieu, scandal, greed and sexual intrigue play their part. New neighbours bring with them pleasures and conflicts.

Animals are an ever-present part of rural life. The village play and masked dinner dance turn out to be more than entertainment. Beware of the two attractive Russian girls who move in.

The brothers are strong together. Elizabeth needs to realise her own potential as a gifted interior designer and maintain her ebbing self-confidence. She struggles against the odds stacking up against her.

Two gay friends encourage Elizabeth to develop her art and to spend time at their French chateau.

Sad and funny. A story of newfound love.