The Morland Dynasty Series by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

1434: Wars of the Roses; Richard III Seeking power and prestige; grim, ambitious Yorkshireman Edward Morland arranges a marriage between his meek son Robert and spirited Eleanor, young ward of the influential Beaufort family. Eleanor is not only appalled at being forced to marry a mere "sheep farmer," but is secretly in love with Richard, Duke of York... more1434: Wars of the Roses; Richard III Seeking power and prestige; grim, ambitious Yorkshireman Edward Morland arranges a marriage between his meek son Robert and spirited Eleanor, young ward of the influential Beaufort family. Eleanor is not only appalled at being forced to marry a mere "sheep farmer," but is secretly in love with Richard, Duke of York. Yet, in time, this apparently ill-matched union becomes both passionate and tender, the foundation of the Morland Dynasty, and sustains them through bloody civil war which so often divides families, sets neighbor against neighbor, and brings tragedy close to home. less

1501: Henry VIII Paul, great-grandson of Elanor Morland, has inherited the Morland estates, and his own Amyas is set to be his heir. But Paul fathers a beloved illigitimate son, and bitter jealousy causes a destructive rift between the two half-brothers which will lead to death. Paul's niece, Nanette, becomes a maid-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn, and at the court of Henry VIII she becomes embroiled in the King's bitter feud with Rome... more1501: Henry VIII Paul, great-grandson of Elanor Morland, has inherited the Morland estates, and his own Amyas is set to be his heir. But Paul fathers a beloved illigitimate son, and bitter jealousy causes a destructive rift between the two half-brothers which will lead to death. Paul's niece, Nanette, becomes a maid-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn, and at the court of Henry VIII she becomes embroiled in the King's bitter feud with Rome. Through birth and death, love and hatred, triumph and heartbreak, the Morlands continue proudly to claim their place amongst England's aristocracy. less

1558 - Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots Protestantism is sweeping the land and threatens the position of the Catholic Morlands, so they must seek new spheres of influence. John, the heir, rides north to the untamed Borderlands to wed the daughter of Black Will Percy, Northumberland cattle lord. But he finds he must first prove himself, and win her heart through blood and battle... more1558 - Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots Protestantism is sweeping the land and threatens the position of the Catholic Morlands, so they must seek new spheres of influence. John, the heir, rides north to the untamed Borderlands to wed the daughter of Black Will Percy, Northumberland cattle lord. But he finds he must first prove himself, and win her heart through blood and battle. John's gentle sister Lettice is given in marriage to the ruthless Scottish baron, Lord Robert Hamilton, and in the treacherous court of Mary, Queen of Scots, she learns the fierce lessons of survival. less

1630 - Charles I; the Civil War When civil war destroys the long years of peace in England, the clash between King and Parliament is echoed at Morland Place. Richard, the heir, brings home a Puritan bride, while his dashing brother Kit joins the Royalist cavalry under Prince Rupert, leaving their father, Edmund, desperately trying to steer a middle course... more1630 - Charles I; the Civil War When civil war destroys the long years of peace in England, the clash between King and Parliament is echoed at Morland Place. Richard, the heir, brings home a Puritan bride, while his dashing brother Kit joins the Royalist cavalry under Prince Rupert, leaving their father, Edmund, desperately trying to steer a middle course. As the war grinds on, bitterness replaces early fervour and divisions grow deeper, and through it all Edmund struggles grimly to protect his inheritance and keep Morland Place intact. less

1659 - Charles II; The Restoration The bleak years of Cromwell's Protectorate are drawing to a close. Civil war and its aftermath have left Morland Place in bad case, but with the return of the king, Ralph, the master, believes he can rebuild its fortunes. For his beautiful and ambitious cousin Annunciata it means a journey to London where, embroiled in the amours and intrigues of Charles's Court, she makes her fortune and at last unlocks the secret of her past... more1659 - Charles II; The Restoration The bleak years of Cromwell's Protectorate are drawing to a close. Civil war and its aftermath have left Morland Place in bad case, but with the return of the king, Ralph, the master, believes he can rebuild its fortunes. For his beautiful and ambitious cousin Annunciata it means a journey to London where, embroiled in the amours and intrigues of Charles's Court, she makes her fortune and at last unlocks the secret of her past. A kinder age is dawning, but still uncertainty, conflict and sorrow await both Ralph and Annunciata before they can find peace and forgiveness. less

1670 - Charles II and James II Morland Place has flourished under Ralph's stewardship, while Annunciata is a great lady of the Court. Splendid futures seem to be promised for her children; but the religious rift opened by Henry VIII has never been fully healed, and conflict resurfaces at the accession of the Catholic James II. Frightening times ensue, when it is impossible to know who to trust. Annunciata herself is put on trial, while jealousy, betrayal and sudden death threaten her family... more1670 - Charles II and James II Morland Place has flourished under Ralph's stewardship, while Annunciata is a great lady of the Court. Splendid futures seem to be promised for her children; but the religious rift opened by Henry VIII has never been fully healed, and conflict resurfaces at the accession of the Catholic James II. Frightening times ensue, when it is impossible to know who to trust. Annunciata herself is put on trial, while jealousy, betrayal and sudden death threaten her family. And in the shadow of revolution comes a new love to Annunciata, one that can only lead to tragedy. less

1689 - William and Mary; Queen Anne; George I; The Old Pretender (1715 Rebellion) Annunciata, fiercely loyal to the Stuart cause, follows King James II into exile, leaving her gentle grandson Matt to care for Morland Place. In her absence he contracts an unwise marriage with India Neville, a woman as heartless as she is beautiful, who drives him between the extremes of passionate love and deep despair... more1689 - William and Mary; Queen Anne; George I; The Old Pretender (1715 Rebellion) Annunciata, fiercely loyal to the Stuart cause, follows King James II into exile, leaving her gentle grandson Matt to care for Morland Place. In her absence he contracts an unwise marriage with India Neville, a woman as heartless as she is beautiful, who drives him between the extremes of passionate love and deep despair. When James III - the Chevalier - returns to claim the Stuart throne, the Morlands are reunited in one country. The rebellion fails, and Annuniciata's sons are on trial for their lives, but defeat and even death itself cannot conquer the Morland sprit. less

1720 - George I; George II; the Young Pretender (Bonnie Prince Charlie, 1745 Rebellion) Political intrigue is rife as the Stuart-Hanoverian struggle continues. Jemmy, heir to Morland Place, contracts a dutiful marriage to the chilly Lady Mary in order to secure Hanoverian protection and safeguard his inheritance. Morland lives are riven by the '45 rebellion and the bloody massacre at Culloden, and at their lowest point, their fortunes rest in the small hands of Jemmy's daughter Jemima... more1720 - George I; George II; the Young Pretender (Bonnie Prince Charlie, 1745 Rebellion) Political intrigue is rife as the Stuart-Hanoverian struggle continues. Jemmy, heir to Morland Place, contracts a dutiful marriage to the chilly Lady Mary in order to secure Hanoverian protection and safeguard his inheritance. Morland lives are riven by the '45 rebellion and the bloody massacre at Culloden, and at their lowest point, their fortunes rest in the small hands of Jemmy's daughter Jemima. Intelligent and single-minded, Jemima proves a capable caretaker of the Morland heritage, and although Morland Place and its lands suffer from the excesses of her dissolute husband, her quiet courage earns her an abiding love and loyalty. less

1772 - George III; the American War of Independence England is peaceful under George III, and Morland Place flourishes under the careful tending of Jemima and her loyal husband Allen. Their seven children often bring them heartache, but they are sustained by their love for each other and their absorbing interest in improving the estate lands. But beyond England's shores things are not so calm... more1772 - George III; the American War of Independence England is peaceful under George III, and Morland Place flourishes under the careful tending of Jemima and her loyal husband Allen. Their seven children often bring them heartache, but they are sustained by their love for each other and their absorbing interest in improving the estate lands. But beyond England's shores things are not so calm. Morland cousins find themselves embroiled in the American war for independence, and the family's bastard offshoot, Henri, disports himself in the salons of Paris while outside revolution creeps closer. less

1788 - The French Revolution; beginning of Industrial Revolution In France, as the revolution begins, Henri, the bastard offshoot of the Morland family, strives to protect his family. He binds his daughter Heloise in loveless marriage to a Revolutionary, and allies himself with the vigorous Danton. But in the bloodbath of the Terror and the fall of Danton, Henri goes to the guillotine and Heloise flees to England where she is welcomed warmly by the Morland family... more1788 - The French Revolution; beginning of Industrial Revolution In France, as the revolution begins, Henri, the bastard offshoot of the Morland family, strives to protect his family. He binds his daughter Heloise in loveless marriage to a Revolutionary, and allies himself with the vigorous Danton. But in the bloodbath of the Terror and the fall of Danton, Henri goes to the guillotine and Heloise flees to England where she is welcomed warmly by the Morland family. In Yorkshire Jemima's troublesome brood cause her anxiety - especially her youngest, Lucy, who disguises herself as a boy and runs away to sea - but at last she sees three of her children marry and the hope of an heir to Morland Place. less

1816 - Post-war slump; Chartism; Pentrich Revolution; industrial progress Napoleon has been defeated at last, but victory brings no peace to England. The cost of war has been devastating. Inflation rages, bankruptcies multiply, and many of the ruined flee to the continent, including that symbol of the age just past, Beau Brummell. Discharged soldiers swell the ranks of the unemployed, wages tumble and the bread price soars. It is a tinderbox which takes only a spark to flame into riot... more1816 - Post-war slump; Chartism; Pentrich Revolution; industrial progress Napoleon has been defeated at last, but victory brings no peace to England. The cost of war has been devastating. Inflation rages, bankruptcies multiply, and many of the ruined flee to the continent, including that symbol of the age just past, Beau Brummell. Discharged soldiers swell the ranks of the unemployed, wages tumble and the bread price soars. It is a tinderbox which takes only a spark to flame into riot. James and Heloise stand guard over Morland Place, but a tragic accident takes the one person they depend on. A devastating scandal brings the Morland name into the glare of public notoriety with a trial in the House of Lords. And Sophie and Rosamund each have to learn the difference between real love and its enticing but dangerous illusion. less

1820 - George IV; the railway The landscape of England is undergoing sweeping change as the country pioneers the steam-driven machine age. In Manchester, Sophie and Jasper face violent opposition to their plans for rehousing factory hands; Lucy brings her sons home from their Grand Tour, brimming with ideas for their future; and Rosamund enters a bizarre agreement with her husband, with tragic consequences... more1820 - George IV; the railway The landscape of England is undergoing sweeping change as the country pioneers the steam-driven machine age. In Manchester, Sophie and Jasper face violent opposition to their plans for rehousing factory hands; Lucy brings her sons home from their Grand Tour, brimming with ideas for their future; and Rosamund enters a bizarre agreement with her husband, with tragic consequences. And at Morland Place two brothers grow up with very different tastes and an unspoken rivalry. less

1831 - William IV As England emerges from the post-war depression, the country is changing, and the birth-pangs of a new age bring it to the brink of revolution. Violent times breed violent acts. Sophie's life is shattered by a hideous crime. Morland Place falls into chaos as Heloise removes her hand from the reins. Benedict is forced to leave home and makes a life among the railway pioneers, leaving Nicholas free to indulge the dark side of his nature... more1831 - William IV As England emerges from the post-war depression, the country is changing, and the birth-pangs of a new age bring it to the brink of revolution. Violent times breed violent acts. Sophie's life is shattered by a hideous crime. Morland Place falls into chaos as Heloise removes her hand from the reins. Benedict is forced to leave home and makes a life among the railway pioneers, leaving Nicholas free to indulge the dark side of his nature. And amongst them all stalks the deadly invisible threat of cholera. less

1833: William IV, Victoria; the Railway Age; George Hudson The industrial age is sweeping through England and the Stephensons are planning the greatest engineering scheme ever undertaken - a railway line from Liverpool to London. At Morland Place, Nicholas had hoped that his brother Benedict had been banished for ever. But railway fever brings Benedict back to York as an engineer on the Leeds & Selby line... more1833: William IV, Victoria; the Railway Age; George Hudson The industrial age is sweeping through England and the Stephensons are planning the greatest engineering scheme ever undertaken - a railway line from Liverpool to London. At Morland Place, Nicholas had hoped that his brother Benedict had been banished for ever. But railway fever brings Benedict back to York as an engineer on the Leeds & Selby line. When plans are formed to bring the railway to York, Nicholas not only fears his brother may steal his inheritance, but that the iron horse will destroy the very Morland lands. The conflict between the brothers mirrors the nation's battle between old and new. less

1843 - The early Victorian era When Charlotte's father dies she believes herself to be destitute. But a lawyer's letter reveals she is not only a part of the Morland family, but wealthy and a countess in her own right. She is expected to make a great marriage, and with her vivacious cousin Fanny at her side she is launched into her first Season. It is Fanny, the hardened flirt, who loses her heart first, while Charlotte catches the eye of Oliver Fleetwood, the most eligible man in London... more1843 - The early Victorian era When Charlotte's father dies she believes herself to be destitute. But a lawyer's letter reveals she is not only a part of the Morland family, but wealthy and a countess in her own right. She is expected to make a great marriage, and with her vivacious cousin Fanny at her side she is launched into her first Season. It is Fanny, the hardened flirt, who loses her heart first, while Charlotte catches the eye of Oliver Fleetwood, the most eligible man in London. But the Season ends in disillusion, and Charlotte turns away from the life of idle amusement in search of something more substantial, though it involves flouting convention. less

1851 - The Mid-Victorian era; The Great Exhibition; The Crimean War The Great Exhibition brings all the Morlands to London - including a cousin from America. Charlotte is using her wealth and social position to build a hospital, and, aware of how badly sick people are nursed, defies convention to train a team of female nurses... more1851 - The Mid-Victorian era; The Great Exhibition; The Crimean War The Great Exhibition brings all the Morlands to London - including a cousin from America. Charlotte is using her wealth and social position to build a hospital, and, aware of how badly sick people are nursed, defies convention to train a team of female nurses. When the Crimean war begins, and her brother Cavendish departs with his cavalry regiment and her husband is called on to serve with the Intelligence Department, Charlotte goes too. Not all the soldiers' courage or high spirits can save them from the brutal horrors of war, and as the bitter Russian winter sets in, Charlotte's nursing skills are desperately needed as the army falls victim to cholera, dysentry, frostbite and gangrene. less

1857 - The American Civil War At Morland Place, Benedict's peaceful life is overset when a mysterious orphan arrives. No-one can understand why he takes this waif into the household, but the strain his arrival causes forces Benedict to take the boy to America, to join his much-missed daughter Mary. There Benedict becomes enamoured of the Southern way of life, just as bitter civil war is about to destroy it forever.

1870 - High Victorian Age; Franco-Prussian War George inherits Morland Place just before his majority, and though he believes himself more than equal to the challenge, he falls victim to the penniless but determined Miss Turlingham. He marries her against advice, and embarks on a spending spree the estate cannot afford to satisfy his new bride. In London, Charlotte's daughter Venetia, inspired by what she witnessed in Berlin during the Franco-Prussian war, is determined to become a doctor... more1870 - High Victorian Age; Franco-Prussian War George inherits Morland Place just before his majority, and though he believes himself more than equal to the challenge, he falls victim to the penniless but determined Miss Turlingham. He marries her against advice, and embarks on a spending spree the estate cannot afford to satisfy his new bride. In London, Charlotte's daughter Venetia, inspired by what she witnessed in Berlin during the Franco-Prussian war, is determined to become a doctor. But society is not ready to let women join the profession, and her struggle seems doomed to failure. less

1874 - Women's Rights Venetia is on the brink of marrying Lord Hazelmere when she discovers he does not mean to allow her to continue training as a doctor. She calls the wedding off, and from being the talk of the Season becomes the scandal of the year. Estranged from family and friends, she needs all her determination to continue the fight... more1874 - Women's Rights Venetia is on the brink of marrying Lord Hazelmere when she discovers he does not mean to allow her to continue training as a doctor. She calls the wedding off, and from being the talk of the Season becomes the scandal of the year. Estranged from family and friends, she needs all her determination to continue the fight. At Morland place George and Alfreda continue to spend on grandiose building schemes despite the threat of bankruptcy; while Henrietta's cold marriage to the ascetic Rector of Bishopthorpe brings her close to questioning her religion. less

1885 - The Late Victorian era With the death of her rector husband Henrietta is finally free to marry her love, the wealthy and handsome Jerome Compton. But Victorian propriety disapproves of Jerome's divorced status, and the couple are forced to seek anonymity in London. Henrietta finds she takes to urban life with great enjoyment, and she meets and becomes close to her cousin, Lady Venetia... more1885 - The Late Victorian era With the death of her rector husband Henrietta is finally free to marry her love, the wealthy and handsome Jerome Compton. But Victorian propriety disapproves of Jerome's divorced status, and the couple are forced to seek anonymity in London. Henrietta finds she takes to urban life with great enjoyment, and she meets and becomes close to her cousin, Lady Venetia. Initially shunned for pursuing her medical career, Venetia is now a respected doctor, while her marriage to Beauty Hazelmere has redeemed her socially, and she finds herself drawn into the elite circle of Bertie, Prince of Wales. But while the cousins both thrive, storm clouds are gathering, and one of them will be forced out of society and into exile. less

1898 - Late Victorian/Edwardian; the Second Boer War; Automobiles; the Suffragettes On the brink of a new century, the great stability of Victorian England is under threat. Europe is dividing into armed camps, while at home socialism and the suffragette movement challenge traditional values. At Morland Place, Teddy begins to restore the estate to its former glory, while his sister Henrietta's family fill the house with life, and nephew Bertie finds a haven from the strictures of his own home... more1898 - Late Victorian/Edwardian; the Second Boer War; Automobiles; the Suffragettes On the brink of a new century, the great stability of Victorian England is under threat. Europe is dividing into armed camps, while at home socialism and the suffragette movement challenge traditional values. At Morland Place, Teddy begins to restore the estate to its former glory, while his sister Henrietta's family fill the house with life, and nephew Bertie finds a haven from the strictures of his own home. As Victoria's reign draws to a close, war with the Boers becomes inevitable. Young men volunteer in droves, among them Henrietta's beloved extra son Bertie. The Tommies march off singing, eager for a scrap; but what horrors will face them under the burning South African sun, and which of them will come marching home again? less

1908 - Edwardian period; Aviation In the height of Edwardian splendour, Jessie and Violet share a sparkling London debut. At Morland Place, Teddy's business is expanding and he brings home a new wife, to the anxiety of his sister Henrietta who knows there can't be two mistresses of the house. England is a land of confidence and opportunity but below the surface troubles are stirring... more1908 - Edwardian period; Aviation In the height of Edwardian splendour, Jessie and Violet share a sparkling London debut. At Morland Place, Teddy's business is expanding and he brings home a new wife, to the anxiety of his sister Henrietta who knows there can't be two mistresses of the house. England is a land of confidence and opportunity but below the surface troubles are stirring. The death of the King brings to a head the constitutional crisis, while abroad the flexing of Russian and German might are an ominous sign of the dangers that lie ahead. less

1912 - The Titanic; George V England still conducts herself with Edwardian confidence; but beneath the surface cracks are breaking society apart. Socialism, strikes and riots, social unrest, and then the disasters of the Titanic and Captain Scott shake the ordered world... more1912 - The Titanic; George V England still conducts herself with Edwardian confidence; but beneath the surface cracks are breaking society apart. Socialism, strikes and riots, social unrest, and then the disasters of the Titanic and Captain Scott shake the ordered world. Among the Morlands, Jessie and Violet struggle to adapt to the demands of married life; Jack, unlucky in love, designs aeroplanes and trains pilots for the new Royal Flying Corps; and Anne, as the struggle for the Vote becomes more violent, takes comfort in the friendship of an unusual young woman. Meanwhile, the war no-one wants comes ever closer. less

August 1914 The whole country is thrilled by the declaration of war. The British Expeditionary Force goes off to France to defend gallant little Belgium, and thousands more young men rush to volunteer, hoping to see action before the war ends at Christmas. At home everyone competes to be doing the most for the war effort. The Morlands have their share of volunteers, and no-one can say they aren't at the very heart of things... moreAugust 1914 The whole country is thrilled by the declaration of war. The British Expeditionary Force goes off to France to defend gallant little Belgium, and thousands more young men rush to volunteer, hoping to see action before the war ends at Christmas. At home everyone competes to be doing the most for the war effort. The Morlands have their share of volunteers, and no-one can say they aren't at the very heart of things. But when Christmas comes the war is far from over, and nine in ten of the men who marched, singing, down the white road to Mons have fallen. less