Description

Lok’s Love by Keri Kruspe

A thirst for education. Shattered dreams. Fragile relations.

1840s Scotland

Being sent to>school>in the small town of Milnathort, in Kinross Shire, is the most exhilarating thing that’s ever happened to young Margaret Law. She sharpens her>newly-acquired education on her>best friend, Jessie Morison, till Jessie becomes an orphan and is spirited away to become a>scullery maid. Letters,whether poorly or well-written, are a>lifeline. They keep the girls in touch and maintain their friendship bond.

When Margaret’s parents’ tailoring and drapery business suddenly collapses her>visions of becoming a schoolteacher>are shattered. She must find a job.

Salvation from domestic drudgery – or>never-ending seamstress work – comes via her>loyal, almost-sister Jessie whose employer seeks a>tutor>for his disabled daughter. The>once-a-month half-day-off exploring the exciting city of Edinburgh with Jessie is great fun, but the increasing>volatility of her employer’s wife, and other>tension in the household, claws at Margaret’s>nerves.

Growing up, Margaret finds, comes with many>heartaches. She worries about her>parents’ estrangement, and the>mystery of Jessie’s unknown father. Margaret’s natural>caution over what makes a>strong loving relationship between a couple gets in the way of a>developing, fledgling romance. Victorian morality is instilled in her but she finds, to her utter surprise, that not all adults play the>’values’ game that they>preachAnd a life of>piety>might not mean a>clean conscience.

When>tragedy befalls the household in Edinburgh, the>stability>of Margaret’s employment situation>crumbles. Shouldering a heavy burden of>loss>she must>forge a new pathway for the future>- though>where>will that be and doing what?