The Trinket Wife - E-book - ePub

When everything falls apart the future may still have the best surprises. Elisabeth's family life in the rural village of Beaulieu in the New Forest, is not the same after she inherits a cottage and a swathe of land by the river. Jealousy and manipulation comes from her husbands twin brother. Her husband is not sure whose side he is on. When influenced by his brother he placates his wife with gifts and thinks that is okay.
Elizabeth's life is not her own. With the help of a local councillor, the brothers build on Elizabeth's land and new neighbours arrive in the village. The eclectic mix of new comers brings intriguing relationships and possible  affairs. The local councillor is corrupt and has a dolly bird wife. Her situation changes when she becomes pregnant. After a series of events she finds her own strengths. Two Russian girls are attracted to the brother's new found wealth.
Big Jo is a rockstar and has his own sense of values, He owns the biggest of the new properties. Gypsies in the social housing property are not welcome by everyone. The New Forest is populated with horses, donkeys, pigs and an abundance of plants. There is inevitably conflict between nature and humans when they try to live together. Elizabeth develops as an interior designer helped by a friendship with two gay guy neighbours.
She is involved in the renovation of a French chateau with them and her architect friend from the past. The brothers are not satisfied with Elizabeth's land, they want  to take over the family's manor house belonging to her brother. They realise that Elizabeth holds the key to their dream. The village play and a masked ball create more than entertainment. When nature throws her playing card, secrets and lies are exposed.
From the days when smugglers worked along the river bringing in contraband to the south coast to now, lawlessness still exits but in a modern form. When things go wrong there are still humorous times to lift Elizabeth in frustrating situations. Elizabeth didn't know who was watching out for her and was wishing, that one day, she might be ready to strike out for freedom and a new life. It was a waiting game.
Visitors and film makers flock to Beaulieu today, looking for the tranquil, quintessential, English rural village. France is just across the English Channel and holds a special magic and calling for people living near the south coast shores.  First impressions may not be all that they seem.