Millie's Escape

It is winter in the Devon village of Brampford Speke, and a typhoid epidemic has claimed many victims. Millie, aged 15, is doing her best to nurse her mother and grandmother as well as look after Jonathan, her 5-year-old brother. One morning, Millie is horrified to find that her mother, Rosemary, has passed away during the night and is terrified the same fate may befall her granny, Emily.

When Emily’s neighbours inform her that Sir Edgar Grantley has also perished from the deadly disease, the old woman is distraught, for the kindly gentleman has been their benefactor for many years, much to the disgust of his wife, Lilliana. Emily is aware that Sir Edgar’s generosity has long been a bone of contention between him and his spouse, and she is certain Lady Grantley will evict them from their cottage at the first opportunity.

In desperation, Emily sends her two grandchildren on a long and dangerous journey to escape the wrath of the embittered woman.