The Charity School Series by Sarah Waldock

Blessed with beauty and wealth, Elinor Fairbrother believes she has not long to live, having inherited a weak heart. Elinor decides to set up a school for impoverished young ladies and collects around her the people needed to run the school once she is gone. But fiery Dr Graeme Macfarlane believes that Elinor has mistaken her condition. As the orphans begin to arrive, Elinor and her old governess. Libby Freemantle, have their work cut out dealing with the children... moreBlessed with beauty and wealth, Elinor Fairbrother believes she has not long to live, having inherited a weak heart. Elinor decides to set up a school for impoverished young ladies and collects around her the people needed to run the school once she is gone. But fiery Dr Graeme Macfarlane believes that Elinor has mistaken her condition. As the orphans begin to arrive, Elinor and her old governess. Libby Freemantle, have their work cut out dealing with the children. There are the truculent, the high-spirited and the twins, whose exploits are totally unpredictable. And then there are the suitors, many of whom are attracted by the thought of Elinor’s imminent demise. In dealing with everything from rescuing kittens from rooftops to dealing with poisoned fortune hunters Elinor is assisted by the argumentative but very able Dr Macfarlane. less

Ophelia is the oldest of the Rackham children and the death of her father means that money is short in the Rackham household. To pay for her 3 younger brothers' schooling Ophelia applies for a teaching post at Swanley Court School for impoverished young ladies. At Swanley Court Ophelia quickly becomes the confidant of school baby Lucy, whose father is presumed dead. When Lucy's father, Luke, turns up, very much alive, Lucy needs a governess... moreOphelia is the oldest of the Rackham children and the death of her father means that money is short in the Rackham household. To pay for her 3 younger brothers' schooling Ophelia applies for a teaching post at Swanley Court School for impoverished young ladies. At Swanley Court Ophelia quickly becomes the confidant of school baby Lucy, whose father is presumed dead. When Lucy's father, Luke, turns up, very much alive, Lucy needs a governess. Luke, smitten by Ophelia’s charms, asks her to join his household. Ophelia, drawn as closely to Luke as to Lucy, agrees. But Luke’s wicked cousin James is not happy to find that, against all odds, Luke survived not only Corunna but the amputation of one hand as well. James is determined to rectify this unfortunate twist of fate. Ophelia, Luke, Lucy and Ophelia’s brothers find themselves caught up in the deadly games of a ruthless man. less

Orphan Abigail is surprised to be claimed as a relative of Mr and Mrs Heltham, a well-to-do couple from Bath. The Helthams invite Abigail to leave school and join them for the Little Season in Bath. In Bath Abigail meets Richard, the Helthams’ son, who acts more like a young child than his 19 years. Uncle Frank and Aunt Caro press gifts and treats upon Abigail who finds their generosity oppressive... moreOrphan Abigail is surprised to be claimed as a relative of Mr and Mrs Heltham, a well-to-do couple from Bath. The Helthams invite Abigail to leave school and join them for the Little Season in Bath. In Bath Abigail meets Richard, the Helthams’ son, who acts more like a young child than his 19 years. Uncle Frank and Aunt Caro press gifts and treats upon Abigail who finds their generosity oppressive. Although a bluestocking Abigail is able to help poor Richard when he is unable to cope with the trails of life, giving the boy love and affection. It is not until Abigail meets Richard’s cousin, Renn, Baron Chisterley, that Abigail becomes aware of the insidious plot that stands between her and happiness. less

Marianne Seagall is orphaned, with just two things to connect her to her former life. One is an autocratic cousin, who sends her to the Swanley Court School for Impoverished Gentlewomen; the other is Sir Robert Morley, who claims that he is still owed a gaming debt of her father’s that she must repay... moreMarianne Seagall is orphaned, with just two things to connect her to her former life. One is an autocratic cousin, who sends her to the Swanley Court School for Impoverished Gentlewomen; the other is Sir Robert Morley, who claims that he is still owed a gaming debt of her father’s that she must repay. Marianne’s cousin Cornelius insists that she write to him monthly, and though their correspondence does not begin in an auspicious manner, the exchange of letters soon builds up an easy camaraderie. When Marianne finally has the chance to meet Cornelius, she finds there are many surprises in store, as well as a return of the unspeakable Sir Robert Morley. less