THE STORY SO FAR
1837. Eighteen-year-old Caroline was brought up by her father’s sister, her mother having died in childbirth. She has come to stay with her father, Captain Brook. Only, before he returns from sea, Caroline is almost robbed in the street. A handsome young man comes to her aid, then takes her to the Mermaid Tavern, where he works. The tavern owner, Lucy, invites Caroline back for a visit and, a few days later, Caroline sneaks out. When Captain Brook returns, he prohibits his daughter from leaving the house unaccompanied. Caroline is distraught. She has lost her heart to Sam, the young man who helped her. So she devises a plan… On a shopping trip, Caroline persuades Polly the maid to visit her family while Caroline dashes to the Mermaid. However, she finds only Lucy there. Over tea, Lucy suddenly breaks down and makes a startling confession – she claims to be Caroline’s birth mother.
Caroline stared in disbelief at the older woman, searching her eyes. Was this some kind of joke?
‘It’s true,’ Lucy whispered.
Caroline suddenly stood up. ‘I must go,’ she said tightly.
As she turned to leave, Lucy grasped her hands.
‘Please don’t!’ she pleaded, standing as well. ‘Let me explain.’
Caroline pulled her hands free. ‘No!’ she almost shouted. ‘My dear mama is the only mother I shall ever know or love! The woman who gave birth to me is dead. Now let me go!’
‘Your mother stands before you!’ Lucy cried. ‘If only you could see how it is so.’
‘What are you talking about?’ Caroline demanded.
