A moving love story set in three wars - the Second Boer War and World Wars One and Two - and the intervening years, with their tensions. Whilst powerful people played a dangerous game, there were ordinary people trying to live normal lives. The family around Agnes Brown was just one of those. There are three strands to this story, that plait together, to form a single one of how Agnes climbed up a ladder from the pits of 'unfortunate circumstance' to a wonderfully, satisfying life. The 'pit' was formed by her being the 17 year-old victim of sexual greed . with no passion or love. The 'satisfying life' was that of a mature, successful career woman, giving and receiving 'passion and love'. The 'Elder' in the story is Percy and his wife, Anna.

Percy joined the Army in 1898, at the age of 18 and, unbelievably, spent ten, unbroken, years in India. Then he was recalled to the 'Colours' to fight in the Second Boer War. Agnes' husband, Harold was Percy and Anna's only son. Academically successful, in the 1930s, became a Draughtsman in the Devonport Dockyard. At that time, following the death of her mother, Agnes was sent to Plymouth, at the age of 16, to live with an Aunt. She became a victim of Harold's sexual desires . and they had to marry before the baby was born. The baby died .

the story of a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage has begun - but there were two sons, Peter and James--and real love around the corner.