Less Than Equals Paperback

A woman’s place is in the home… That’s what she’s always been told. But Harriet has other ideas...

In 1860’s England, it’s a man’s world and women aren’t expected … or allowed … to upset the status quo.

Living with her domineering uncle, Harriet is desperate to break free. Could the charming young man who has come to stay with them be her way out? Or will he be just like the rest? Happy to keep her in her place…

Not prepared to sit around while her dreams die, Harriet risks everything to stand her ground.

But she underestimates how far some will go to silence her.

Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. October 1865

William leaned forward and kissed the cheek his mother offered him. After the bickering of the last few months, it was performed more out of duty than affection, but it was done now. He was free to go. He straightened up and climbed into the carriage that waited for him as the coachman stood to one side. With a final glance at the tear-stained face of his mother, he eased himself into his seat, placing his hat on his knee. 


As the carriage moved away, his new employer Mr Watkins welcomed him. William had known him for almost eight years and usually his manner was formal, but today he smiled as he offered William his hand. William returned the gesture, extending his greeting to Mrs Watkins who sat opposite her husband, but it was a cursory gesture. All he wanted to do was focus on the young woman sitting opposite him. It was two years since he had last seen her and being so close to her now aroused feelings he hadn’t experienced before. She looked beautiful with a pale blue bonnet that framed the ringlets around her face and set off her blue-grey eyes, eyes that danced mischievously when she smiled at him. William’s heart pounded as he imagined them being alone together, but as his eyes left her face to appreciate the contours of her dress, Mr Watkins broke the silence.


“We’ve found an excellent property in Handsworth, Mr Jackson, I trust you’ll be comfortable.” 


William jumped at the sound of his name and turned to listen to Mr Watkins. 


“It’s larger than the houses around Summer Lane. It has two reception rooms and a scullery downstairs. Then there are two bedrooms on the first floor and a further two on the top floor. You’ll be in a room at the top. A domestic servant will be in the other.” 


“Thank you, that sounds marvellous.” He turned back to face Miss Watkins, but Mr Watkins continued. 


“That’s not the best part though. It has a back garden with stabling, and once we’re settled, I’m going to purchase my own carriage.” 


William let out a gasp. “Did you tell Mr Wetherby? I remember when I was a small boy he told me he would have his own carriage one day. He hasn’t managed it yet but if anything gets him to move to Handsworth that will be it.”


Mr Watkins laughed. “No, I didn’t tell your stepfather. I didn’t tell him I’d bought the house either. That will give him something to think about. You’ve reminded me though, I’ve agreed with him that I’ll take some housekeeping money from your wages. I hope that’s what you expected.”


“I’d no idea what to expect, but it doesn’t surprise me. Mr Wetherby likes to organise everything.” William turned and gazed out of the window. Wasn’t that one of the reasons he was leaving? Even Mr Watkins had been forced to delay his move to Handsworth by six months until Mr Wetherby had found a replacement for William. Why it had taken so long, William didn’t know, but he was free now. He just needed to make the most of it.