Content Warning: This section discusses abuse and attempted rape. The source text also uses stigmatizing language to discuss birth outside of marriage.

Sophie Beckett is delivered to Penwood Park when she is three. Her mother has died, and Sophie’s grandmother brings her to her father, the Earl of Penwood. Sophie, who bears a strong resemblance to her father, is taken into the household. She is liked by the servants and given an education, but her father pays little attention to her, and her “illegitimate” birth means that her status is uncertain.

The earl remarries when Sophie is 10, and Sophie is eager to have a mother and sisters, a true family. When Sophie is introduced, it is apparent that the new countess, Araminta (Lady Penwood), does not like her. Araminta advises Sophie that she is not to consider herself the equal of her daughters, Rosamund and Posy. She instructs Sophie, “Don’t you ever, ever make the mistake of thinking you are as good as the rest of us” (10). Posy tries to be kind to Sophie, but Rosamund is cruel. Sophie is 14 when the earl dies. He stipulates in his will that Araminta will receive an extra £4,000 a year if she supports Sophie until she is 20.