The Peacock's Heritage

This historical novel describes the life of Brigid, an Irish tenant farmer's daughter, in the mid-nineteenth century. In her early life, she endures many hardships, including the passing of family members. Brigid flees to Dublin when her father attempts to sell her in marriage. She is drawn into a Fenian organisation, marrying a senior member who dies from typhoid, leaving her with two children.

Brigid marries the organisation's leader, Finnbar, by whom she has a third child. Finnbar has violent Fenian associates. Wanted by the British military, he must flee Ireland. He emigrates to Boston, America, and secures a post as a Harvard Professor. Brigid and her three children follow him on a ship captained by a white Bajan, John, to whom Brigid is drawn.

The family adapts to a new life in America, where they thrive. But Finnbar is murdered transporting gold bullion for a Fenian organisation. Some years later, Brigid meets John again and marries him in a whirlwind romance.

After an intriguing and eventful trip to John's home in Barbados, Brigid has a surprise that answers a long-standing question. She returns to Boston to find a mysterious letter from England, which prompts her journey to Europe. The letter provides the key to Brigid's heritage.