A Green Bay Tree — Margaret James

When Alex Lowell's father has an affair with Liddy Searle, his heartbroken mother dies when she finds that Liddy is pregnant. Liddy's father becomes a successful Birmingham ironmaster and on his death leaves his business to his illegitimate grand-daughter, Rebecca. Hard-headed and ambitious, Rebecca is determined to make her way in a man's world - but then she falls passionately in love with Ellis Darrow. Ellis's sister Lalage is married to his best friend - Alex Lowell. As Lalage's dislike of Rebecca hardens into implacable hatred, she schemes to destroy Rebecca and everything she holds dear.