Practising wearing purple

'When I am an old woman I shall wear purple With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me. . . But maybe I ought to practice a little now? So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple. ' (Jenny Joseph, 'Warning') Kate Maxwell is at a crossroads. Bright beautiful and loving, she is the fixed centre of her family circle, a circle dominated by her selfish husband Peter. When Kate's much loved mother-in-law dies and unexpectedly leaves her not only the means for escape, but also strict instructions to carry it through, Kate is in turmoil. Barbs gift to Kate is more than just financial. Clear-sighted, forth-right and compassionate, the older woman is determined to pass on to her her own hard won understanding of the importance of living your own life. As Kate sets out to fulfil Barbs' eccentric bequest she realises that it represents her first real chance at happiness - but will she have the courage to seize it with both hands?