Beryl's triumph

Beryl Hollys is a spirited twelve‑year‑old who lives alone in the grand, weather‑worn Egloshayle House on the Cornish coast. With her long silken hair constantly in a tangle and a restless love of the howling wind, she longs for adventure while awaiting her father’s return for a celebratory dinner. Her sharp wit often clashes with Lucy, her patient maid, whose practical warnings about the approaching storm reveal a deeper concern for the lives of the fishermen below.

From the high window‑seat Beryl watches the sea swell and the village men hurriedly secure their boats, a scene that foreshadows trouble beyond the household’s comforts. Impulsive and eager, she darts downstairs, drawn by the scent of a feast and the promise of a night with her father. As dark clouds gather, the story hints at challenges that will test Beryl’s courage, her relationships, and her ability to navigate the tumultuous world both inside and outside her home.