Abigail Beyond Betrayal

Abigail suffers a firestorm of mental illness ignited by the loss of her infant son. At the turn of the century in Baltimore, Maryland, therapy for mental illness is dawning. Abigail yearns for a happy family free from the horrors of her compulsions, so Bill, Abigail's husband, and her mother-in-law, Margaret, spend hours searching for a place where Abigail can rest and find a remedy for her compulsions. Dr. Samuel Ledis the founder of the Therapeutic Institute in New Hampshire has a good reputation and was trained by William James and Sigmund Freud. Overcome by fear and anxiety, Abigail finally consents to try the treatment. Dr. Ledis does have a healing touch and is able to help Abigail manage her mental illness, but he has a dark side. He pursues rendezvouses with his female patients. When Abigail confronts him with his indiscretions, he holds her captive at his institute. Abigail shrewdly escapes and is rescued by her husband who then, becomes aware that she is pregnant. Bill, a regional director of the Baltimore Railroad is asked to help the British expand their rail system. While in London, he has an affair, and returns home from England an extremely ill man. A few months later, Abigail finds an abandoned infant on her porch. Whose baby is it? The discovery is horrifying. The bonds of their marriage seem to be hopelessly frayed, and Abigail's resilience is sorely tested. She strives to find a way through the pain of betrayal, but forgiveness is elusive. Their life goes on, but a quiet, unspoken sadness stifles their joy. Will that joy return and recapture their hearts? The path is unsteady and sometimes blinding, but with the help from above through Abigail's dreams, there are glimmers of hope.