The Eldest Son (Mantlemass Chronicles)

The Eldest Son (1977) tells of illness and disaster at Ghylls Hatch, and a quarrel which splits the Medleys. Medley Plashet's eldest son Harry is set on being his own master, and is more interested in ironworking than horsebreeding. After a quarrel with his father, Harry and his young family leave the forest for a new life as an ironmaster at his wife's family home in Gloucestershire. Piers Medley will take Harry's place as the eldest son at home, and the secret of the sprig of broom will be passed down to him.