The Button Box

Threads of Heritage

In The Button Box, Dilly Court invites readers into the grand yet fragile world of post–World War I England as sisters Clara and Bethany Radcliffe face the collapse of their genteel family fortune. When their beloved uncle bequeaths them an ornate mahogany box filled with hand-painted porcelain buttons—each inscribed with a fragment of family lore—the siblings embark on a quest that will test their courage, loyalty, and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. From the elegant drawing rooms of London to the rolling fields of Sussex, Court weaves an intricate tale of love and loss, where every button holds a secret that could change their lives forever.

Shadows and Sacrifice

As Clara navigates society’s unforgiving expectations—struggling to secure a respectable marriage while hiding her own dreams of independence—Bethany finds solace in the family’s crumbling garden estate, determined to preserve its legacy against mounting debts and whispered scandals. When a charismatic American entrepreneur arrives with promises of restoration, loyalties are tested and hearts are laid bare. Court’s evocative prose brings to life the rustle of silk ball gowns, the scent of freshly churned earth, and the bittersweet echo of distant war memories. With every revelation from the button box—an old photograph, a faded love letter, a threatening note—the sisters learn that sacrifice may be the price of hope.

A Legacy Rekindled

As the war’s shadows lengthen and a national economic crisis looms, Clara and Bethany must decide whether to cling to the past or forge new paths. In a breathtaking climax set beneath the ancient oaks of the family estate, the final button reveals a truth both devastating and liberating. Through triumph and heartbreak, Court shows how ordinary women can summon extraordinary strength when guided by love’s enduring light.

Author’s Description

Dilly Court is a bestselling novelist celebrated for her richly detailed historical sagas. Drawing on meticulous research and a passion for storytelling, she brings to life the resilience of the human spirit amid tumultuous times. She lives in Sussex, where she continues to enchant readers with tales of family, courage, and the ties that bind.