V. C Andrews

In this second entry in the 'Umbrella Lady' series, 13-year-old Saffron Faith Anders is shocked to discover that the father who abandoned her years ago has married a woman he clearly had been involved with before her mothers death. Worse, her father insists Saffron pretend to be his niece so he can continue to con his new wife's family. Desperate for her fathers love, she goes along with the farce, but it soon becomes clear that perhaps it is better...

"Left on the train platform of some strange village, eight-year-old Saffron Faith Anders is certain her father will return shortly, just like he promised. She holds out hope as the hour grows late and the station sets to close. She clings to her suitcase like a life raft. When a peculiar old woman carrying a large umbrella approaches and inquires about her situation, Saffron doesn't immediately trust the imposing do-gooder, but eventually does agree...

After the death of their father, the Dollanganger siblings are forced to stay hidden in their grandmother's attic.