Mr Cinders was a dressmaker and ran a shop in town. After his wife died, he was left to bring up their daughter, Ella, on his own. They lived happily until Mr Cinders married again. Poor Ella was treated horribly by her stepmother and two bullying stepsisters, but found solace in her friend, Buttons. Then one day, everyone except Ella is invited to a grand ball given by the Duchess of Arc for her handsome son. But on this very special evening there is more than a little magic in the air...This outstanding re-telling of Cinderella is set in the 1920s and the paintings feature Shirley's own costume designs, inspired by the great French couturiers of the period. A delightful surprise ending completes this enchanting, imaginative adaptation.