Years ago I read a couple of books by the same author. One was set mainly in England and involved a posh family and their nanny. The little boy goes missing on a trip I think and the nanny is blamed. Then it follows the nanny throughout her life I think. It's set in the early 1900s. (I think)
The other one has a mother and about 4 or 5 children, fairly well to do but the husband has abandoned them or died or something? The book starts with them in france, possibly around the first world War then follows the children's lives throughout the 20th century.
Does anyone know what I'm talking about? I thought the author was Charlotte Bingham but nope. Or Elizabeth something? Any ideas would be much appreciated!