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as she walked back inside, she knew that her own particular war had started. This time the mistress of Elvan was at war, not the master!
    It was obvious to Anne, very soon, after Francis’ departure, that Mrs. Wyatt was choosing to ignore her presence in the house. She asked Mrs. Hansett to come to her room every morning to receive orders, and meals were silent affairs, with only Helen to make the occasional remark.
    At first Anne felt hurt and bruised, her heart aching for Francis more than she would have believed possible. She had not realised how much it was coming to mean to her to have his constant companionship.
    Mrs. Hansett was obviously ill at ease in her presence, occasionally looking as though she wanted to pass some remark, then turning away abruptly. Helen came in and out at odd hours, and although Anne knew that she was in charge of the horses and ponies, she had little idea what that involved, and didn’t feel like asking Helen to take her round. Francis’ sister was wayward towards her, occasionally greeting her in a friendly way, then becoming coolly withdrawn as though she was remembering that Anne was supposed to be in Coventry.
    Anne felt too confused at first to know what to do about this state of affairs. Now that Francis had gone, she felt too much of an intruder to assert herself. Then one morning Mrs. Hansett asked if she might speak with her privately.
    “Of course,” smiled Anne, rising from the breakfast table where she was enjoying an extra cup of coffee. Helen was already on her way to the stables, and Mrs. Wyatt was having breakfast in bed.
    “What can I do for you, Mrs. Hansett?”
    “It’s ... er ... it’s the bills, ma’am. It’s the month end and Mrs. Wyatt says you’ll be paying them now. I’ve got a note of all the housekeeping bills for the month and ... and...”
    She stopped, confused, and Anne’s brows wrinkled. Then suddenly her head began to clear, and it seemed as though she was able to think for the first time since Francis left.
    But of course! There was the matter of accounts to be paid, and wages, and the ordering of supplies. Francis had given her full instructions and had arranged a bank account for her.
    “Come with me to the study, Mrs. Hansett,” she said crisply, and the housekeeper followed her almost eagerly.
    Anne sat down at Francis’ desk, and motioned Mrs. Hansett to sit down.
    “I understand that J pay your salary as well as the bills,” she said with a smile, and saw the older woman’s eyes clear with relief.
    “Yes, ma’am, there are several wages to be paid today. Mr. Wyatt used to get the money from the bank, but he said you would pay by cheque. I ... I don’t think it’s a good thing for a young lady like you to be carrying a lot of money from the bank.”
    “And you all find a cheque quite agreeable to you?”
    “Oh yes, ma’am. We can get our own money.”
    “Give me the bills and I shall write the cheques this morning. If you call in with a cup of coffee, say ... in an hour’s time ... I shall have your cheques ready, and I will also have gone into these bills. I should like to see them before I write out the cheques.”
    “Yes, ma’am,” said Mrs. Hansett, with respect.
    “Oh, and as I’m paying the bills, Mrs. Hansett, I think I ought to take over the running of the Hall, especially since Mrs. Wyatt is not keeping so well, and Miss Helen already has a job to do. I ... er...” Her heart quailed a little. “It’s what Mr. Francis wished, and I’d better have a word with Mrs. Wyatt and ... ah ... tell her that I’m willing to take this responsibility off her shoulders.”
    This time the gleam of approval became a warm smile.
    “Very well, ma’am.”
    “Though I’ll need advice over the housekeeping, Mrs. Hansett,” said Anne quickly, feeling nervous again at the thought of the task ahead.
    “I’ll be happy to help in any way I can. Mr. Francis asked me to give you my support before he left and I