On 21 January 1804, Anne Sharpe arrives at Godmersham Park in Kent to take up the position of governess.
Anne is neither one of the servants, nor one of the family. When Mr Edward Austen’s family comes to stay, Anne forms an immediate attachment to Jane. They write plays together and enjoy long discussions. However, in the process, Anne reveals herself as not merely pretty, charming and competent; she is clever too and the household cannot fail to notice. Gill Hornby is the bestselling author of Miss Austen.