Godmersham Park

A richly imagined novel inspired by the true story of Anne Sharp a governess who became very close with Jane Austen and her family by the #1 International bestselling-author of Miss Austen.On January 21 1804 Anne Sharpe arrives at Godmersham Park in Kent to take up the position of governess. At thirty-one years old she has no previous experience of either teaching or fine country houses. Her mother has died and she has nowhere else to go. Anne is left with no choice. For her new chargetwelve-year-old Fanny AustenAnnes arrival is all novelty and excitement.The governess role is a uniquely awkward one. Anne is neither one of the servants nor one of the family and to balance a position between the upstairs and downstairs members of the household is a diplomatic chess game. One wrong move may result in instant dismissal. Anne knows that she must never let down her guard.When Mr. Edward Austens 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. Even her sleepy complacent mistress can hardly fail to notice.Meanwhile Janes brother Henry begins to take an unusually strong interest in the lovely young governess. And from now on Annes days at Godmersham Park are numbered.