Mistress Anne

"Mistress Anne" by Temple Bailey is a story set in the early 1900s about Anne Warfield, a teacher dreaming of a more exciting life, and her interactions with people at Peter Bower's lodge, showing her feelings of being alone and wanting to connect with others. As she balances her job and the people around her, the story looks at themes of wanting more from life, social status, and trying to find personal happiness. The story starts with Anne thinking about her life after the holidays on a chilly day. Torn between the cheerful "Old Gentlemen" at the lodge and her own youthful desire for a romantic adventure, Anne struggles to find where she fits in. She takes in a lonely drake named Diogenes, finding comfort in caring for him, which shows how kind she is. The arrival of Richard Brooks and lively party guests after a train arrives suggests new relationships, setting the scene for potential romantic interests and how important friendship is to Anne. As she spends time with young Peggy and thinks about her relationships, both with people and animals, the basis for her emotional journey is created.