Chapter 1 Summary

The governess was apprehensive of her new position, but a pleasant drive through the country air to her new place of employment strengthened her. Her first view of the country home further quelled her concerns as she was met with a friendly façade with "open windows and fresh curtains and the pair of maids looking out." She determines on her initial meeting with her younger charge that the child is charming and beautiful, and she also finds that she gets on well with Mrs. Grose, the head of the establishment.

The governess experiences uncertainty only twice. First, Mrs. Grose was overly happy to see her. Second, that night, she heard a child's faint cry and a soft footstep outside her door. Neither recalled her initial apprehensions, and she instead focused on the opportunity to teach the lovely Flora, who was to begin...