MOON OVER THE ALPS Classic Library #109

"Wanted urgently, girl or woman to supervise children's correspondence lessons on remote back-country run. This position, to compensate for isolation from social contacts, carries with it a high salary. Governess would live in as member of family. Homestead possesses its own ski-grounds, golf-course, tennis courts, skating rink, swimming-pool and movies. Apply by phone, immediately, to Madame Beaudonais, Dragonshill, Lake Tekapo, South Canterbury." The story of Penny Smith and Charles Beaudonais-Smith, who met and grew close on vacation then parted on bad terms. Set in The Southern Alps at the tip of Lake Tekapo, in South Canterbury; on the Dragonshill back-country sheep run. This is the setting for some of Essie's most popular books, and is based on the high-country sheep station called Lilybank, owned by her friends Allan and Betty Dick. Essie and her family had visited there and loved it and she wanted to set a novel in that beautiful and remote area.