Housekeeper to Amelia Thomas, Hepzibah Leach, makes life difficult for young Anne the moment she arrives. Cruel and unsparing with the children, the majority of her hostility is aimed directly towards Anne. Her opinion of her is established the moment they meet, viewing Anne as a “street-urchin”, having no place in the mansion.

Despite Hepzibah’s callousness towards her, Anne humbly does what she is told. However when her integrity is questioned, she is not afraid to stand up to her. Not being intimidated by her rough exterior, Anne displays her usual feistiness, without shrinking back in defending herself.