The Tender Flame — Anne Saunders

Jan came to Willowbridge to look after four-year-old Stephanie whose mother was confined to a wheelchair as the result of a car accident. Six months later Stephanie's mother died. The decision about Jan's continued employment rested with David Spedding. He dismissed her on the grounds of immaturity, but she knew it was really because she had talked out of turn by letting him know how much she despised him. Her foolish lapse served to strengthen her preconceived opinion. She would gladly have removed herself from his orbit. She wanted to go but she couldn't bring herself to desert Stephanie and so she fought to stay. At the risk of getting burnt.