The Bettanys of Taverton High

In a small town in the south west of England, a young woman named Madge Bettany is facing an impossible situation. Her income has mysteriously dwindled to almost nothing, and her little sister’s poor health means that going out to work is not an option. How Madge and Joey pull together in the face of adversity is the theme of this forerunner to the Chalet School series as we follow the fortunes of the Bettany family in the run-up to the founding of the Chalet School. Meet the Bettanys' old muddler of a guardian, and see Joey and her friends in their 'old' school. No spoilers – this is a story in its own right, but the discerning Chalet fan can trace the progress of Madge’s evolving plan! Family story or school story? Read it and form your own judgement.