"Nine Coaches Waiting" by Mary Stewart Quiz

Answer: Her employer wanted an English girl

Her employer Heloise de Valmy has made it abundantly clear that she requires the new governess to be an English girl. Linda lucidly remembers Madame's insistence upon having an English girl. With some reluctance, she pretends that she can neither speak nor understand French.

Answer: He's in a wheelchair

Leon de Valmy had an accident that left him crippled, twelve years prior to the start of the tale. When questioned about the master, Mary Seddon, a servant, tells Linda, "He'd never be one to give up because of a little thing like being crippled for life!"

Answer: Lonely

She thinks of Philippe as lonely for companionship and somewhat alone in the world. It bothers her to see him so reserved and self-contained, lacking the natural exuberance that usually characterizes little boys.

Answer: He speeds past her in his car, and then stops because he thinks he's hit her.

Linda's first thoughts when she sees Raoul are: "Tall, dark and handsome...the romantic cliché..." At first he is brusque with her, but he quickly becomes intrigued. In her state of nervousness, she speaks in French, betraying her secret that she can indeed speak French. He promises not to give her secret away.

Answer: Savoy

The impressive Chateau Valmy is located in Savoy, France. The magnificent estate is situated near the Alps. The cold, remote setting is appropriate for the cold, remote inhabitants of the Chateau.

Answer: Jane Eyre

Linda is at first amused by the comparison to Jane Eyre from the eponymous novel by Charlotte Bronte. When she begins a relationship with Raoul, however, she says, "Why me? Your father called me 'Jane Eyre', and he wasn't far wrong". Raoul tells her that she doesn't need to be humble, implying that she is worthy of his attention.

Answer: Heloise de Valmy

When Madame de Valmy enters Philippe's room, she sees Raoul holding the sleeping boy. She seems almost hysterical, demanding to know what Raoul is doing. When he explains that nothing is amiss, she leaves the room in a trancelike state.

Answer: The Valmys

Berthe tells Linda that there have been several attempts on Philippe's life. She then accuses the family for whom they both work: "The Valmys. Monsieur and Madame and Monsieur--" but Linda interrupts her. She doesn't want to hear an accusation against Raoul. Bertha speaks, however, and says, "Yes, miss. Monsieur Raoul". Linda is shattered by the accusation.

Answer: William Blake

William Blake is an English forester that Linda meets early on in the novel. Though it's clear he's attracted to her, she regards him only as a friend. She runs to his hut because she can think of no other place where Philippe can be safe. She is certain of William's help, but alas she cannot find him.

Answer: Marry Raoul de Valmy

She and Raoul are reunited, once she realizes that he was never part of the plot to murder Philippe. Raoul had suspected his father and stepmother of evil designs, but he had no proof. In the end, Leon admits all to Raoul, and his wife Heloise defends him vociferously. Luckily for Linda, she has her happily ever after.