The contemplation of what Anne's days were like at Uppercross now made me think that she must get very tired to be so often conforming to the needs of others. She is balancing on a tight rope to listen to every complaint and never say too much.

I trust with the little boys she could relax and be herself, but else that forced cheerfulness and hidden agitation must have made her long for solitude. But on the other hand, she was forced into a much cheerier company and some share of appreciation came her way.

So apart from missing the house she always lived in, she must miss her greater freedom there. The neglect that her family showed her allowed her to withdraw, however, and that's not necessarily good for her in the long run.