At a glance
A Countess Below Stairs
Children's fiction
A Countess Below Stairs
383 pages · First published 1981
Anna Grazinsky, a Russian countess fleeing revolution, arrives in England with her family’s fortunes gone and takes work as a maid at the grand estate of Mersham. Rupert, the young earl returning from war, is engaged to a wealthy woman whose money can rescue the estate, but he is increasingly drawn to the remarkably capable servant who is not what she appears. Anna embraces domestic work with enthusiasm even as her background makes the class divide between them especially ironic. Eva Ibbotson’s romantic historical novel combines post-revolutionary émigrés, English country-house life, humor, and a Cinderella-like reversal of status.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Molasses Cinnamon Cocoa + Maine Blueberry Mule
Choose your bookseller
Find the Book
Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Wartime/battle violence and peril
Alcohol-Free Pour
Molasses Cinnamon Cocoa
Velvety chocolate suits romantic anticipation and a little escapism.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Whisk the cocoa and sweetener into the hot liquid until smooth. Add remaining flavorings, heat until steaming, and pour into a mug. Add any listed topping.
- Garnish: As listed.
- Glassware: Mug.
Cocktail Pour · 21+
Maine Blueberry Mule
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
A bright, refreshing sip suits romantic anticipation and a little escapism.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.
How to mix it
- Muddle blueberries gently with lime juice. Add vodka and ice, top with ginger beer, and stir.
- Garnish: Blueberries and lime wedge.
- Glassware: Mule mug or highball glass.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Highball glass ↗Mule mug ↗Mug ↗Muddler ↗Set up the bar cart
Shop the Barware
Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.