Dunnistone Manor is the residence of Mr & Mrs Earlwood and their three daughters Mary, Harriet and Lettice. It also houses numerous staff, including Anna, a maid, Matthew, the carriage driver and Mrs Cook, a cook, whose delicious secret scone recipe is highly coveted. Mary and the protagonist have had many good childhood memories here. The Earlwoods hold a number of balls at Dunnistone. Its attendees include townspeople and the visiting militia.