Mrs. Blanche White has spent most of her life looking after others. Born Blanche Chaulkey her parents died when she was only sixteen, leaving her to care for three younger brothers and sisters. As soon as her youngest sibling came of age, Blanche took what was left of her meager inheritance, and left for America. Before her arrival at Tudor Manor she worked as a housekeeper for a number of high-profile families where her discretion was valued more highly than her modest domestic skills. Although Blanche devoted many hours to culinary experimentation, dinner guests usually viewed her daily menus with apprehension. Joining the staff of Tudor Manor, Blanche began a secret affair with Dr. Hugh Black. In 1981, she became pregnant with his child, whom she gave up for adoption. Blanche’s husband, Winslow White, had been Black's chauffeur. Poor Winslow passed away suddenly shortly after enjoying a birthday feast prepared by his beloved wife. The following year, Hugh’s orphaned nephew, John Boddy, came to live at Tudor Manor. Mrs. White was given the additional task of serving as Nanny to the child, but with no increase in pay. Yet she met the challenge with efficiency and patience. Getting on in years, she appears to have little to show for her years of service. Yet she continues to take her domestic responsibilities most seriously, resenting disorder or disruption of any kind.