A girl named Ella

the long version

Bel Stuart has dedicated thirty-five years of her life to the service of the federal government, and now she has decided it's time to retire and explore other interests. A widow with the rest of her life ahead of her, Bel decides to try her hand at something new. So when she sees a posting for a caretaker position for a large and beautiful estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean, she can't apply quickly enough. When she reports for her first day of duty, she is overwhelmed, almost in awe. She settles in quickly and enthusiastically with her two little dogs for company; she soon comes to realize, however, that they are not alone in the rambling, gothic mansion. She senses the presence of someone--a spirit sho means her no harm, and who may, in fact, actually need her help.