 In flashbacks , Ann is hired by a wealthy and sophisticated aristocrat ( Umbers ) to act as a governess for his orphaned nephew and niece who live at Bly . He tells her that he is not to be bothered in London , and that Ann is to deal with any problems that may arise . Ann travels to Bly , where she meets the all @-@ female household staff — led by Mrs Sarah Grose ( Johnston ) , the housekeeper — and then the young Flora ( Sayer ) , one of Ann 's new pupils . Ann finds the house somewhat unnerving , and the staff standoffish and unwilling to talk . Ann subsequently receives a letter informing her that Miles ( Lindsay ) , her other pupil , has been expelled from his boarding school , but is assured by Mrs Grose that Miles is well behaved . When he arrives at Bly , Ann finds Miles to be charming , and although he does not explain what happened at school , she does not push him . Her interactions with the children are idyllic , and they sail on Bly 's lake and enjoy picnics together . Meanwhile , Ann fantasises about the Master , futilely hoping that he will visit . 
