in october 1767, her father married a rich widow. her name was elizabeth allen. she already had three sons. the burney children did not like their stepmother. hester, frances's older sister, married her cousin. his name was charles rosseau burney. he was a musician. she married him in september 1770. she probably did this to leave her home. because of this, frances lost a sister who was like another mother. the burney children did a "secret war" with mrs. allen. they called her "mrs. precious", "madam", and "the lady". a letter from frances burney to her sister hester said, "the excuse to be "fudged" up (made up, lied) for the purpose, i leave to your own ingenuity." although at this time frances was 25 years old, she had to find an excuse to visit her married sister. even their old friend, samuel "daddy" crisp, joined in with mocking mrs. elizabeth allen.