The Whicharts, by Noel Streatfeild

My world has been shaken to its foundatons by this. Published in 1930, it is an earlier, but incredibly similar, precursor to Ballet Shoes (1936)- but with a difference. It is an adult book, intended for an adult, understanding, audience. If I had read this first, would Ballet Shoes be my favorite book? Maybe.
This has left me a mess, spiritually (and that's not a word I ever use), emotionally, physically- I want to "take to my bed" after reading this. I fought with friends, for no reason, after reading this book, I am devastated.
Pauline-Maimie- oh sweetie!
Oh, god. I think I have maybe always loved these characters too much- to see them through Streatfeild's 'adult' eyes- reality is too much to bear.