Crossword Genius

Mistress in a chateau having friendly talk with girl (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chatelaine

'mistress in a chateau' is the definition.
(historical term for a woman running a large house)

'friendly talk with girl' is the wordplay.
'friendly talk' becomes 'chat' (a chat is a casual conversation).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'girl' becomes 'Elaine' (girl's name).
'chat'+'elaine'='CHATELAINE'

'having' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for chatelaine that I've seen before include "one looking after a big house" , "Woman running a household" , "formerly the mistress of a castle" , "Woman in charge of a large house" , "Mistress of the house" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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