Alice Carstairs lives with her cousin, Lady Masterman, while being the governess to her daughter. Girls are useless, whereas a boy would have provided them a better inheritance but it is a girl that is born to Lady Masterman. Alice already scrapes to keep everyone fed and warm; now she wonders could things get any worse. With only turnips to eat, Alice is determined to make a go of it until they hear from Sir Edward. She is certain that Sir Edward wouldn’t wish his sister-in-law to go hungry, especially being a new mother and until Lady Masterman gets over her birth recovery, they will be able to stay at the Priory. However, under no conditions can any of Sir Edward’s property be sold. Ever since the early age of twelve, Captain Edward Masterman has been at sea. That was over twenty years ago. When he finds himself with a title, he is none to happy with the situation. After arriving at the Priory, he never expected what greeted him. Alice finds Sir Edward a stunning man, even though at first his appearance strikes her as a bit terrifying. He feels that she has far too much influence in his household until the butler informs that Alice was the one in the household that kept everyone alive during the cold winter months. When Sir Edward doesn’t receive a commission for a while, he runs the farm. Alice soon finds herself cast into jail when his sister-in-law plays dirty. As Sir Edward soon learns the truth about many events, the two never expected to find love with one another and to possibly build something everlasting.

Captain’s Lady is a well-written historical that showers Sir Edward with a warm and friendly personality after returning home and diving into taking care of the home when he witnesses first hand of the women’s plight. Alice could be a bit more assertive in her actions but she is the type who doesn’t like to hurt anyone’s feelings, not realizing sometimes, how she suffers so much from others when she places others feelings before hers. I found her patience noteworthy. Ms. Milburn fashions an affectionate read that keeps the reader entertained. She allows the reader to feel the agonizing grief that the hero and heroine endured during the trying times. Great well-rounded secondary characters keep the story flowing consistently making this a pleasurable read that leaves a feel good feeling.

Reviewed by: Linda L.