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The Sergeant Major's Daughter
EVERYONE WAS EAGER TO PUT FELICITY IN HER PLACE
Her cousin Amaryllis made it clear that Felicity did not belong in the fashionable drawing rooms of the great country house of Cheynings.
Jamie, the six-year-old heir to Cheynings, marked Felicity as his latest victim in a long series of routed governesses.
Lord Stayne, the infuriatingly handsome master of Cheynings, coldly informed her that her ideas and opinions were of no earthly interest to a supremely self-confident male like himself.
And the vile Captain Hardman, whose devious designs Felicity threatened, did not bother to mask his intentions of removing her from his path by either brutal force or contemptible cunning.
Felicity, however, had her own notions about what a woman’s place should be–as she set out on a campaign of conquest with only her wit and wiles as weapons, and love as a very treacherous ally….
Her cousin Amaryllis made it clear that Felicity did not belong in the fashionable drawing rooms of the great country house of Cheynings.
Jamie, the six-year-old heir to Cheynings, marked Felicity as his latest victim in a long series of routed governesses.
Lord Stayne, the infuriatingly handsome master of Cheynings, coldly informed her that her ideas and opinions were of no earthly interest to a supremely self-confident male like himself.
And the vile Captain Hardman, whose devious designs Felicity threatened, did not bother to mask his intentions of removing her from his path by either brutal force or contemptible cunning.
Felicity, however, had her own notions about what a woman’s place should be–as she set out on a campaign of conquest with only her wit and wiles as weapons, and love as a very treacherous ally….
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
38 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Walsh
28 books10 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Born Sheila O'Nions in 1928 in Birmingham, England, UK. During the Second World War, her family moved to Southport, Lancashire, where she met Des Walsh, son of the Thomas Walsh, who had a jewelry store at 39 Chapel Street since 1926. In 1950, Sheila married with Des Walsh, and they had two daughters, Fran Walsh and Tess Walsh. Sheila worked during years in her husband's familiar jewelry store, with her husband, her husband elder brother Gerard and his wife Dorothy[2].
In 1971, Sheila joined the Southport Writers' Circle, and years later, in 1986 was elected life president. In 1980 she became the vice-president of the Romantic Novelists' Association, and later elected Chairman (1985-1987).
Her debut novel, The Golden Songbird, won the Netta Muskett award for new writers from the Romantic Novelists' Association, and in 1984, her novel, A Highly Respectable Marriage won the Elizabeth Goudge award.
Sheila Walsh died on 20 January 2009, at 80.
Born Sheila O'Nions in 1928 in Birmingham, England, UK. During the Second World War, her family moved to Southport, Lancashire, where she met Des Walsh, son of the Thomas Walsh, who had a jewelry store at 39 Chapel Street since 1926. In 1950, Sheila married with Des Walsh, and they had two daughters, Fran Walsh and Tess Walsh. Sheila worked during years in her husband's familiar jewelry store, with her husband, her husband elder brother Gerard and his wife Dorothy[2].
In 1971, Sheila joined the Southport Writers' Circle, and years later, in 1986 was elected life president. In 1980 she became the vice-president of the Romantic Novelists' Association, and later elected Chairman (1985-1987).
Her debut novel, The Golden Songbird, won the Netta Muskett award for new writers from the Romantic Novelists' Association, and in 1984, her novel, A Highly Respectable Marriage won the Elizabeth Goudge award.
Sheila Walsh died on 20 January 2009, at 80.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 24, 2022
A slow-burn between a cold, cynical earl and a poor relation governess-teacher.
But instead of the usual mild Regency goings-on, it has the prevailing social injustice in the background.
The now orphaned and former drum-follower h is the H's widowed SIL's cousin and who arrives at his home thinking to make a home with her cousin. But the spoiled woman looks down upon her and makes it clear that she's not welcome. Almost shamed and thinking of leaving, she connects with her nephew and is employed as governess by the cousin abut awaiting approval by his uncle, the H.
Of course, the h/H have a mu-meetimg where she snubs him etc etc but things then settle down - into humdrum.
Soon, she sets upon educating the local children and has the earl employ her the local schoolteacher. The 'romance' is almost non-existent while the cousin gets redeemed somewhat while the h sets out to become the local crusader - educating poor children and taking up cudgels' on their and their poor families' behalf.
Even for historical accuracy, the H has too much of sexist and classist tendencies. Maybe because he's the local magistrate but he views everything from a legal pov. He takes his people's awe and respect as his due and sees nothing wrong in his neighbor, a sadistic bully meting out cruel and unjust punishments. He warns the h to not interfere even when this man wants to beat a mentally challenged boy. That's the worst part of the book.
The h, by contrast is quite anachronistically modern and independent. Maybe her Army upbringing and having to fend for herself make her thus but she has a tendency to stand up for the downtrodden. She cannot see injustice and look away.
This very opposing viewpoints have them at loggerhead at few times, but more seriously later on as things events turn more serious. In fact, it's here that the book picks up a bit even if the romance remains lacking. Also, with the mcs so much at odds over such basic things, it's difficult to see how she could love a man who seems to lack compassion and humanity. Oh yes, he changes.
“You’ve given me a cursed social conscience, madam—and it don’t sit well!”
The social disparity also plays out through the contrast between the two young boys, friends in a way but so disparate - Jamie, the H's nephew with all his advantages and the intrepid and wily Lanny Price, the poacher's son. Lanny is street smart and walks the very narrow path between what's legal and what's not for the period. He comes from a disadvantaged background and tries to make a penny or two wherever possible. He falls afoul of the h many a time but she's proud and protective of him in her way. But the H doesn't see it that way.
“Don’t let that crusading zeal of yours blind you to reality, my dear. Lanny Price will never change—but he will break your heart, if you let him!”
So, Luddites, the Enclosures Act, class injustice, working class discontent, overwhelming poverty, harsh punishments for stealing, poaching etc. all take precedence over romance here.
A 3*
But instead of the usual mild Regency goings-on, it has the prevailing social injustice in the background.
The now orphaned and former drum-follower h is the H's widowed SIL's cousin and who arrives at his home thinking to make a home with her cousin. But the spoiled woman looks down upon her and makes it clear that she's not welcome. Almost shamed and thinking of leaving, she connects with her nephew and is employed as governess by the cousin abut awaiting approval by his uncle, the H.
Of course, the h/H have a mu-meetimg where she snubs him etc etc but things then settle down - into humdrum.
Soon, she sets upon educating the local children and has the earl employ her the local schoolteacher. The 'romance' is almost non-existent while the cousin gets redeemed somewhat while the h sets out to become the local crusader - educating poor children and taking up cudgels' on their and their poor families' behalf.
Even for historical accuracy, the H has too much of sexist and classist tendencies. Maybe because he's the local magistrate but he views everything from a legal pov. He takes his people's awe and respect as his due and sees nothing wrong in his neighbor, a sadistic bully meting out cruel and unjust punishments. He warns the h to not interfere even when this man wants to beat a mentally challenged boy. That's the worst part of the book.
The h, by contrast is quite anachronistically modern and independent. Maybe her Army upbringing and having to fend for herself make her thus but she has a tendency to stand up for the downtrodden. She cannot see injustice and look away.
This very opposing viewpoints have them at loggerhead at few times, but more seriously later on as things events turn more serious. In fact, it's here that the book picks up a bit even if the romance remains lacking. Also, with the mcs so much at odds over such basic things, it's difficult to see how she could love a man who seems to lack compassion and humanity. Oh yes, he changes.
“You’ve given me a cursed social conscience, madam—and it don’t sit well!”
The social disparity also plays out through the contrast between the two young boys, friends in a way but so disparate - Jamie, the H's nephew with all his advantages and the intrepid and wily Lanny Price, the poacher's son. Lanny is street smart and walks the very narrow path between what's legal and what's not for the period. He comes from a disadvantaged background and tries to make a penny or two wherever possible. He falls afoul of the h many a time but she's proud and protective of him in her way. But the H doesn't see it that way.
“Don’t let that crusading zeal of yours blind you to reality, my dear. Lanny Price will never change—but he will break your heart, if you let him!”
So, Luddites, the Enclosures Act, class injustice, working class discontent, overwhelming poverty, harsh punishments for stealing, poaching etc. all take precedence over romance here.
A 3*
September 29, 2014
At five feet, ten inches in bare feet, skin so brown that that it made her "eyes shine like jewels" and a happy, spirited personality, Felicity Vale was now orphaned with little money. She had returned to England to visit her cousin Amaryllis and offer the relative her assistance. Initially, she wasn't welcomed.
Her one fault, if you could call it that, was to take up for the underdog. Because of that issue, she tended to say and do things that did not conform with how a lady should act. And in that same mindset, she met and butted heads with the lord of the manner. Lord Stayne was a contented man until Felicity shamed him into developing a conscience.
There was the nasty villain Captain Hardman and his despicable young son, a fop by the name of Tristram Dytton whom sounded like Elmer Fudd, the haughty Mrs. Lipscombe and her daughter, Lucinda-I-Want-Lord-Stayne and other secondary characters to move the story along.
This was a slow-paced old-style Regency but I enjoyed reading about what Felicity was going to do next. And I loved watching the stuffy Lord Stayne slowly being worn down even though Felicity never intended for this to happen. She simply wanted goodness all-around.
Her one fault, if you could call it that, was to take up for the underdog. Because of that issue, she tended to say and do things that did not conform with how a lady should act. And in that same mindset, she met and butted heads with the lord of the manner. Lord Stayne was a contented man until Felicity shamed him into developing a conscience.
There was the nasty villain Captain Hardman and his despicable young son, a fop by the name of Tristram Dytton whom sounded like Elmer Fudd, the haughty Mrs. Lipscombe and her daughter, Lucinda-I-Want-Lord-Stayne and other secondary characters to move the story along.
This was a slow-paced old-style Regency but I enjoyed reading about what Felicity was going to do next. And I loved watching the stuffy Lord Stayne slowly being worn down even though Felicity never intended for this to happen. She simply wanted goodness all-around.
July 14, 2015
A very impressive heroine (strong) in this traditional regency. Kindhearted, charming, sensitive and optimistic. I was amused by her, suffered with her, and rooted for her HEA!
March 8, 2018
I loved this story. It read like a real historical romance, instead of so many current HRs that are simply contemporary romances shunted into the past with little regard for the language or behaviour of the past. The writing was clean and fresh and the characters thoroughly likeable and engaging. There was also enough historical detail and behaviour to have me immersed in the era instead of feeling I was reading a cheap chick-lit historical (hysterical??)
It wasn't a very 'hefty' romance like
- which is a far superior novel, but it had enough solidity and 'plot' to make me stay awake and read through in one go.
It wasn't until I read other reviews that I discovered this book was first published in the late 70's!
It wasn't a very 'hefty' romance like
- which is a far superior novel, but it had enough solidity and 'plot' to make me stay awake and read through in one go. It wasn't until I read other reviews that I discovered this book was first published in the late 70's!
August 26, 2020
Only $0.99 in Amazon (e-book) but I'd gladly have paid more!
A lovely Regency Romance with character development, a bit of danger and lovely characters. Felicity, the strong and independent heroine and Max, the impatient silver fox Lord. There were a lot of bantering between the two, but always in a regal way.. meaning, this was a very well written book, with the proper characterization of the time. What is best, the author is British so the dialogues are all Jane Austen-ish like.
Felicity comes to live with her rich cousin after the death of her parents. This is post Napoleonic wars, her father was a soldier and she is a soldier's daughter through and through. In that aspect, this book reminded me of Carla Kelly, same gritty setting with a very strong heroine. Amaryllis, her cousin, is a bit of a delicate snob at first but she has a nice character development. Felicity, not wanting to be someone's charity case, becomes the governess of Jamie, her cousin's only son and heir.
Lord Stayne (Amaryllis' brother in law) comes to visit and stay many times, and there is a bit of clash between him and Felicity because both of them have their own ideas of things. Still, Lord Stayne slowly starts to respect her in spite of being infuriated at her many times, and she becomes the first schoolmistress of the town.
There is an evil and powerful neighbor who commits many crimes and who is a constant thread to Felicity, who never yields in spite of it. The things she goes thru but still perseveres... and at the end, she gets her HEA, which is what she deserved. ❤️
EDIT: the cover for the e-book is awful! I'll keep the paperback's one.
A lovely Regency Romance with character development, a bit of danger and lovely characters. Felicity, the strong and independent heroine and Max, the impatient silver fox Lord. There were a lot of bantering between the two, but always in a regal way.. meaning, this was a very well written book, with the proper characterization of the time. What is best, the author is British so the dialogues are all Jane Austen-ish like.
Felicity comes to live with her rich cousin after the death of her parents. This is post Napoleonic wars, her father was a soldier and she is a soldier's daughter through and through. In that aspect, this book reminded me of Carla Kelly, same gritty setting with a very strong heroine. Amaryllis, her cousin, is a bit of a delicate snob at first but she has a nice character development. Felicity, not wanting to be someone's charity case, becomes the governess of Jamie, her cousin's only son and heir.
Lord Stayne (Amaryllis' brother in law) comes to visit and stay many times, and there is a bit of clash between him and Felicity because both of them have their own ideas of things. Still, Lord Stayne slowly starts to respect her in spite of being infuriated at her many times, and she becomes the first schoolmistress of the town.
There is an evil and powerful neighbor who commits many crimes and who is a constant thread to Felicity, who never yields in spite of it. The things she goes thru but still perseveres... and at the end, she gets her HEA, which is what she deserved. ❤️
EDIT: the cover for the e-book is awful! I'll keep the paperback's one.
March 10, 2018
This is a light version of Georgette Heyer's The Grand Sophy. It's enjoyable, with Felicity and Max a credible couple and their attraction builds slowly on well drafted interactions. Yes Felicity does have too much crusading spirit, if she didn't, how would she get into situations to drive the plot along :)
July 19, 2024
4.25 stars
April 25, 2018
I've never read any books by the late Sheila Walsh before, but this was on offer so I gave it a try. Written in 1978, it easily stands up alongside the modern crop of Regency romances, with a strong heroine, though the evil antagonist is a bit two dimensional. Felicity Vale, the daughter of a well-respected sergeant major who has been brought up as an independent army brat, has to rely on her cousin for a roof over her head after her father is killed at Waterloo. The cousin, Amaryllis, is the widow of the younger brother of an earl (Stayne) and felicity's new home turns out to be Stayne's estate. Not wanting charity, she takes on the task of governess to Felicity's (spoilt) son and then – at the Earl's request – opens up a school in the village, thus angering an evil neighbour who wants the peasants kept in their place. Dastardly shenanigens ensue with a fire and peril, but eventually it all ends as expected.
April 17, 2021
3.5 stars. It bears some resemblance to "The Grand Sophy", but not as much as to bother me. Even if it lacks Heyer's witty humour, it is still an enjoyable read. Felicity is a fearless, strong-willed girl with a social conscience. Max the Earl is not a rake (which is great! I've enough of them at the moment) but a serious, sensible man, if a little too stiff sometimes. The romance is slow burn enough to suit my tastes.
What did bother me was making a hero/martyr of Felicity with the flogging and the school fire, and the horribly out of character decision to escape the Earl's home without as much as a goodbye to him - and miss Amaryllis wedding!
Some stars I deducted because of that. But it is nevertheless a refreshing find after all this books with trembling misses and dangerous rakes.
What did bother me was making a hero/martyr of Felicity with the flogging and the school fire, and the horribly out of character decision to escape the Earl's home without as much as a goodbye to him - and miss Amaryllis wedding!
Some stars I deducted because of that. But it is nevertheless a refreshing find after all this books with trembling misses and dangerous rakes.
February 13, 2018
I enjoyed Sheila Walsh's books back in the heyday of the traditional regency. This one was my favorite, and it was a joy to reread it. I'm not sure how a new reader would respond to it. After decades of the regency setting dominating historical romance, character types and situations may seem tired and the Heyer influence too obvious. Keep in mind that they were fresher when Walsh was writing this book and others.
February 18, 2018
Wonderful Story
Wonderful story and interesting story line. Both main characters were well written, their banter at times funny. The Earl's nephew Jamie was sweet, whilst his mother was a wet lettuce and quite spoilt. The 'baddies' final action was both surprising and shocking, and it was understandable why Felicity didn't want anyone to know what had happened
Would highly recommend this book.
Wonderful story and interesting story line. Both main characters were well written, their banter at times funny. The Earl's nephew Jamie was sweet, whilst his mother was a wet lettuce and quite spoilt. The 'baddies' final action was both surprising and shocking, and it was understandable why Felicity didn't want anyone to know what had happened
Would highly recommend this book.
July 13, 2021
4 stars!
I always love traditional regency romances with clean or just one or two love scenes as I feel they tend to focus more on the characters and their relationship. Not much romance in here like in new HRs but lots of banter between the characters that makes you fall in love with this genre. Lots of adventure too and the background characters that makes you just wanna know everyone and actually visit their village/ town
I always love traditional regency romances with clean or just one or two love scenes as I feel they tend to focus more on the characters and their relationship. Not much romance in here like in new HRs but lots of banter between the characters that makes you fall in love with this genre. Lots of adventure too and the background characters that makes you just wanna know everyone and actually visit their village/ town
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2018
I had not come across Sheila Walsh before I read this book and I was delighted to discover her. The story flowed beautifully and reminded me of Georgette Heyer's writing. I liked the fact that the heroine came from a different background,which explained her approach to,life.
November 28, 2025
I loved this one so much!! The characters, the plot, the development, even the end even though I normally hate when the declaration of love (which wasn't even that here) comes in the last few paragraphs. It was absolutely a 4-stars read but for the most random ass racism in the middle....
March 7, 2017
Wonderful read. I didn't want it to end!
April 13, 2018
Historical romance.
November 28, 2018
Nice enjoyable read.
Slow romance. Liked Felicity and Max.
Slow romance. Liked Felicity and Max.
May 3, 2019
Some plot points were unbelievable and naive. I think it needed something more.
September 11, 2019
3.75 stars
April 21, 2022
3.5 stars.
January 1, 2022
A frustrating read. It’s so clean that the kisses aren’t even described! What a tragedy. The H was so fun! Finally, an actually mean/cranky H. It was refreshing. He reminded me of Dr. House. This book is in desperate need of more internal dialogue. The relationship developed out of nowhere. You felt more like an observer of action. I wish we had the opportunity to get to know the characters because it was so much fun.
What really bothered me about the book, and the major reason for the low rating, is the h’s ethnicity. The covers have white chicks with brown hair. The h is constantly described as POC:
“a skinny long brown beanpole”
“and a skin so brown as to make her eyes shine out like twin jewels”
It got to the point where I was reading just to find more evidence either way. It really bothered me.
What really bothered me about the book, and the major reason for the low rating, is the h’s ethnicity. The covers have white chicks with brown hair. The h is constantly described as POC:
“a skinny long brown beanpole”
“and a skin so brown as to make her eyes shine out like twin jewels”
It got to the point where I was reading just to find more evidence either way. It really bothered me.
Read
May 23, 2011HAVE 2 copies
July 4, 2015
Adorable little book that I finished in one day. I enjoy strong female characters that isn't afraid to stand up for what they believe.
Rating: PG-13
Rationale: Violence though not that graphic
Rating: PG-13
Rationale: Violence though not that graphic
February 2, 2016
Felicity is forced by cercumstance to live with her cousin and must deal with an overbearing earl. A fun little regency romance.
April 1, 2017
An enjoyable regency romance
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews