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Miss Milton Speaks Her Mind
Orphaned as a child, Miss Jane Milton lives to serve her Stover cousins, tending to their every need. Her beloved cousin Blair suffered a slow and painful death from wounds received at the Battle of Waterloo, and now, ten months later, Miss Milton feels utterly forlorn. Her one solace is caring for Lord Canfield’s orphaned son, Andrew, a sad boy dogged by rumors that he was conceived before Lord Canfield married his mother. Is the source of these rumors Miss Milton’s second cousin, the imperious Lady Carruthers, who seems determined to disinherit Andrew in favor of her own profligate son? If only Miss Milton could stand up to the horrid woman and her insults. Miss Milton finds herself spending more and more time in the company of her neighbor, a handsome tradesman. Mr. Butterfield, said to “smell of the shop,” in fact smells deliciously of lavender. He has an encouraging effect on Miss Milton, helping her to understand that her world will not collapse if she learns to speak her mind. As her regard for her neighbor grows, Miss Milton remains aware of the many reasons they cannot be together. Fifteen years older, Mr. Butterfield is dangerously liberal-minded and earns his fortune through hard work. And she, whose aristocratic relatives look down on men of his ilk, is an impoverished spinster, almost thirty years old. In truth, the real gulf between them lies in the many guilty secrets they and others seem determined to guard at all costs.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1998
26 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Carla Kelly
138 books802 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National Park Service as a ranger/historian at Fort Laramie National Historic Site did she get serious about her writing career. (Or as she would be the first to admit, as serious as it gets.)
Carla wrote a series of what she now refers to as the "Fort Laramie stories," which are tales of the men, women and children of the Indian Wars era in Western history. Two of her stories, A Season for Heroes and Kathleen Flaherty's Long Winter, earned her Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America. She was the second woman to earn two Spurs from WWA (which, as everyone knows, is all you need to ride a horse). Her entire Indian Wars collection was published in 2003 as Here's to the Ladies: Stories of the Frontier Army. It remains her favorite work.
The mother of five children, Carla has always allowed her kids to earn their keep by appearing in her Regencies, most notably Marian's Christmas Wish, which is peopled by all kinds of relatives. Grown now, the Kelly kids are scattered here and there across the U.S. They continue to provide feedback, furnish fodder for stories and make frantic phone calls home during the holidays for recipes. (Carla Kelly is some cook.)
Carla's husband, Martin, is Director of Theatre at Valley City State University, in Valley City, North Dakota. Carla is currently overworked as a staff writer at the local daily newspaper. She also writes a weekly, award-winning column, "Prairie Lite."
Carla only started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars, which figures in many of her Regency novels and short stories. She specializes in writing about warfare at sea, and about the ordinary people of the British Isles who were, let's face it, far more numerous than lords and ladies.
Hobbies? She likes to crochet afghans, and read British crime fiction and history, principally military history. She's never happier than talking about the fur trade or Indian Wars with Park Service cronies. Her most recent gig with the National Park Service was at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site on the Montana/North Dakota border.
Here's another side to this somewhat prosaic woman: She recently edited the fur trade journal of Swiss artist Rudolf F. Kurz (the 1851-1852 portion), and is gratified now and then to be asked to speak on scholarly subjects. She has also worked for the State Historical Society of North Dakota as a contract researcher. This has taken her to glamorous drudgery in several national archives and military history repositories. Gray archives boxes and old documents make her salivate.
Her mantra for writing comes from the subject of her thesis, Robert Utley, that dean of Indian Wars history. He told her the secret to writing is "to put your ass in the chair and keep it there until you're done." He's right, of course.
Her three favorite fictional works have remained constant through the years, although their rankings tend to shift: War and Peace, The Lawrenceville Stories, and A Town Like Alice. Favorite historical works are One Vast Winter Count, On the Border with Mackenzie and Crossing the Line. Favorite crime fiction authors are Michael Connelly, John Harvey and Peter Robinson.
And that's all she can think of that would interest anyone. Carla Kelly is quite ordinary, except when she is sometimes prevailed upon to sing a scurrilous song about lumberjacks, or warble "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" in Latin. Then you m
Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National Park Service as a ranger/historian at Fort Laramie National Historic Site did she get serious about her writing career. (Or as she would be the first to admit, as serious as it gets.)
Carla wrote a series of what she now refers to as the "Fort Laramie stories," which are tales of the men, women and children of the Indian Wars era in Western history. Two of her stories, A Season for Heroes and Kathleen Flaherty's Long Winter, earned her Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America. She was the second woman to earn two Spurs from WWA (which, as everyone knows, is all you need to ride a horse). Her entire Indian Wars collection was published in 2003 as Here's to the Ladies: Stories of the Frontier Army. It remains her favorite work.
The mother of five children, Carla has always allowed her kids to earn their keep by appearing in her Regencies, most notably Marian's Christmas Wish, which is peopled by all kinds of relatives. Grown now, the Kelly kids are scattered here and there across the U.S. They continue to provide feedback, furnish fodder for stories and make frantic phone calls home during the holidays for recipes. (Carla Kelly is some cook.)
Carla's husband, Martin, is Director of Theatre at Valley City State University, in Valley City, North Dakota. Carla is currently overworked as a staff writer at the local daily newspaper. She also writes a weekly, award-winning column, "Prairie Lite."
Carla only started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars, which figures in many of her Regency novels and short stories. She specializes in writing about warfare at sea, and about the ordinary people of the British Isles who were, let's face it, far more numerous than lords and ladies.
Hobbies? She likes to crochet afghans, and read British crime fiction and history, principally military history. She's never happier than talking about the fur trade or Indian Wars with Park Service cronies. Her most recent gig with the National Park Service was at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site on the Montana/North Dakota border.
Here's another side to this somewhat prosaic woman: She recently edited the fur trade journal of Swiss artist Rudolf F. Kurz (the 1851-1852 portion), and is gratified now and then to be asked to speak on scholarly subjects. She has also worked for the State Historical Society of North Dakota as a contract researcher. This has taken her to glamorous drudgery in several national archives and military history repositories. Gray archives boxes and old documents make her salivate.
Her mantra for writing comes from the subject of her thesis, Robert Utley, that dean of Indian Wars history. He told her the secret to writing is "to put your ass in the chair and keep it there until you're done." He's right, of course.
Her three favorite fictional works have remained constant through the years, although their rankings tend to shift: War and Peace, The Lawrenceville Stories, and A Town Like Alice. Favorite historical works are One Vast Winter Count, On the Border with Mackenzie and Crossing the Line. Favorite crime fiction authors are Michael Connelly, John Harvey and Peter Robinson.
And that's all she can think of that would interest anyone. Carla Kelly is quite ordinary, except when she is sometimes prevailed upon to sing a scurrilous song about lumberjacks, or warble "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" in Latin. Then you m
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 12, 2016
I am a BIG fan of Carla Kelly's Regency romances. Even her stories that I have rated three stars, I would consider reading again. That said, I was deeply disappointed with MISS MILTON SPEAKS HER MIND. It hurts me to give one of her romances two stars. :-(
It started out slowly but I could forgive that. It contained those dreadful annoying relatives that kept showing their faces but, yes, I could look the other way. For a while. It even took some time for the hero, Mr. Butterworth, to take an active part. And, to be fair, he kept my interest for about an hour.
But somewhere along the line the story fell flat. Miss Jane Milton cried one too many tears. I wanted to ask her to get a backbone and quit forgiving everyone! I lost my respect for Lord Denby. Lady Carruthers' whining and meanness reminded me of listening to nails scratching a chalkboard. I wanted to plant a boot in her back end. Sheesh!
Say it isn't so but Mrs. Kelly's trademark with the common-sense working class stretched my patience this time. And there were gaps in the storyline that didn't make sense. Sigh. You can see what a toll it took for me to finish this story. Trust me, unless you are a die-hard Kelly fan, and even then, look for another book of hers to read.
It started out slowly but I could forgive that. It contained those dreadful annoying relatives that kept showing their faces but, yes, I could look the other way. For a while. It even took some time for the hero, Mr. Butterworth, to take an active part. And, to be fair, he kept my interest for about an hour.
But somewhere along the line the story fell flat. Miss Jane Milton cried one too many tears. I wanted to ask her to get a backbone and quit forgiving everyone! I lost my respect for Lord Denby. Lady Carruthers' whining and meanness reminded me of listening to nails scratching a chalkboard. I wanted to plant a boot in her back end. Sheesh!
Say it isn't so but Mrs. Kelly's trademark with the common-sense working class stretched my patience this time. And there were gaps in the storyline that didn't make sense. Sigh. You can see what a toll it took for me to finish this story. Trust me, unless you are a die-hard Kelly fan, and even then, look for another book of hers to read.
June 13, 2016
This has a low rating on goodreads and from some of my trusted goodreads friends. You're all wrong. This is a great book and I won't hear anything else about it. It would have easily made my five stars list but the ending let it down for me - I'll get to that.
Kelly is actually one of the darkest romance authors out there. She explores the dark aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars and the very real struggles of men and women in a difficult period of history. She does all of that whilst crafting lovely love stories which feel somehow a mixture of gentle and light and significant. They wrap around you like a cashmere blanket until you find yourself warm and soft at their centre and desperate to stay there.
This one is a perfect example of that. Dependable and dependent relative Jane. Traumatized from her cousin's awful post-war death and left to raise his son, Andrew, at the house of her relatives. She's an everywoman. Trying to please everyone, take care of everyone and never asking herself what she wants from life. I know a Jane, you know a Jane, there are thousands of Janes out there. She is good down to her bones and she deserves her HEA.
Then there's Mr Butterfield. Older (15 years, so this is a May/December) and factory owner (so much catnip). In love with Jane from afar. He takes a more prominent role in her life at the start of the book and in a plot which slightly stretches the bounds of historical credibility (given that she is a single woman) she goes to stay with him (along with Andrew) over Christmas. It's oh-so romantic. And in that way of Kelly the love grows with small moments and conversation between the H/h. It's just a wonderful thing to read.
What drops the book down to five stars is the number of plot bunnies which pop up, seemingly out of nowhere, and massively crowd the last 20% of the book.
They distract from the declarations of love which in a book with no sex and limited kissing is a vital part of the resolution and needs time and space to breath. Way too much going on and not enough of it was telegraphed throughout. There's also the late introduction of characters who the reader is supposed to care about despite never having heard of them before. It's a flaw.
That said, this was a great, pleasant, hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream kind of read, which I do heartily recommend.
Kelly is actually one of the darkest romance authors out there. She explores the dark aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars and the very real struggles of men and women in a difficult period of history. She does all of that whilst crafting lovely love stories which feel somehow a mixture of gentle and light and significant. They wrap around you like a cashmere blanket until you find yourself warm and soft at their centre and desperate to stay there.
This one is a perfect example of that. Dependable and dependent relative Jane. Traumatized from her cousin's awful post-war death and left to raise his son, Andrew, at the house of her relatives. She's an everywoman. Trying to please everyone, take care of everyone and never asking herself what she wants from life. I know a Jane, you know a Jane, there are thousands of Janes out there. She is good down to her bones and she deserves her HEA.
Then there's Mr Butterfield. Older (15 years, so this is a May/December) and factory owner (so much catnip). In love with Jane from afar. He takes a more prominent role in her life at the start of the book and in a plot which slightly stretches the bounds of historical credibility (given that she is a single woman) she goes to stay with him (along with Andrew) over Christmas. It's oh-so romantic. And in that way of Kelly the love grows with small moments and conversation between the H/h. It's just a wonderful thing to read.
What drops the book down to five stars is the number of plot bunnies which pop up, seemingly out of nowhere, and massively crowd the last 20% of the book.
They distract from the declarations of love which in a book with no sex and limited kissing is a vital part of the resolution and needs time and space to breath. Way too much going on and not enough of it was telegraphed throughout. There's also the late introduction of characters who the reader is supposed to care about despite never having heard of them before. It's a flaw.
That said, this was a great, pleasant, hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream kind of read, which I do heartily recommend.
February 18, 2019
sobbing wreck on the floor.
December 28, 2011
3+/3.5-ish stars. A traditional Regency with a very subtle and low key romance between a successful mid-40s mill owner and a 29-year-old poor relation in an aristocratic household.
The romance, which features elements of the beta hero, gentle giant, friends-to-lovers, and the pining hero, may actually have been a little TOO subtle, to be frank. There weren't enough opportunities for us to see Scipio's pining (and, in fact, there was no hero POV at all in the book), although the internal narrative from Jane was well done. The romance may have felt too subtle because I thought the other plot elements and the background stories (namely, the life in the mills and the reminiscences of the "war in the colonies") were very strong and fleshed out well, leading those aspects of the book to take a dominant role in the story over the romance itself. I initially thought Jane was a bit bland and doormat-y in her poor relation role, but it helped to see her gain confidence in her narrative and watch as her personality blossomed as she began to "speak her mind" over the course of the story. This book also includes one of my least favorite romance elements: nasty, mean, and spiteful relatives. *shudder*
On a side note, while very finely detailed in historical elements as you may expect of a Carla Kelly book, this story nevertheless disappointed me a bit because of its sloppy editing. I'd come to expect better editing from Signet than to have missing quotation marks or wrong spellings of characters' titles. Alas, even ol' faithfuls can make missteps, I suppose.
The romance, which features elements of the beta hero, gentle giant, friends-to-lovers, and the pining hero, may actually have been a little TOO subtle, to be frank. There weren't enough opportunities for us to see Scipio's pining (and, in fact, there was no hero POV at all in the book), although the internal narrative from Jane was well done. The romance may have felt too subtle because I thought the other plot elements and the background stories (namely, the life in the mills and the reminiscences of the "war in the colonies") were very strong and fleshed out well, leading those aspects of the book to take a dominant role in the story over the romance itself. I initially thought Jane was a bit bland and doormat-y in her poor relation role, but it helped to see her gain confidence in her narrative and watch as her personality blossomed as she began to "speak her mind" over the course of the story. This book also includes one of my least favorite romance elements: nasty, mean, and spiteful relatives. *shudder*
On a side note, while very finely detailed in historical elements as you may expect of a Carla Kelly book, this story nevertheless disappointed me a bit because of its sloppy editing. I'd come to expect better editing from Signet than to have missing quotation marks or wrong spellings of characters' titles. Alas, even ol' faithfuls can make missteps, I suppose.
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 24, 2017
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts... for more, visit Punya Reviews...
Miss Milton Speaks Her Mind isn’t one of Carla Kelly’s best but it wasn’t bad either. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would because the first half of the story went over my head completely. The other half, of course, made the read worthwhile.
Miss Milton Speaks Her Mind is an older release by Ms. Kelly; a traditional (clean) regency at that. The story begins with Miss Milton AKA our h, Jane and her monologues. This book is mainly based on her POVs, though not first person. She’s the poor relation to a Marquess, Lord Denby. Orphaned at a young age, Jane had to go to the workhouse; an incident that had shaped her life so far. She had to grow up early, and ever since she’s been brought back as a charity case to Lord Denby’s household when her mother died, she’s been cruelly shown her place in the world many, many times. Though Lord Denby’s son Blair was nice to her, his sister, Lady Carruthers was another thing. She’s a mean, viciously entitled woman and a bully to boots. As a result, Jane has always been left in a place of neither a lady, nor a servant. More like a governess. If Lady Carruthers could, she’d be a servant of Denby House by now. However, Jane has persisted, maintaining a semblance of dignity so far.
But things have changed drastically over the years. Blair got married young, had a child, then his wife Lucinda died in a carriage accident. It cast a pall over the household that is yet to lift. It seemed like the Denby’s bad luck began that day. Andrew, around 2 months old that time, was given into the complete care of an 18 yrs. old Jane. Blair, who was in the army, was no longer a part of the household. He’d be gone for years on end not bothering with his son, or anyone else. His visits were few and far between and he showed little interest in the child after Lucinda’s death. Rumors started, most probably by Lady Carruthers who had planned on snagging the Marquesate after Denby’s passing by making her brainless, lazy son Cecil the heir. Did I mention he was also a gambler? It was bandied about that Lucinda committed suicide out of guilt cause Andrew isn’t Blair’s son. Even Lord Denby seemed to believe it. He also never took any interest in Andrew. That poor little boy, who had no one but Jane as his champion. Jane who strongly believe that he was Blair’s.
But Jane was also quite naïve, yet kindness itself. She was way too kind I’d say, if there’s even anything like that. She had loved Andrew as her own, who calls her Miss Mitten, instead of Miss Milton. :) Sadly he’s also aware of the situation now that’s he’s turned 12, forced to grow up fast to face the cruel world. They didn’t have to go out to listen to the gossip; a visit from Lady C anytime would suffice! She made sure to tally Jane’s shortcomings and why Andrew should never be the heir, while she sat there doing nothing but eating and taking credits for everything Jane and the servants did.
Things turned bad when Blair came home severely wounded, on death’s door. He lingered on for months, and wouldn’t let anyone but Jane and Stanton, their butler, take care of him. Even the village doctor balked in taking care of him so it was all left to Jane; sitting there day and after day, with an invalid who has a life-threatening wound that could turn ghastly at any time. The description is not given in the beginning but something horrible happened that left Jane traumatized; so much so she couldn’t even sleep peacefully any longer. And she had no help, no one to talk to. Then Lady C’s blatant way of nagging and wheedling Lord Denby into establishing Cecil in any way possible was taking a toll on her. Jane wanted Andrew to have what’s his but what power did she have if Lord Denby decided to give it all over to Cecil? If he’s made the heir... Jane can’t even think of it!
Since Blair’s death, Lord Denby has taken to his bed, as if to will death to come and take him too. It was a sad state of affair, though Lady C was very happy about the whole thing. A desperate Jane begins thinking of something to ‘rejuvenate’ the cranky old man. Lord Denby was also in the army and he’d written a best-selling handbook of sorts on how any British Soldier appointed overseas should behave. When the book arrives, it was enough excuse for her to plan a get-together of Lord Denby’s old comrades. Stanton agreed to help her too. All they now have to do is convince the man in question.
About this point, the story was rather dragging with no big bang. And I had no idea who the H was. In the beginning, I thought that the doctor, Mr. Lowe, maybe a candidate cause Jane seemed to have an easy companionship with him. But they were seen together maybe once or twice before a new, whimsical character is introduced; Mr. Scipio Africanus Butterworth. :o Yeah, that’s his name believe it or not. Jane and Andrew even had fun between themselves imagining calling him “Sippy”. :P Oh my God, I laughed my a$$ off to that. He maybe many things, a Sippy Mr. Butterworth was not! :D
So who was Scipio Africanus Butterworth? Scipio, though in the whole story he goes by as Mr. Butterworth, in plain terms, is a mill owner and Lady C has always taken great pleasure in saying he stank of the shop. New money and no class. But in truth he had more class than Lady C will ever have. Mr. Butterworth has worked hard and earned money owning cotton mills. He’s got brain and he utilized it. Now he’s as rich as Croesus if not more. He bought the estate abutting Lord Denby’s and has been a thorn on his side ever since. Though there has been no serious issue between the neighbors, Lord Cranky likes to be, uh, cranky and made various excuses to rattle Scipio, which he bore with his easy grace. These days, Lord Denby is too subdued to even bother, another reason that worried Jane.
Mr. Butterwoth has been Jane’s friend for these past 10yrs. that he’s been living here. When we met him, it was quite obvious that he and Jane had a very established, and equally affectionate, companionship. Mr. Butterworth was...I don’t know, just a good, caring man. He was tall, you can call him a Gentle Giant I guess and quite goodlooking. He wore glasses and worked hard but he was also superbly witty and charming. Jane had taken an immediate liking to him, and so had Andrew once he’s been old enough to understand kindness. Even though Lady C hated this relationship, Jane tried her best to never curtail her visit to Mr. Butterworth. Even if it meant hearing Lady C scolding the daylights out of her, calling her all sorts of things. She’d do the same for Andrew and try her best to get Lady C’s nastiness off of him anyway possible so that he can also visit him.
After Mr. Butterworth came into the spotlight is when the story began rushing. I was simply glued to know how their relationship will unfold and evolve. He knew of Jane’s situation, also knew that Jane was too nice to say anything to Lady C. Maybe she felt indebted that she’s got a roof over her head and meals to go with it, which made her never to think of herself. She kept giving without receiving anything in return. At times, Jane was the maid-of-all tricks, she was always running from here to there, doing this and that. The entire Denby Hall relied on her in a way that servants noticed all too well. She was polite to them, and was rewarded for it as well. Andrew was never neglected, even if he starved for parental affection that he never got. Mr. Butterworth simply had to put his foot down and remind Jane to speak her mind. That it’s time she begins thinking of herself.
This got Jane’s mind whirring but someone who has never known anything better, it takes a lot just to imagine what life would be like where she can have her own home, do whatever she liked without having to be afraid of being caught and scolded. Without any presence of Lady C anywhere. At the moment though, she was busy with the help of Mr. Butterworth, managing that reunion, planning and writing the invitation cards that needed to be send out ASAP. Lady C didn’t want any part of it but thankfully, Lord Denby showed some sign of life and accepted this plan. It seemed the thought of seeing his old comrades started rejuvenating him already, which, in turn, made Jane’s hope soar. Maybe it’d be a while before Cecil can sink his claws on Denby fortune, and Lady C becomes the sole proprietress of Denby Hall. After all, that was her plan from the beginning. Again, a thought that makes Jane shudder with all it’s bad vibe.
Jane and Scipio’s romance was a very slow burn, almost unnoticeable at first. You will think there’s something there but both were very polite and wasn’t forthcoming. In the 10yrs. they’ve known each-other, it’s difficult to believe that neither took any step to acknowledge their budding feelings! This was one of the things that really struck me. However, when Andrew began his Latin lessons with Mr. Butterworth and Jane, slowly but surely, began speaking her mind here and there, things started changing. It wasn’t all good and smooth, but it was a start! And she began feeling comfortable about her budding feelings for the Mill Owner. Since the story is based on Jane’s POV, we get to know that she had at first thought Mr. Butterworth was too old for her. But the more they got to know each-other, she knew the 14yrs. of age difference is actually nothing. Especially when she’s pushing 30 herself. I wish we had a few chapters from Scipio’s POV as well. That would’ve been fun!
As Christmas came closer, Scipio invites Jane and Andrew to his sister’s home where he spends his Christmases with his nieces and nephews. He also has plans of expanding his business venture into that area. It wasn’t until a month spend in sheer bliss with a loving family that Jane finally realized what she was missing. Emma was married to Robert. They already had 4 lovely children, another on the way (makes her appearance right before Christmas :D). Jane needed this for herself, and definitely for Andrew. By then she knew she’d fallen in love with the Mill Owner, but what about him? Apart from his ever polite friendship, was there anything else? Jane couldn’t think of a reason why he should be interested in her beyond friendship.
Until the end, there were a few things that were bugging me in the story. For one, Jane understood very quickly that Mr. Butterworth is the happiest living with Emma’s family. He really could move there easily. So questions arose in her mind as to WHY was he living a lonely existence so far away? Emma and Robert both were vague about it, though they did confirm that Scipio wrote a lot about Jane (and definitely Andrew). I thought, obviously it has to be Jane! And because of Jane’s relationship with Andrew, he’s taken an interest in him as well. But my thoughts changed when, at one point, Mr. Butterworth subtly yet strongly thank Jane for taking such good care of Andrew. That point of the story, to me, felt like some kinda revelation. I was thinking... could it be? OMG! :o His interest in Andrew, at first, seemed random enough. But after I read that bit, I didn’t think it was just because of Jane he was living near Denby Hall!
After Jane and Andrew return from their Christmas sojourn, one day a handsome stranger drops by at Denby Hall, taking it quite by storm. Jane mistook him for the handyman that Mr. Butterworth promised. He even got directly down to work without questioning anything; not that Jane gave him any chance. But things were about to be unraveled where Lord Denby was concerned, and a long kept secret he’d been hiding all these years.
But I was more interested in Mr. Butterworth’s interest in Andrew. As big revelations were taking place, my suspicions were confirmed. Andrew, indeed, was Scipio’s son. Though initially I was rather disgusted, thinking Lucinda cheated on Blair, that proved to be wrong (thank God!). Lucinda and Scipio knew each-other before she ever met Blair. Even with that age difference, things got too deep too soon. Scipio thought he was in love and wanted to marry her, most especially when he found out she’s with child, but Lucinda had other plans. She had no interest in marrying someone so common as him. She snared Blair and got married ASAP to save her face. After her death, Scipio moved near Denby Hall to be closer to his son, and be a part of his life in any way possible. Blair likely already knew, which is the reason why he stayed away from home. We will never know for sure, which is rather sad. In the end though, it seemed like Andrew will inherit regardless of his parentage since Blair had already acknowledged him as his own.
The reason why I revealed this part is because, after the revelation, if felt like even the good-hearted Mr. Butterworth was after something. He also had a reason to charm Jane. This poor girl had nothing in her life and she was dreaming of being something in his! She never felt genuinely needed by anyone, except for Andrew who was growing fast and would’ve gone away to find his own place in the world soon. It seemed no one really wanted Jane just for herself, and I can’t explain how sad I felt knowing that. Even she understood that after Andrew’s parentage was revealed. And it broke my heart because she was so, so hurt. No, she wasn’t angry on anyone (even if I was on her behalf), Jane was too forgiving for that, but still hurt that she wasn’t the reason why Mr. Butterworth chose to be close to Denby Hall. Worse still, it seemed like he still harbored some kind of affection for Lucinda!
But the short ending was really beautiful where Scipio acknowledges that he’d been in love with Jane ever since their first meeting. That he got over Lucinda fast when her rejection opened his eyes. Even though Andrew was a big part of it, he’d come to realize long ago that Jane was the most important part of his and his son’s life. They can’t imagine their life without her in it. Only he didn’t think anything could be come of it. Jane may have been a poor relation to a Lord, Scipio thought her a lady and wasn’t about to be ditched by another one and get his heart trampled on all over again. So he’d decided to admire her from afar. All that confusion, if only they’d talk they could’ve been together way before now. *sigh* Anyway, it was easy for me to forgive him when his proclamation of love made Jane the happiest person alive. Oh Scipio already knew of her feelings, and not exactly from her own mouth... but I’ll leave you to find out exactly how.
Another thing was, I wanted to know more about Scipio’s, uh, not to common name. I wanted to know the whole backstory for this has to be one of the oddest hero names I’ve ever read. :| I even thought the author would explore it a bit, and give us some background but there was nothing. But Jane did let him know what she and Andrew secretly called him. heehee :P There were also some hints about Scipio having a past but nothing was ever said or revealed about that, another thing that made this story incomplete IMO.
Finally, I felt a story for Dale would’ve been so so good! Who is Dale? Read and find out. But trust me when I tell you that he is a character you’d want to know better. Too bad he didn’t have many pages in this story, and there never was a book for him. :(
I did enjoy Miss Milton Speaks Her Mind but I wasn’t quite in love with this story for reasons I stated above. 3.5 stars.
Miss Milton Speaks Her Mind isn’t one of Carla Kelly’s best but it wasn’t bad either. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would because the first half of the story went over my head completely. The other half, of course, made the read worthwhile.
Miss Milton Speaks Her Mind is an older release by Ms. Kelly; a traditional (clean) regency at that. The story begins with Miss Milton AKA our h, Jane and her monologues. This book is mainly based on her POVs, though not first person. She’s the poor relation to a Marquess, Lord Denby. Orphaned at a young age, Jane had to go to the workhouse; an incident that had shaped her life so far. She had to grow up early, and ever since she’s been brought back as a charity case to Lord Denby’s household when her mother died, she’s been cruelly shown her place in the world many, many times. Though Lord Denby’s son Blair was nice to her, his sister, Lady Carruthers was another thing. She’s a mean, viciously entitled woman and a bully to boots. As a result, Jane has always been left in a place of neither a lady, nor a servant. More like a governess. If Lady Carruthers could, she’d be a servant of Denby House by now. However, Jane has persisted, maintaining a semblance of dignity so far.
But things have changed drastically over the years. Blair got married young, had a child, then his wife Lucinda died in a carriage accident. It cast a pall over the household that is yet to lift. It seemed like the Denby’s bad luck began that day. Andrew, around 2 months old that time, was given into the complete care of an 18 yrs. old Jane. Blair, who was in the army, was no longer a part of the household. He’d be gone for years on end not bothering with his son, or anyone else. His visits were few and far between and he showed little interest in the child after Lucinda’s death. Rumors started, most probably by Lady Carruthers who had planned on snagging the Marquesate after Denby’s passing by making her brainless, lazy son Cecil the heir. Did I mention he was also a gambler? It was bandied about that Lucinda committed suicide out of guilt cause Andrew isn’t Blair’s son. Even Lord Denby seemed to believe it. He also never took any interest in Andrew. That poor little boy, who had no one but Jane as his champion. Jane who strongly believe that he was Blair’s.
But Jane was also quite naïve, yet kindness itself. She was way too kind I’d say, if there’s even anything like that. She had loved Andrew as her own, who calls her Miss Mitten, instead of Miss Milton. :) Sadly he’s also aware of the situation now that’s he’s turned 12, forced to grow up fast to face the cruel world. They didn’t have to go out to listen to the gossip; a visit from Lady C anytime would suffice! She made sure to tally Jane’s shortcomings and why Andrew should never be the heir, while she sat there doing nothing but eating and taking credits for everything Jane and the servants did.
Things turned bad when Blair came home severely wounded, on death’s door. He lingered on for months, and wouldn’t let anyone but Jane and Stanton, their butler, take care of him. Even the village doctor balked in taking care of him so it was all left to Jane; sitting there day and after day, with an invalid who has a life-threatening wound that could turn ghastly at any time. The description is not given in the beginning but something horrible happened that left Jane traumatized; so much so she couldn’t even sleep peacefully any longer. And she had no help, no one to talk to. Then Lady C’s blatant way of nagging and wheedling Lord Denby into establishing Cecil in any way possible was taking a toll on her. Jane wanted Andrew to have what’s his but what power did she have if Lord Denby decided to give it all over to Cecil? If he’s made the heir... Jane can’t even think of it!
Since Blair’s death, Lord Denby has taken to his bed, as if to will death to come and take him too. It was a sad state of affair, though Lady C was very happy about the whole thing. A desperate Jane begins thinking of something to ‘rejuvenate’ the cranky old man. Lord Denby was also in the army and he’d written a best-selling handbook of sorts on how any British Soldier appointed overseas should behave. When the book arrives, it was enough excuse for her to plan a get-together of Lord Denby’s old comrades. Stanton agreed to help her too. All they now have to do is convince the man in question.
About this point, the story was rather dragging with no big bang. And I had no idea who the H was. In the beginning, I thought that the doctor, Mr. Lowe, maybe a candidate cause Jane seemed to have an easy companionship with him. But they were seen together maybe once or twice before a new, whimsical character is introduced; Mr. Scipio Africanus Butterworth. :o Yeah, that’s his name believe it or not. Jane and Andrew even had fun between themselves imagining calling him “Sippy”. :P Oh my God, I laughed my a$$ off to that. He maybe many things, a Sippy Mr. Butterworth was not! :D
So who was Scipio Africanus Butterworth? Scipio, though in the whole story he goes by as Mr. Butterworth, in plain terms, is a mill owner and Lady C has always taken great pleasure in saying he stank of the shop. New money and no class. But in truth he had more class than Lady C will ever have. Mr. Butterworth has worked hard and earned money owning cotton mills. He’s got brain and he utilized it. Now he’s as rich as Croesus if not more. He bought the estate abutting Lord Denby’s and has been a thorn on his side ever since. Though there has been no serious issue between the neighbors, Lord Cranky likes to be, uh, cranky and made various excuses to rattle Scipio, which he bore with his easy grace. These days, Lord Denby is too subdued to even bother, another reason that worried Jane.
Mr. Butterwoth has been Jane’s friend for these past 10yrs. that he’s been living here. When we met him, it was quite obvious that he and Jane had a very established, and equally affectionate, companionship. Mr. Butterworth was...I don’t know, just a good, caring man. He was tall, you can call him a Gentle Giant I guess and quite goodlooking. He wore glasses and worked hard but he was also superbly witty and charming. Jane had taken an immediate liking to him, and so had Andrew once he’s been old enough to understand kindness. Even though Lady C hated this relationship, Jane tried her best to never curtail her visit to Mr. Butterworth. Even if it meant hearing Lady C scolding the daylights out of her, calling her all sorts of things. She’d do the same for Andrew and try her best to get Lady C’s nastiness off of him anyway possible so that he can also visit him.
After Mr. Butterworth came into the spotlight is when the story began rushing. I was simply glued to know how their relationship will unfold and evolve. He knew of Jane’s situation, also knew that Jane was too nice to say anything to Lady C. Maybe she felt indebted that she’s got a roof over her head and meals to go with it, which made her never to think of herself. She kept giving without receiving anything in return. At times, Jane was the maid-of-all tricks, she was always running from here to there, doing this and that. The entire Denby Hall relied on her in a way that servants noticed all too well. She was polite to them, and was rewarded for it as well. Andrew was never neglected, even if he starved for parental affection that he never got. Mr. Butterworth simply had to put his foot down and remind Jane to speak her mind. That it’s time she begins thinking of herself.
This got Jane’s mind whirring but someone who has never known anything better, it takes a lot just to imagine what life would be like where she can have her own home, do whatever she liked without having to be afraid of being caught and scolded. Without any presence of Lady C anywhere. At the moment though, she was busy with the help of Mr. Butterworth, managing that reunion, planning and writing the invitation cards that needed to be send out ASAP. Lady C didn’t want any part of it but thankfully, Lord Denby showed some sign of life and accepted this plan. It seemed the thought of seeing his old comrades started rejuvenating him already, which, in turn, made Jane’s hope soar. Maybe it’d be a while before Cecil can sink his claws on Denby fortune, and Lady C becomes the sole proprietress of Denby Hall. After all, that was her plan from the beginning. Again, a thought that makes Jane shudder with all it’s bad vibe.
Jane and Scipio’s romance was a very slow burn, almost unnoticeable at first. You will think there’s something there but both were very polite and wasn’t forthcoming. In the 10yrs. they’ve known each-other, it’s difficult to believe that neither took any step to acknowledge their budding feelings! This was one of the things that really struck me. However, when Andrew began his Latin lessons with Mr. Butterworth and Jane, slowly but surely, began speaking her mind here and there, things started changing. It wasn’t all good and smooth, but it was a start! And she began feeling comfortable about her budding feelings for the Mill Owner. Since the story is based on Jane’s POV, we get to know that she had at first thought Mr. Butterworth was too old for her. But the more they got to know each-other, she knew the 14yrs. of age difference is actually nothing. Especially when she’s pushing 30 herself. I wish we had a few chapters from Scipio’s POV as well. That would’ve been fun!
As Christmas came closer, Scipio invites Jane and Andrew to his sister’s home where he spends his Christmases with his nieces and nephews. He also has plans of expanding his business venture into that area. It wasn’t until a month spend in sheer bliss with a loving family that Jane finally realized what she was missing. Emma was married to Robert. They already had 4 lovely children, another on the way (makes her appearance right before Christmas :D). Jane needed this for herself, and definitely for Andrew. By then she knew she’d fallen in love with the Mill Owner, but what about him? Apart from his ever polite friendship, was there anything else? Jane couldn’t think of a reason why he should be interested in her beyond friendship.
Until the end, there were a few things that were bugging me in the story. For one, Jane understood very quickly that Mr. Butterworth is the happiest living with Emma’s family. He really could move there easily. So questions arose in her mind as to WHY was he living a lonely existence so far away? Emma and Robert both were vague about it, though they did confirm that Scipio wrote a lot about Jane (and definitely Andrew). I thought, obviously it has to be Jane! And because of Jane’s relationship with Andrew, he’s taken an interest in him as well. But my thoughts changed when, at one point, Mr. Butterworth subtly yet strongly thank Jane for taking such good care of Andrew. That point of the story, to me, felt like some kinda revelation. I was thinking... could it be? OMG! :o His interest in Andrew, at first, seemed random enough. But after I read that bit, I didn’t think it was just because of Jane he was living near Denby Hall!
After Jane and Andrew return from their Christmas sojourn, one day a handsome stranger drops by at Denby Hall, taking it quite by storm. Jane mistook him for the handyman that Mr. Butterworth promised. He even got directly down to work without questioning anything; not that Jane gave him any chance. But things were about to be unraveled where Lord Denby was concerned, and a long kept secret he’d been hiding all these years.
But I was more interested in Mr. Butterworth’s interest in Andrew. As big revelations were taking place, my suspicions were confirmed. Andrew, indeed, was Scipio’s son. Though initially I was rather disgusted, thinking Lucinda cheated on Blair, that proved to be wrong (thank God!). Lucinda and Scipio knew each-other before she ever met Blair. Even with that age difference, things got too deep too soon. Scipio thought he was in love and wanted to marry her, most especially when he found out she’s with child, but Lucinda had other plans. She had no interest in marrying someone so common as him. She snared Blair and got married ASAP to save her face. After her death, Scipio moved near Denby Hall to be closer to his son, and be a part of his life in any way possible. Blair likely already knew, which is the reason why he stayed away from home. We will never know for sure, which is rather sad. In the end though, it seemed like Andrew will inherit regardless of his parentage since Blair had already acknowledged him as his own.
The reason why I revealed this part is because, after the revelation, if felt like even the good-hearted Mr. Butterworth was after something. He also had a reason to charm Jane. This poor girl had nothing in her life and she was dreaming of being something in his! She never felt genuinely needed by anyone, except for Andrew who was growing fast and would’ve gone away to find his own place in the world soon. It seemed no one really wanted Jane just for herself, and I can’t explain how sad I felt knowing that. Even she understood that after Andrew’s parentage was revealed. And it broke my heart because she was so, so hurt. No, she wasn’t angry on anyone (even if I was on her behalf), Jane was too forgiving for that, but still hurt that she wasn’t the reason why Mr. Butterworth chose to be close to Denby Hall. Worse still, it seemed like he still harbored some kind of affection for Lucinda!
But the short ending was really beautiful where Scipio acknowledges that he’d been in love with Jane ever since their first meeting. That he got over Lucinda fast when her rejection opened his eyes. Even though Andrew was a big part of it, he’d come to realize long ago that Jane was the most important part of his and his son’s life. They can’t imagine their life without her in it. Only he didn’t think anything could be come of it. Jane may have been a poor relation to a Lord, Scipio thought her a lady and wasn’t about to be ditched by another one and get his heart trampled on all over again. So he’d decided to admire her from afar. All that confusion, if only they’d talk they could’ve been together way before now. *sigh* Anyway, it was easy for me to forgive him when his proclamation of love made Jane the happiest person alive. Oh Scipio already knew of her feelings, and not exactly from her own mouth... but I’ll leave you to find out exactly how.
Another thing was, I wanted to know more about Scipio’s, uh, not to common name. I wanted to know the whole backstory for this has to be one of the oddest hero names I’ve ever read. :| I even thought the author would explore it a bit, and give us some background but there was nothing. But Jane did let him know what she and Andrew secretly called him. heehee :P There were also some hints about Scipio having a past but nothing was ever said or revealed about that, another thing that made this story incomplete IMO.
Finally, I felt a story for Dale would’ve been so so good! Who is Dale? Read and find out. But trust me when I tell you that he is a character you’d want to know better. Too bad he didn’t have many pages in this story, and there never was a book for him. :(
I did enjoy Miss Milton Speaks Her Mind but I wasn’t quite in love with this story for reasons I stated above. 3.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2011
Definitely not Carla Kelly's best. Slow to start, told entirely from the heroine's POV and way too little interaction between the hero and heroine. I didn't feel the romance in this one like I should. Only a desire to see if my guesses on their secrets were correct compelled me to finish it in a sitting. So, a good story, but not so great of a romance.
March 13, 2016
As with all of the Carla Kelly books, I did like the characters in this one. Put-upon poor relation Jane Milton rather satisfyingly finds her voice and her wealthy neighbor Scipio Butterworth (am I the only reader who kept wanting to call him Skippy?) seems like a genuinely decent man. However, I just had a hard time getting drawn into all the machinations with Jane's obnoxious relatives, so I found I kept putting this book down and then picking it up again. It's not a bad read, but not as good as most of Kelly's books.
January 25, 2024
this book made me have such strong feelings, the love story is good, but the ending was so rushed, there were so many secrets revealed all at once… and the rest of the book had so much interaction between side characters that it dragged, which I understand why, especially after learning everything, but it felt so unbalanced. I had to reread the conclusion because I felt like I didn’t get enough. I wanted more words said between them.
CK does such a good job of showing people fall in love and I looked forward to every interaction between Jane and Mr. Butterworth. He was so clearly taken with her even though we only get Jane’s perspective (I love this and it takes a good author to pull it off). All signets tend to end abruptly and all matters were settled in the end but the pacing of the rest of the book hurt my overall enjoyment.
CK does such a good job of showing people fall in love and I looked forward to every interaction between Jane and Mr. Butterworth. He was so clearly taken with her even though we only get Jane’s perspective (I love this and it takes a good author to pull it off). All signets tend to end abruptly and all matters were settled in the end but the pacing of the rest of the book hurt my overall enjoyment.
October 20, 2019
I just want to gush over the deep characterization and perfect construction of this novel! It has family secrets, twists, and an interconnnectedness to it all which I didn’t anticipate at the very beginning but some of which I slowly suspected as the story progressed. Still, it was presented in a manner to engage emotions.
Mr. Butterworth (or Mr. B) is the most delightfully quiet and good-natured hero. His encouragement means so much to Jane, both as her character changes and as her confidence grows. And when he finally FINALLY declares himself to her, he shows that he can be sweetly articulate. His role is often important for all his actions and things unsaid as they are his choices.
Then there’s JANE! The novel is all from her point of view. I really liked that she’s not suddenly someone new at the end of the story, she just finds the courage and necessary wisdom to tactfully make her opinions known. Mr. B sees her — really sees her– when she feels like she hasn’t been noticed. She has, though, and part of the beauty of this story is her realization of the value and friendships she does have, along with the themes of forgiveness, both of self and of others, that intertwine with Jane and Mr. B’s paths.
I want to point out similarities between this novel and a fav, NORTH AND SOUTH. Her name is Milton. He is a cotton mill owner, of “working class”, sometimes brooding and shy to express himself. She is subject to her family and their need of her more than her own free choices. While considering the era, Thornton would be a product of Mr. B’s generation, but there are still similarities that made me happy to ponder and want to rewatch the miniseries for the 58th time.
Content note: this is a clean historical romance with just a very few mild expletives uttered by gentlemen.
Mr. Butterworth (or Mr. B) is the most delightfully quiet and good-natured hero. His encouragement means so much to Jane, both as her character changes and as her confidence grows. And when he finally FINALLY declares himself to her, he shows that he can be sweetly articulate. His role is often important for all his actions and things unsaid as they are his choices.
Then there’s JANE! The novel is all from her point of view. I really liked that she’s not suddenly someone new at the end of the story, she just finds the courage and necessary wisdom to tactfully make her opinions known. Mr. B sees her — really sees her– when she feels like she hasn’t been noticed. She has, though, and part of the beauty of this story is her realization of the value and friendships she does have, along with the themes of forgiveness, both of self and of others, that intertwine with Jane and Mr. B’s paths.
I want to point out similarities between this novel and a fav, NORTH AND SOUTH. Her name is Milton. He is a cotton mill owner, of “working class”, sometimes brooding and shy to express himself. She is subject to her family and their need of her more than her own free choices. While considering the era, Thornton would be a product of Mr. B’s generation, but there are still similarities that made me happy to ponder and want to rewatch the miniseries for the 58th time.
Content note: this is a clean historical romance with just a very few mild expletives uttered by gentlemen.
November 6, 2015
Again, Carla Kelly moved me to tears. She is one of the two authors in historical romance that never fails to deliver wonderful stories.
Jane has been living as a slave in the house of her cousins. She takes care of Andrew since he was a baby. Both of them have been bullied by her Aunt for many years. Her neighbor, Mr. Butterworth, a mill owner, is a dear friend (from many years ago) but only now they get closer. He invites her to his country house to spend Christmas, and it is there were she realizes she loves this kind, big man.
The beginning of the book is a bit dull. Too gloomy, too sad. Jane's life as much as Andrew's life. Once Mr. Butterworth comes into scene, it gets lighter, but not entirely, since this is Carla Kelly. Her romances are sweet but melancholic. I love how Jane and Mr. Butterworth are such good friends. He was so nice to her I was moved by his generosity. When Jane and Andrew spend their holidays in his country house, in the company of his sister and nieces, the book is sweet and less gloomy. Finally Jane and Andrew are happy, after so many years.
When Jane finally trusts Mr. Butterworth with her terrible secret, my eyes were full of tears
It was so sad! Just remembering it my eyes get teary again... Poor Jane, she deserved all happiness in the world.
The final confession, at the end of the book... I wasn't surprised, I was expecting it. Still, I am not a fan of it.
Just a sweet, touching and with a kind romance -the one where they are first friends, then lovers- that I was expecting. Jane's secret was "OMG WHY?" (with tissues at hand) while Mr. Butterworth's (can't say his name... it is just too awful) and Lord Denby was MEH (men!).
Jane has been living as a slave in the house of her cousins. She takes care of Andrew since he was a baby. Both of them have been bullied by her Aunt for many years. Her neighbor, Mr. Butterworth, a mill owner, is a dear friend (from many years ago) but only now they get closer. He invites her to his country house to spend Christmas, and it is there were she realizes she loves this kind, big man.
The beginning of the book is a bit dull. Too gloomy, too sad. Jane's life as much as Andrew's life. Once Mr. Butterworth comes into scene, it gets lighter, but not entirely, since this is Carla Kelly. Her romances are sweet but melancholic. I love how Jane and Mr. Butterworth are such good friends. He was so nice to her I was moved by his generosity. When Jane and Andrew spend their holidays in his country house, in the company of his sister and nieces, the book is sweet and less gloomy. Finally Jane and Andrew are happy, after so many years.
When Jane finally trusts Mr. Butterworth with her terrible secret, my eyes were full of tears
It was so sad! Just remembering it my eyes get teary again... Poor Jane, she deserved all happiness in the world.The final confession, at the end of the book... I wasn't surprised, I was expecting it. Still, I am not a fan of it.
Just a sweet, touching and with a kind romance -the one where they are first friends, then lovers- that I was expecting. Jane's secret was "OMG WHY?" (with tissues at hand) while Mr. Butterworth's (can't say his name... it is just too awful) and Lord Denby was MEH (men!).
November 29, 2022
Purged from “keepers”. At the time I had read this, before the date on here, this book impressed me with the MC H and h being ages other than their 20s. After reading the reviews, I’m not impressed enough to re-read or keep it. I need the book space for those I will want to re-read.
3, it entertained me when I needed it to, stars.
3, it entertained me when I needed it to, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2022
Get ready for a 'Cinderella' story. I really liked the main characters. I was hooked from the beginning. It did seem to drag for a while, but still thought it was a good read. Love Carla Kelley stories. They are hard to find, but a treat when you do. Recommend
November 12, 2022
4.5 stars
The premise: Having lived her life as the perfect poor relation for so many years, to her own misery, Jane Milton begins to listen to her friend, Mr. Butterworth, when he tells her speak her mind and do something for herself once in a while. When she does this, amazing things happen.
Miscellaneous notes: This is the reason I started to pick up romance books in the first place. Had I realized that what I was looking for was actually available, perhaps I wouldn't have been so frustrated. This book seems to me to be a true story. It is a true love story, not fraught with subterfuge and lustful, stolen moments of passion in the shadows of the terrace. These are real people. Jane was raised in a workhouse and unable to see her mother but once a week. Once her mother died, she was taken in by her well-off relations, and promptly put into servitude. She has just watched her cousin die a horrible death and is quite melancholy. She has raised her cousin's child, Andrew since he was an infant and has to protect him from the terrible rumors that his father was not really his father. Mr. Butterworth, a man in his mid-forties runs a mill many towns over, yet remains living next door to Jane's family. He is a kind, gentle man who becomes Jane's salvation. They share laughs, walks around the lake and aid each other when help is desperately needed.
Despite the lack of passion in the story (a series of loving kisses is as far as Ms. Kelly ventures), I found myself emotionally invested in these two finding their way to the altar. When Jane's heart hurt, mine ached. When Scipio cried, I cried.
My only complaint was the last 15 pages or so. Everyone's secrets came out in those few blocks of text. It felt a little forced. But I have to say that I was not expecting all those twists. In fact, I was so involved in Jane and Scipio's romance, that I completely missed the clues as to the main twist. Well done, Ms. Kelly. And when it was over, I turned right back to the first page and read again.
If you read romances for the unbridled passion, this book is not for you. But if you relish a tender love story, then why are you just sitting there? Go buy this book!
The premise: Having lived her life as the perfect poor relation for so many years, to her own misery, Jane Milton begins to listen to her friend, Mr. Butterworth, when he tells her speak her mind and do something for herself once in a while. When she does this, amazing things happen.
Miscellaneous notes: This is the reason I started to pick up romance books in the first place. Had I realized that what I was looking for was actually available, perhaps I wouldn't have been so frustrated. This book seems to me to be a true story. It is a true love story, not fraught with subterfuge and lustful, stolen moments of passion in the shadows of the terrace. These are real people. Jane was raised in a workhouse and unable to see her mother but once a week. Once her mother died, she was taken in by her well-off relations, and promptly put into servitude. She has just watched her cousin die a horrible death and is quite melancholy. She has raised her cousin's child, Andrew since he was an infant and has to protect him from the terrible rumors that his father was not really his father. Mr. Butterworth, a man in his mid-forties runs a mill many towns over, yet remains living next door to Jane's family. He is a kind, gentle man who becomes Jane's salvation. They share laughs, walks around the lake and aid each other when help is desperately needed.
Despite the lack of passion in the story (a series of loving kisses is as far as Ms. Kelly ventures), I found myself emotionally invested in these two finding their way to the altar. When Jane's heart hurt, mine ached. When Scipio cried, I cried.
My only complaint was the last 15 pages or so. Everyone's secrets came out in those few blocks of text. It felt a little forced. But I have to say that I was not expecting all those twists. In fact, I was so involved in Jane and Scipio's romance, that I completely missed the clues as to the main twist. Well done, Ms. Kelly. And when it was over, I turned right back to the first page and read again.
If you read romances for the unbridled passion, this book is not for you. But if you relish a tender love story, then why are you just sitting there? Go buy this book!
March 28, 2015
At first the book was hard to get into because it seemed a common enough theme in Kelly's books: dreadfully put-upon spinster finally has to decide to come out of her shell and take command of her life. But the slow romance between the older Mr. Butterworth and Miss Milton was sweet and the interactions between the two of them and her charge were fun to read. There were a lot of annoying characters and it became frustrating after a while for the hero and heroine to fall out of contact for stupid reasons (many of which are the same reasons they haven't really shown any interest in each other in the 12? years they've known each other. It was worth the read and had a few redeeming moments, but it's probably not one of hers that I will continue to read over and over again.
March 22, 2009
Both characters were likable and both had ghosts to lay to rest. The end was touching and the hero had just the right amount of vulnerability and manliness.
November 6, 2014
Good read - but I do wish she would add an Epilogue!!
April 23, 2016
2.5 stars
Not my favorite Carla Kelly.
Not my favorite Carla Kelly.
July 3, 2025
2 to 2.5 stars. An older Carla Kelly book (1998), and not one of her best. I didn't really enjoy this one, and ended up doing some skimming to get to the revelations near the end, of the secrets everyone seemed to be carrying. The plot was a little convoluted, and the book started to drag for me.
It started off OK. Jane Milton, (or 'Miss Mitten' per her cute nickname) was living with some horrid, posh, bullying relatives. The man next door was an older, wealthy mill owner, Scipio Butterworth, who was looked down on (by the relatives) as he 'smelled of the shop'. Although I dislike the mean relatives trope, it was a decent setup for Jane and the very nice Scipio to fall for each other.
Well, they did fall for each other, but there really wasn't a lot of romance in the book. Too many secrets, too many machinations by unpleasant people, and the back story wasn't very believable. Jane had been caring for her bedridden cousin (who had been wounded at Waterloo) for TEN YEARS before he finally died. OK, that could have happened, but for the purposes of the story, it was way too long. A couple of years would have been more credible and worked better for the story. Jane was revealed as weak for being bossed around by her horrid aunt for so long, instead of standing up for herself. She needed some backbone. And it didn't reflect well on Scipio either. He came across as a little too beta, even though he was supposed to be a driven, self-made businessman. Rhys Winterborne he was not.
If there had been more overt romance and longing, the story would have been way more interesting for me. Too much was left hidden or understated for too long, at the cost of an engaging read. So, not my fav by this author. I should have read more reviews before I started it LOL. Oh well, I have really liked some of Ms. Kelly's books, and will no doubt go on and read more, despite this dud.
It started off OK. Jane Milton, (or 'Miss Mitten' per her cute nickname) was living with some horrid, posh, bullying relatives. The man next door was an older, wealthy mill owner, Scipio Butterworth, who was looked down on (by the relatives) as he 'smelled of the shop'. Although I dislike the mean relatives trope, it was a decent setup for Jane and the very nice Scipio to fall for each other.
Well, they did fall for each other, but there really wasn't a lot of romance in the book. Too many secrets, too many machinations by unpleasant people, and the back story wasn't very believable. Jane had been caring for her bedridden cousin (who had been wounded at Waterloo) for TEN YEARS before he finally died. OK, that could have happened, but for the purposes of the story, it was way too long. A couple of years would have been more credible and worked better for the story. Jane was revealed as weak for being bossed around by her horrid aunt for so long, instead of standing up for herself. She needed some backbone. And it didn't reflect well on Scipio either. He came across as a little too beta, even though he was supposed to be a driven, self-made businessman. Rhys Winterborne he was not.
If there had been more overt romance and longing, the story would have been way more interesting for me. Too much was left hidden or understated for too long, at the cost of an engaging read. So, not my fav by this author. I should have read more reviews before I started it LOL. Oh well, I have really liked some of Ms. Kelly's books, and will no doubt go on and read more, despite this dud.
February 23, 2014
**Very Slight Spoilers**
Deceased Characters:
Blair: Dead from wounds sustained in the war between England and France, Son of Lord Denby, husband of Lucinda, father of Andrew although his patronage of Andrew is considered questionable.
Lucinda: Dead from wounds sustained after stepping in front of a moving carriage when her son, Andrew, was six weeks old.
Living Characters:
Jane Milton: 30 year old spinster and poor relation of the Stover family. She is used as a part-time servant, mother to the little orphaned Andrew, nursemaid to her dying cousin, Blair, encourager to her hypochondriac uncle, "whipping boy" and object of ridicule by her cousin, Lady Carruthers.
Andrew: 11 year old son of Blair and Lucinda, struggles with the lack of interest shown by his father, Blair, who spent many long years away from home and rarely came home to attend to his relationship with his son. Is of an age to understand that he is the subject of ridicule by neighbors and Lady Carruthers.
Lord Denby: Marquess who has decided to be "absent" from life as he has taken to his bed and rarely arises except to sit for short periods of time in a chair.
Mr. Butterworth: "Mill Owner" who resides in the property adjacent to Lord Denby's, friend to Jane and Andrew, the butt of Lady Carruther's ridicule, however, somewhat accepted by the local society.
Approximately 16 months previous to the story's beginning, it seems that Jane's cousin, Blair, returned home from serving many years in the war between England and France with a wound that would not heal. It fell to Jane to be his nursemaid, however, the reader isn't fully aware of exactly how Blair died and if Blair's and Jane's relationship included feelings beyond that of cousin. We do know that he lingered in sickness for several months while Jane nursed him and that although some time has passed since he died, a black wreath still hangs on the door that nobody seems motivated enough to remove. Jane has been left with a sadness that seemingly goes beyond Blair's death. She can't sleep, she fears to wake up once she goes to sleep and she does not eat.
Jane has little support from other members of the Stover family. It is apparent that Lord Denby has troubles and sorrows of his own - to the point, he has taken to his bed seemingly wishing for death to hasten, even though it's obvious there's probably nothing wrong with him physically. Lady Carruthers, Lord Denby's sister, fancies herself the boss of the household and she is not a nice person. She rags on Jane and Andrew endlessly and they never receive a kind word from her. Lord Denby might as well be an absent lord for all the attention he gives to this sad state of affairs.
Andrew is nearly twelve years old and in order to receive a proper education, he needs to learn Latin and Greek, however, he is very reluctant to leave the safe environs of Jane's comfort to go to the local school taught by the vicar. Rumors surrounding Andrew's legitimacy abound, many initiated by Lady Carruthers who would like to see her own useless son, Cecil, inherit the marquessate. Even Lord Denby seems to doubt that Andrew is his grandson showing absolutely no interest in the boy. Finally, after much pressure by Lady Carruthers, it seems Jane has no choice but to send Andrew to the vicar's school where he will have to brave whatever cruel taunts come from the boys in the neighborhood regarding his mother's death and the question of his legitimacy.
Up to this point in the story, I had a problem sticking with the book and this is coming from a major fan of Carla Kelly's. I have read pretty much every book of hers that I can get my hands on and check regularly to see if and when more books might become available. But, there was such a gray shadow over the life of Jane and even Andrew, I was finding it difficult to stay engaged.
Then the Stovers' neighbor, Mr. Butterworth, enters into the story-line: Once this fine man was introduced, things take off like a smooth sailboat crossing the bay. Apparently, Mr. Butterworth has been a long time friend and solace of Jane's and Andrew's even though he wasn't considered fitting company to a family like the Stovers since he was the owner of several mills and "stank" of the shop to Lady Carruther. Of course the reader immediately realizes what Mr. Butterworth's persona will add to the storyline. Can we all say - Hero? We first meet him when he sees Jane walking back from her conversation with the vicar regarding Andrew's attendance at his school. It is raining and he comes out with an umbrella to escort her into his home for a quick spot of tea, while his servants dry her cloak and they have some conversation about Andrew. When Jane shares with Mr. Butterworth relative to Andrew's placement in the vicar's school, he stands her friend and encourages her to begin "speaking her mind." After Andrew's first day at school, Jane and Mr. Butterworth see him walking back from school with his head down as a result of insults he has received, whereupon Mr. Butterworth takes it upon himself to teach Andrew Greek and Latin and eventually provides a tutor for Andrew. Thus, we were able to get a glimpse of what Mr. Butterworth was to Jane and Andrew before Blair's convalescence and eventual death created an interruption. In fact, although Mr. Butterfield is 15 years older than Jane's 30 years, we are soon rooting for their friendship to turn into something much more. Further, it seems he doesn't "stink" to Jane at all but rather smells of lavender.
Once Jane is brave enough to begin standing up for herself, the story gets much more interesting and the grayness begins to lift. In fact, the colors of the story change to the point that a red cloak eventually enters into the story-line. By that time, Jane and Andrew have been invited to and accepted an invitation to spend Christmas with Mr. Butterworth's sister's family who live near one of the mills that he owns. What a wonderful time they have and Andrew begins to understand what it would be to live within the confines of a lovable, supportive family.
Jane is encouraged by Mr. Butterworth to spill some very sad secrets she has been harboring and he is there to comfort and hold her. However, it is obvious Mr. Butterworth has secrets of his own that he is unwilling to spill. It seems Lord Denby also has some secrets that need to be spilled. A pleasant man visits from America that everyone assumes to be a handyman. Everything points toward the revealing of secrets until the happy ending we are looking for eventually arrives. Dear Readers, buy this book and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
Deceased Characters:
Blair: Dead from wounds sustained in the war between England and France, Son of Lord Denby, husband of Lucinda, father of Andrew although his patronage of Andrew is considered questionable.
Lucinda: Dead from wounds sustained after stepping in front of a moving carriage when her son, Andrew, was six weeks old.
Living Characters:
Jane Milton: 30 year old spinster and poor relation of the Stover family. She is used as a part-time servant, mother to the little orphaned Andrew, nursemaid to her dying cousin, Blair, encourager to her hypochondriac uncle, "whipping boy" and object of ridicule by her cousin, Lady Carruthers.
Andrew: 11 year old son of Blair and Lucinda, struggles with the lack of interest shown by his father, Blair, who spent many long years away from home and rarely came home to attend to his relationship with his son. Is of an age to understand that he is the subject of ridicule by neighbors and Lady Carruthers.
Lord Denby: Marquess who has decided to be "absent" from life as he has taken to his bed and rarely arises except to sit for short periods of time in a chair.
Mr. Butterworth: "Mill Owner" who resides in the property adjacent to Lord Denby's, friend to Jane and Andrew, the butt of Lady Carruther's ridicule, however, somewhat accepted by the local society.
Approximately 16 months previous to the story's beginning, it seems that Jane's cousin, Blair, returned home from serving many years in the war between England and France with a wound that would not heal. It fell to Jane to be his nursemaid, however, the reader isn't fully aware of exactly how Blair died and if Blair's and Jane's relationship included feelings beyond that of cousin. We do know that he lingered in sickness for several months while Jane nursed him and that although some time has passed since he died, a black wreath still hangs on the door that nobody seems motivated enough to remove. Jane has been left with a sadness that seemingly goes beyond Blair's death. She can't sleep, she fears to wake up once she goes to sleep and she does not eat.
Jane has little support from other members of the Stover family. It is apparent that Lord Denby has troubles and sorrows of his own - to the point, he has taken to his bed seemingly wishing for death to hasten, even though it's obvious there's probably nothing wrong with him physically. Lady Carruthers, Lord Denby's sister, fancies herself the boss of the household and she is not a nice person. She rags on Jane and Andrew endlessly and they never receive a kind word from her. Lord Denby might as well be an absent lord for all the attention he gives to this sad state of affairs.
Andrew is nearly twelve years old and in order to receive a proper education, he needs to learn Latin and Greek, however, he is very reluctant to leave the safe environs of Jane's comfort to go to the local school taught by the vicar. Rumors surrounding Andrew's legitimacy abound, many initiated by Lady Carruthers who would like to see her own useless son, Cecil, inherit the marquessate. Even Lord Denby seems to doubt that Andrew is his grandson showing absolutely no interest in the boy. Finally, after much pressure by Lady Carruthers, it seems Jane has no choice but to send Andrew to the vicar's school where he will have to brave whatever cruel taunts come from the boys in the neighborhood regarding his mother's death and the question of his legitimacy.
Up to this point in the story, I had a problem sticking with the book and this is coming from a major fan of Carla Kelly's. I have read pretty much every book of hers that I can get my hands on and check regularly to see if and when more books might become available. But, there was such a gray shadow over the life of Jane and even Andrew, I was finding it difficult to stay engaged.
Then the Stovers' neighbor, Mr. Butterworth, enters into the story-line: Once this fine man was introduced, things take off like a smooth sailboat crossing the bay. Apparently, Mr. Butterworth has been a long time friend and solace of Jane's and Andrew's even though he wasn't considered fitting company to a family like the Stovers since he was the owner of several mills and "stank" of the shop to Lady Carruther. Of course the reader immediately realizes what Mr. Butterworth's persona will add to the storyline. Can we all say - Hero? We first meet him when he sees Jane walking back from her conversation with the vicar regarding Andrew's attendance at his school. It is raining and he comes out with an umbrella to escort her into his home for a quick spot of tea, while his servants dry her cloak and they have some conversation about Andrew. When Jane shares with Mr. Butterworth relative to Andrew's placement in the vicar's school, he stands her friend and encourages her to begin "speaking her mind." After Andrew's first day at school, Jane and Mr. Butterworth see him walking back from school with his head down as a result of insults he has received, whereupon Mr. Butterworth takes it upon himself to teach Andrew Greek and Latin and eventually provides a tutor for Andrew. Thus, we were able to get a glimpse of what Mr. Butterworth was to Jane and Andrew before Blair's convalescence and eventual death created an interruption. In fact, although Mr. Butterfield is 15 years older than Jane's 30 years, we are soon rooting for their friendship to turn into something much more. Further, it seems he doesn't "stink" to Jane at all but rather smells of lavender.
Once Jane is brave enough to begin standing up for herself, the story gets much more interesting and the grayness begins to lift. In fact, the colors of the story change to the point that a red cloak eventually enters into the story-line. By that time, Jane and Andrew have been invited to and accepted an invitation to spend Christmas with Mr. Butterworth's sister's family who live near one of the mills that he owns. What a wonderful time they have and Andrew begins to understand what it would be to live within the confines of a lovable, supportive family.
Jane is encouraged by Mr. Butterworth to spill some very sad secrets she has been harboring and he is there to comfort and hold her. However, it is obvious Mr. Butterworth has secrets of his own that he is unwilling to spill. It seems Lord Denby also has some secrets that need to be spilled. A pleasant man visits from America that everyone assumes to be a handyman. Everything points toward the revealing of secrets until the happy ending we are looking for eventually arrives. Dear Readers, buy this book and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
April 2, 2019
This was a cute little romance. It kind of reminded me of Miss Buncle's Book in tone, although I don't think it's quite as good and it had some comparatively darker plot elements. The last part of the book kind of lost some of it's charm, I think because there were additional plot elements and characters introduced and the heroine was depressed (not fun to read about that for too long...). Overall a sweet little book. I read it on kindle as my library didn't have it.
July 16, 2023
Very slow novel, with overworked and under appreciated Miss Milton finally deciding to start speaking her mind to her family and her friend Mr. Butterworth. Light on romance - lots of unrequited love on both sides. I assume the big barrier between the two is 1. His lower class origins BUT she spent time in a workhouse so what’s the big deal?! & 2. His age? But hardly any time was spent on that so, again, not a big deal. Just two people who could have married years prior.
August 6, 2017
Another excellent book
Carla Kelly can be relied on for a good read. She gives us in this book the view from the heroine's point of view solely, but her writing voice is the same consistent voice from all her books. And her understanding of the British law of inheritance is perfectly correct.
Carla Kelly can be relied on for a good read. She gives us in this book the view from the heroine's point of view solely, but her writing voice is the same consistent voice from all her books. And her understanding of the British law of inheritance is perfectly correct.
August 5, 2024
Well, I bawled my eyes out at the end. Trust Carla Kelly to believe in redemption.
However, Camel Press has done her a real disservice by publishing this execrably edited version of her book. I'm grateful to see Kelly's back catalog in print again, but GOOD GOD! is it so hard to do minimal editing?
However, Camel Press has done her a real disservice by publishing this execrably edited version of her book. I'm grateful to see Kelly's back catalog in print again, but GOOD GOD! is it so hard to do minimal editing?
January 2, 2019
Another lovely story by Carla Kelly. It pulled me in and I ended up reading until 1 a.m. so I could finish it. She has such a deft way of revealing the inner struggles and motivations of her characters.
January 14, 2018
Tame and sweet, the book centers around Jane, a put-upon poor relation and a mill owner. This book had an annoying number of side plots, but all resolved well enough.
May 15, 2018
Gotta admire a Regency romance where the hero is a textile mill owner, and Robert Owen is name-checked.
January 27, 2019
This is another pretty serious story. I prefer the ones a little lighter in tone, but it was good.
March 20, 2019
A nice, little story where a woman learns to share her opinions about the world that is quickly changing around her.
January 8, 2020
This is one of those "Regencies" that made me immediately go back and re-read some Georgette Heyer. I didn't hate it, but so many things happened that were definitely not Regency.
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February 7, 2020Loved this book
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