The Unbefitting Governess: Book 1

by Iona McDuff

“She’s got to go!” Lady Amelia announced. “She’s Scottish! I don’t like her and her ridiculous accent!”Recently widowed English Earl Alexander Montgomery is at his wits’ end. Since the death of his wife, finding and retaining a governess for his high-spirited, uncontrollable, pre-pubescent daughter has become well-nigh impossible.

As a last resort, he places yet another advertisement, this time in a national newspaper, determined to hire the next governess to step through the grand front entrance of Montgomery Hall, come hell or high water.

But the young woman who turns up for the interview is not at all what he had in mind…

51 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2024

About the author

Iona McDuff is the international best-selling author of over a dozen Scottish historical romance books, always with a dash of action and adventure added!

Iona grew up on the rugged west coast of Scotland, with a love of writing since childhood. She is the author of The Stranger of Skamorr trilogy, the 13-book MacDouglas Highlander thriller romance saga, The Heathen's Bride trilogy, and Beyond the Wall: Enduring Love Across Distant Borders, a Celtic-Roman romance.

Her stories are set in the Highlands and Lowlands that she knows and loves so well, and feature tough Scottish heroines and the even tougher men whose hearts they have captured.

When not writing, she is immersed in her other passions: taking long walks on her windswept west coast beach where she best draws inspiration for her next book, bicycling on quiet country roads, metal detecting (still hoping to find that elusive Viking hoard!), researching deep into her Scottish ancestry, and wishing she'd paid more attention to Latin lessons at school.

Her goals in life are to spend as much time as possible with her adult children, to write as long as she can, and to never, ever put the milk first in tea.

Reviews

[Barbara Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Versus Amelia!

"The Inheriting Governess: Book 1" is Part 1 of 5 novellas written by Iona McDuff. This series is about a young Scottish woman who was born out of wedlock. To understand Emma's past, please read the 24 page Prequel offered free of charge at the beginning of this book. You will meet Jeannie, Emma's mother and learn how pregnant unwed women were treated in England and Scotland in the late 1700s. Book 1 is set in the early 1800s and is mainly the story of Emma, A Scottish woman in her 20s who was, fortunately, practically raised by an archdeacon and his wife because Emma could read Jane Austen book when she was six years old. She was tutored in literature, mathematics and science by the archdeacon's wife for 10 years, tutored several children, one all the way to university, by the time she was 22. Now, she is hired to tutor Lady Amelia, a headstrong of 12, who has chased away every applicant or governess her father interviewed or hired. Emma is hired, and day one of lessons is a horrible trial where Emma gets hurt. There is a cliffhanger ending, but that is to be expected in a miniseries. I was confused by the ending and who her employer's visitor is, but since I have Book 2, I will soon find out. I gave this book 5 stars.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is really one book divided into five novelettes of 50+ pages each, forcing the reader to pay 5 times, instead of once. The story itself is an unusual variation on the governess meets widower trope. In this one, the child, Amelia, is a 12-year-old menace, who had run off countless governesses and set fire to a duchess who was romantically interested in her father. She's a candidate for Bedlam. Her sullen father can't control her; he merely bellows at her occasionally to stop acting like a Chucky doll. The child makes this a very unpleasant read.

Amelia, the daughter, has caused numerous governesses to flee within a week of being hired. She's truly too obnoxious and dangerous for the story. Her father, wallowing in self-pity, has allowed his daughter to get away with her behavior. He's an earl in his mid-30s who can't even stand up to his own mommy, who wants him to marry the obnoxious widow of a duke.

Emma, the new governess, who is incorrectly called "Mistress Stewart" throughout the tale, is from a humble background in Scotland. Not exactly what he expected, but he is at his wit's end with his daughter.

This one ends on page 50, after Amelia has caused Emma to fall from her horse.

[Jeffrey Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is an atmospheric historical romance that blends emotional depth with sharp character dynamics set in 19th-century Northumberland.

McDuff’s skilful world-building and vivid descriptions immerse readers in the moody English countryside, and the dialogue—especially Emma’s charming brogue—adds authenticity.

What stands out most is the nuanced portrayal of grief and the slow, believable evolution of relationships.

However, the pacing falters at times, with some descriptive sections delaying the action.

The author could also more cohesively introduce Emma’s mysterious past to deepen her character arc.

Despite these minor shortcomings, The Unbefitting Governess is an enjoyable, well-crafted tale that will resonate with fans of historical romance, offering charm, wit, and emotional depth in abundance.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
The prequel to Ms McDuff’s new series immediately attracted my attention and was an interesting peek into the Scottish approach to dealing with unwed mothers. Jeannie’s solution was a brave and controversial decision which ended well for her daughter, Emma.
Emma’s adult life story begins in Book 1 with her employment by the Earl of Northumberland as a governess as he tries to control his rebellious daughter, Amelia. Emma’s dogged persistence in supervising Amelia, and the young girl’s continued mutiny, promises further upheaval in Emma’s life and the reader continues to wonder what occurred on Emma’s journey to her destination.
I have read and reviewed ARC’s of all of this author’s previous books, and I am looking forward to watching the story develop in this new series.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

In order to get the most out of this story, the reader is strongly advised to read the prequel. The prequel gives you a background of Emma, her past, determination and more. Once you have finished the prequel, dive into this story and be carried away for a bit into the lives of Emma, Alexander and his daughter, Amelia. Alexander is a widower with a very precocious daughter. He needs a governess, Emma but Amelia is rather hateful. The story itself is fast paced, short and engaging. It's a continuous story and this is the only author I have found that can pull this off well. I have read her other works and can say with confidence that, while I don't like continuous stories, I fully enjoy hers and am always waiting for her next story. Don't miss out, you'll regret it.

[Rodney Wiedrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. You definitely need to read the prequel first to understand how she became a governess. Emma has her work cut out for her because Amelia has no desire to become a lady since her mother past on. She is strong willed and believes that she has the right to run everyone off. It seems her father was letting her have a say in who she wanted to educate her, but all she wanted was her mother to do it. It will be interesting to see just how Emma gets Amelia to take her lessons serious and become a lady.

[judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma is being put to the test with her precocious charge Amelia. She is understandably frustrated by the actions of the girl to the point she goes to see Lord Montgomery to resign her governess post. She seems to be surprised by who Lord Montgomery guest is in the end of this book. This is a very interesting story so far. It makes me realize just how much grit Emma has. The prequel explains her upbringing that develops her character and grit. I loved Emma’s sense of humor in the interview with Lord Montgomery.

[Lillian Huffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful story to read. It starts off with the prequel and in it you learn the background. An unwed mother in this time period was not only taboo but many times the unwed mother's would have to sell their bodies to house, cloth, and feed their child. Emma had a better education than most and it lead to her being a tutor for a couple of young men. Then she applies to be a governess and the child, Amelia, she will be a governess for is as stubborn as they come. Amelia leads her on a merry chase and I look forward to the next stories in this series.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earl Alexander Montgomery is a widower who needs a governess for his spirited daughter.
Emma Stewart is applying for a governess job, and is very eager to be hired.
Make sure you read the prequel, it gives the background of Emma and it’s definitely worth knowing. As with her other books, Iona McDuff has created a wonderful story, believable characters and wonderful scenery, and I’m very eager to read the next installment. Absolutely worth reading and continuing the story.
Grab the book, you won’t regret it!

[Barbara Labbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma was born as an illegitimate child to her mother Jeannie. Jeannie was seduced by a man with promises of marriage and became a whore to provide for Emma. Emma is very intelligent and began to absorb any book or
subject she was exposed to, that’s how she became a well educated Governess. Now she has a new student who wants nothing to do with learning but is very good at sabotaging everything she tries. When she goes to the Lord to tell him she’s quitting she finds she has an unexpected guest waiting for her. Who could it be? This is Book 1 of a Series.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very refreshing realism of Ms. McDuff’s book, while typical of this author, is unusual in “governess” novels. I am glad to get a solid glimpse into the life of a working class woman of this time. It helps that the main character, Emma, has both the pragmatism and realism she needs to be able to not only survive in a world where there are very few options for women of her background. I like her. I’m upset with the little miss, although she really can’t have much insight into what her governess’ life might be like without this job. I hope she gets some!

[Bert Kubo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a 5 Star!

The Unbefitting Governess Book 1 holds promise of intrigue, mystery and romance. How will gentle, intelligent Emma possibly survive the willfull behavior of Amelia and become the governess? Who is Emma's father? What is her rightful place in society? Love how the author, Iona McDuff, anticipates what the reader is thinking and feeling. Am very eager to continue and recommend this new series!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma has agreed to become the governess for a rather strong willed, stubborn, hateful daughter of an Earl.
She really needs the job but after one day of Amelias antics will she stay?

The story ends on a cliffhanger and will continue in the next book.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next instalment.

I would recommend that you read the prequel as it gives the background for this story.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting, short read. The characterization was done well. The writing style is easy to read. However, this story has a cliff-hangar ending. As it has more books, I'm assuming those books would pick up where the last one ended. Personally, I prefer a story that feels like it has an ending even in a series but if this is something you don't mind then it is definitely an entertaining tale.

[Rebekah Wanke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bright, full of strength and confidence! Born without a name to a mother who loved her so fiercely that she sacrificed everything for her. Her amazing intelligence was noted, appreciated, and nurtured by a loving couple at a tender age. It’s exciting to read her story. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Stewart gets the job of Governess to Lady Amelia daughter of Lord Alexander Montgomery Earl of Northumberland.  This was a a strange relationship between pupil and governess as never before. A captivating read from the start.  I enjoyed this  ARC copy  and recommend it  to other readers.

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

How long can she keep her secret?
Emma obtains a position as a governess against the vociferous objections of her young charge, who will stop at nothing to get rid of her: her Scottish brogue, her tenacity, … her terrible secret.
The author has an incredible knack for keeping us in suspense.

[Elise Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in this series does not disappoint. The Earl needs to find a governess for his daughter. Emma responds to ad and now the adventure or struggle begins.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

All 5 books

[AmiA. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of The Unbefitting Governess series and it is sooo good! The characters are realistic and interesting. While the storyline is very engaging. I must admit I was so wrapped up in the story that I tapped my Kindle a few times trying to get it to turn to the next page before I realized it was NOT broken (thankfully) but that I had quickly gotten to the last page! I want more and fortunately, I will very have more soon, hurray. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: I received this ARC from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.