If you haven't read the first volume, Jill is our clever, resourceful, and occasionally reckless heroine. Down on her luck and hiding a family scandal, she took a drastic step: she pretended to be a governess named "Miss March" for a family that didn't check her references too closely. Volume 2 is all about living with that choice.

The Story

Jill is now settled into her new life, teaching her young pupil and navigating the dynamics of the household. The problem? She's actually good at it, and she's starting to care for the family, especially the perceptive and kind Mr. Fenton. Every kind word they say to "Miss March" feels like a pinch, because it's not really her they're praising. The central tension isn't a murder or a stolen will; it's the slow, daily anxiety of being found out. As genuine friendships form and her feelings for Mr. Fenton grow, the lie becomes heavier. Can she build a real life on a fake identity, or will the truth come crashing down and destroy everything?

Why You Should Read It

Dillwyn writes Jill with such warmth and honesty. You're not watching a perfect angel; you're rooting for a flawed young woman who made a desperate move and is now trying to make the best of it. The book is surprisingly funny and sharp about social expectations. Jill's internal monologue is full of witty observations about the people around her and her own precarious situation. The romance, when it develops, feels earned and sweet, built on shared conversations and quiet understanding rather than dramatic gestures. It’s a story that celebrates cleverness, resilience, and the messy path to honesty.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with heart and a dash of gentle social satire. If you like the wit of Jane Austen but crave a heroine with a bit more grit and a slightly more modern sensibility (for the 1880s!), Jill is your girl. It’s a comforting yet compelling read about finding your place in the world, even if you have to start from a lie. A real hidden gem from the Victorian bookshelf.