NCW Libraries

Anne Bronte's first novel, Agnes Grey, combines an astute dissection of middle-class social behavior and class attitudes with a wonderful study of Victorian responses to young children which has parallels with debates about education that continue to this day. In writing the novel, Bronte drew on her own experiences, and one can trace in the work many of the trials of the Victorian governess, often stranded far from home, and treated with little respect...

The classic ghost story about a high-strung governess and the two young children who may--or may not--be plotting with the diabolical Peter Quint.

Independent governess Honoria Wetherby stumbles upon a mortally wounded young man in the woods on a stormy night. when the stranger dies, she is trapped in a cabin with his newly arrived cousin, Devil, who insists that their unchaperoned night together has compromised her honor and, therefore, she must marry him.

Former nun Maria becomes the governess for a large family living in the shadow of their domineering and repressed widower father, Captain Georg von Trapp. Along with the required discipline, Maria brings love music and light into the children's lives and, eventually their father. A classic love story that features some of the most beloved songs in musical history.

"Adelaide Proctor longs to find a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a governess position on a remote Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her silly romantic yearnings behind. Gideon Wescott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, never expecting to end up with a child. To his dismay, five-year-old Isabella hasn't...

"Women rarely refuse the wicked Earl of Hepplewood, whose daring exploits are only whispered about. But when his new governess answers his proposition with a slap, then stalks out, references in hand, Hepplewood finds more than his face is burning. Isabella Aldridge has brains, bravado, and beauty--but the latter is no use to a servant. Her circumstances are desperate, and with Hepplewood's words ringing in her ears, Isabella realizes she must barter...

A live performance of the classic musical. An aspiring nun in pre-WWII Austria leaves the abbey to become a governess for the widower Captain von Trapp's seven children and finds herself falling in love.

Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English governess, she infiltrates the home of Laird Sutherland, a suspected conspirator. Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the woman he loves in an English spy?

"Victoria Winters and Frank Garner anxiously search for clues to Laura Collins' strange origins and are led to a series of bizarre discoveries. Elizabeth Collins Stoddard orders Laura to leave Collinwood, but Laura secretly visits Elizabeth while she sleeps and places her in a trance. Laura warns Victoria that she will take control of her son, David Collins, but becomes frightened when the ghost of Josette Collins appears to her. Against Roger Collins'...

As the new governess to the duke's family, Alice Sharpe must learn to control her impulsiveness. Employment in the duke's household is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and could mean living in comfort the rest of her days. Unfortunately, her first encounter with the duke's houseguest, a handsome gentleman obsessed with insects, proves she may not be ready for the austere role of governess. Rupert Gardiner has one goal: to have his work in entomology...