Published in 1899, 'Millbank; Or, Roger Irving's Ward' by Mary Jane Holmes is a 19th-century American novel that follows young Roger Irving as he inherits his family's estate, Millbank, after his father's sudden death. The story explores themes of familial tension, particularly with his stepmother, Mrs. Walter Scott, who has her own ambitions for the estate. As Roger grapples with grief and the complexities of his inheritance, the narrative delves into the contrasting dynamics within the household, including his relationship with the devoted housekeeper, Hester Floyd.
