 While he was away working as a naval surgeon, she took work as a governess.Pilkington's portrait, painted by Joseph Slater Jr., is held by the Royal Collection Trust An engraving of her by James Hopwood the Elder is held by the National Portrait Gallery, London, and another by Isaac Slater is held by the Victoria and Albert Museum.Many of her novels (of which she is known to have produced over forty in the years up to 1825) were written for children.