Georgette Heyer is always a pleasure, and I was delighted to reread this one for the 1970 Club. As usual, on my first post for the club, here is a list of some other books from 1970 that I have reviewed:
- Ibiza Surprise by Dorothy Dunnett
- Troubles by J. G. Farrell
- The Woods in Winter by Stella Gibbons
- 84, Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff
- Ripley Under Ground by Patricia Highsmith
- Fire From Heaven by Mary Renault
- Abigail by Magda Szabo
Now for my review.
While visiting friends in the country, Viscount Desford goes to a party to see the latest beauty. He notices someone watching the party from upstairs. Thinking that she’s a child, he speaks to her, only to find she is older, a naïve relative who has been taken in out of charity.
The next day on his way to London, he finds the girl, Cherry Steane, on the road, running away from her aunt. Desford tries to talk her into returning, but she has been treated as a drudge and accused of trying to attract Desford to herself away from her beautiful cousin. He finally agrees to take her to her grandfather’s house in London, but upon arriving there, finds the house shut up.
Desford tries to think where he can take Cherry without ruining her reputation. His parents’ house is out of the question, not only because his father is suffering from a gout attack but also because Lord Desford despises both Wilfred Steane, Cherry’s father, who disappeared without paying her school fees, and Steane’s father.
Desford decides to take her to his best friend, Henrietta Silverdale. At one point, Lord Desford tried to arrange a marriage between Desford and Henrietta, but both refused. However, when Desford brings Cherry in, Henrietta feels pangs, fearing he may be attracted to her.
This novel features one of Heyer’s romping plots, with Desford encountering a slew of memorable characters while he tries to find a place for Cherry.
What? Me Read? 
I often read a Heyer book for the clubs but I just read this one a few years ago so wasn’t ready for a re-read yet. I remember finding it entertaining.
Yes, that has been my problem with some of the others. For example, the Stella Gibbons The Woods in Winter is one that I would gladly reread, but not quite yet.
Oh, I loved this one! Henrietta was one of my favourite Heyer heroines and Desford was pretty perfect as romantic hero!
Yes, it’s a good one!
Ooh, nice – glad you found a Heyer to read!
They’re usually fun.
She’s a delightful escape, isn’t she! You’ve had some other good ones from 1970 too.
Thanks!
I have read a number of Heyer books, but not this one!
Thanks for sharing your review with the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge