Джорджетт Хейер: Frederica

Written in Georgette Heyer s lightest vein, this is the story of the adventures in Regency London of the Merriville family: Frederica, riding the whirlwind and directing the storm, Harry, rusticated from Oxford and embarking with enthusiasm on the more perilous amusements pursued by young gentlemen of ton, the divine Charis, too tender-hearted to discourage the advances of her numerous suitors, Jessamy, destined for the Church and wavering, in adolescent style, between excessive virtue and a natural exuberance of spirits, and Felix, a schoolboy with a passion for scientific experiment. In Frederica, Georgette Heyer created one of her most engaging heroines, and in the Marquis of Alverstoke — a bored cynic who becomes involved in all the imbroglios of a lively family — a hero whose sense of humour makes him an excellent foil for Frederica.