It was perhaps fortunate that right before I read Bath Tangle for the second time, a dear friend told me that I should write more reviews in which I abridge the plot of the novel, and in so doing attempt to be humorous; whether or not I succeed is up to others to decide. In any case, this seemed like the perfect novel to abridge. I suppose I need not say to beware of spoilers. I will of course follow my summary with a few rather more sensible notes on the plot and characters, but for now… Bath Tangle: Abridged ~Milverley Park:Fanny: *sniffles* My husband was too young to die! By the way, I'm a few years younger than his daughter, but let’s not talk about that... This book's going to be awkward enough anyway.Serena: *sigh* What are we going to do?Fanny:Well, I suppose I will have to be your chaperone…Serena: Um… k?Lord Dorrington, Lawyer, Mr Eaglesham, and Sir William: Hey there! We’re all here to really irritate each other for the next few minutes; but that’s okay, seeing as you’re barely going to notice us for the rest of the story, if we’re here at all.Rotherham: All of you, shut the f**k up already, and let the snobby lawyerish dude read the Will!Snobby Lawyerish Dude: *eh-hem* I am very sorry to inform you of this, Lady Serena, but the guy you once almost married, Lord Rotherham, is now your Trustee, in control of almost all your money, and has to give his approval to whomever you decide to marry.Rotherham: …LOL!Everyone else: Oh snap.Serena: … Son of a bitch.Rotherham: Hey, come on, it wasn’t my idea!Serena: Was too!Rotherham: Was not!Serena: Was too!(Readers: Seriously, guys?)Rotherham: Was not!!!Serena: So refuse to take the job then.Rotherham: I enjoy being a royal pain the ass...so no. Serena: Screw you, Rotherham. I’m going to go and sulk in the Dower House with Fanny.*** ~Dower House:Serena: *is bored*Fanny: *is slightly less bored, but still bored*Serena: *is bored and angry*Fanny: *is crying*Serena: Oh, I’m so sorry, Fanny! I didn’t mean to be a complete bitch and take my temper out on such a sweet little thing as you are. You know what? This sucks. We’re going to Bath.(Rotherham: *mumbles angrily* I tried to let her keep her horses, I tried, I tried, I tried…)*** ~Bath:Serena: Jees, Fanny, you gotta stop making all these men fall in love with you, being so sweet and pathetic n’all.Fanny: Me? You mean they’ve been coming over and over again to see me? I never suspected! If people thought I was encouraging them, I wouldn't have any pleasure in Bath at all!Serena: *sigh* No, don’t worry, I was just kidding. Now then, let me see if I can find the most outrageous person I can in Bath to acquaint myself with. Hey, strange lady with the old-fashioned clothes, were you staring at me?Mrs Floore: Sure was! I thought it would be awesome to be friends, seeing as you know my granddaughter, Emily Laleham.Serena: Oh, her! Yeah, she’s cool. We should totally be friends, you seem lovely.Fanny: Oh, God that is going to be embarrassing. Later…Rotherham: Girl, do you know how irritating it is trying to send you your allowance if I have no idea where you are?Serena: Oh, whoops, sorry. Rotherham, I’m in Bath!Rotherham: No s**t. Argh, my relatives are really irritating.Serena: Sure thing. GTFO.Later…Serena: *walking out of a library* WTF?! Hector?Hector: *stopping in the doorway* ASKFDGL SERENA!!! MY DEAREST CHILDHOOD SWEETHEART! Angry Library Visitor: Dude, get the f**k out of the doorway!Hector: *gets the f**k out of the doorway* My dearest Serena! You are still so beautiful; I can't believe this… I never forgot you!Serena: Well... that’s kind of awkward, seeing as I almost entirely forgot you when I decided to marry Rotherham… But at least I didn’t go through with it! And seeing you again I'm remembering how much I loved you! Rotherham’s my Trustee now, you know.Hector: …WTF?Serena: Yeah, I know. Hey, you should totally come and meet my stepmother, she’s motherly and not too formidable and wears a turban… Hee hee… Later...Hector: I'm so totally in luurve, and it's awesome, and everyone's talking about Serena and I, but I'm oblivious, because I'm so totally in luurve, and it's...Fanny: Seriously, you have got to shut up. When are you going to propose? It's been, like, ten whole days!Hector: Say what?! Propose? Well, um, I totally love Serena, she's a goddess and an angel and a darling, but I really feel like I shouldn't ask her because... She's way too good for me, and she's rich, and she's smart and generous and I can't give her a mansion, and she'd be so bored without her hunters...Fanny: Yet again, I'm feeling the overwhelming need to tell you to shut the hell up, in the sweetest way possible. Serena loves you and wouldn't give a crap about all that. So for goodness sake grow a pair and go ask her to marry you. Hector: Sure thing. *asks Serena to marry him*Serena: *says yes*Hector: *is so totally in luurve and... you get the idea* I love you Serena, but I don't want my delicate, beautiful queen to exhaust herself walking up hills or driving phaetons or riding spirited mares... Whoa, Serena, you'll fall off! Let me just help you...Serena: You, sir, are going the right way for a smack in the mouth if you don't take your hand off my mares bridle this instant! And stop cosseting me! Don't you know me at all?Hector: Well! I'm so sorry for just being concerned about you. Jees. Let me tell you, Serena, that your conduct is unseemly and will set the whole town talking.Serena: Oh hell no! He did not just go there. At least Rotherham never lectured me.Hector: Oh crap, did I just go there? Serena, I'm so sorry! I never should have presumed to criticise your actions - yours! - my most beautiful and divine goddess. (And no, it isn't yet occurring to me yet that you might not be quite the same woman I've been dreaming about for seven years...)Serena: Meh, don't worry about it Hector, I was being a bit of an odious, fiery-tempered bitch, so no problem. Hector: *phew*Later...Rotherham: Hey, Serena, have you noticed we barely get any scenes together in this book? So I'm just going to show up, and by the way, I'm engaged to marry Emily Laleham.Serena: Congrats! She seems like a silly, empty-headed, excitable little child who doesn't care about you and only wants your wealth, but hey... congrats anyway!Rotherham: Why thank you.Serena: Now that we've discussed your marriage, would you mind discussing mine? As I'm sure you remember, I need your permission to marry this guy. His name's Hector, we've been in love like forever, and...Rotherham: Yeah, whatever, go ahead. "Certainly - unless I discover the Major has a wife in Spain, or some other such trifling impediment." (LOL)Serena: Awesome. How much money will I get when I marry?Rotherham: *tells her*Hector: Holy s**t that's a lot! *sad face* Now I really don't feel like the man in this relationship; I should be providing for my wife, not the other way around!Serena: Shut up, Hector.(Readers: Hector, give it up... We all already know who the man is in this relationship, and it ain't you.)Later...Fanny *wanders around being beautiful and sweet and adorable and kind... and completely clueless*Random Guy: Fanny, please marry me! Even if you're still supposed to be in mourning for your last husband... I'll love you forever, you're so beautiful, I'll kill myself if I can't marry you! *gets an arm around her waist*Fanny: *starts crying*Hector: Dude, not cool. You should be ashamed of yourself, trying to kiss a young, recently widowed lady! Get the hell out, or I'll kick you down the stairs.Random Guy: *gets the hell out, not wanting to be kicked down the stairs*Hector: *sees Fanny still crying, and wishes he'd taken the opportunity to kick the random guy down the stairs*Fanny: *still crying* Oh, what did I do wrong? I don't mean to make people fall in love with me! Hector: *trying to comfort her* Of course you don't, my darling! I'll protect you! *kisses Fanny*Fanny: *kisses Hector*(Readers: Oh, SNAP. Dude, that is a serious double standard right there.)Hector: ... Oh s**t.Fanny: Awkward...Hector: I realise now! All this time, I haven't loved Serena! I only loved the dream of her I created! Oh, what have I done? I never realised until this moment that it was seeing you, Fanny, that made me so happy! I do not love my fiancé! (Readers: Okay, one: stop whining. Two: You're only just realising this now? For goodness sake, man, we've all know for at least the last sixty pages. *facepalm*)Fanny: But Hector... Serena loves you! Why shouldn't she - I do! Hector: Are you sure that it's not Rotherham that Serena loves?(Readers: Ya think? Jees. Still, seeing as he's been absent for most of the damn book, no wonder no-one's figured that out.)Fanny: No, no, of course not! Even though that would be the solution to all our problems - of course not!Hector: Well, this is just kind of awkward, isn't it? Brb, just gotta go and...um...clear my head...*sniffle*... Bye! Forgive me!Fanny: *cries**** ~Claycross:Rotherham: Holy hell, I know I'm rich and all, but how much of a bastard do I have to be to Emily to get her to cry off?! No, go away steward, I'm in a foul temper and I don't want to see anyone.Steward: Um... that's cool, but your ward Gerard is kind of waiting just outside the door.Rotherham: FML. Show him in, then.Gerard: *several random and useless comments starting with 'Cousin Rotherham'*Rotherham: "I'm not a public meeting! Don't say Cousin Rotherham! every time you open your mouth! Say what you have to say like a reasonable being! And sit down!"Gerard: *sits down* I hate you! You've totally paid for my education, but I still hate you! You've always tried to thwart my ambitions, you don't like me because I'm a bit of a dweeb, you wouldn't let me borrow your fishing rods, you hate all my friends, and you insulted my poetry!Rotherham: Did I really insult your poetry? Okay, well that was kind of mean. Sorry. Gerard: Screw you! And I've always been forced to submit to whatever you say, because you paid for my education, and if I'd dared to question you...Rotherham: Sick of this s**t already. I've never threatened you, I don't want any gratitude, and everything I've done was for your father's sake.Gerard: Oh. Well, that's kind of nice, and awkward too. Because despite having yelled at you for the last fifteen minutes, I haven't actually said why I'm pissed off at you... You ruined my life! Rotherham: "Don't keep me in suspense! How have I so unexpectedly achieved what you are persuaded has been my object for years?"Gerard: You knew I was in love with Emily, but you used your wealth to get her to marry you!Rotherham: (LOL! Whoo! This is my chance!) I didn't know, but seeing as I really want to piss you off, I'm just going to tell you to get over it. Gerard: Screw you! I'm going to see her! Where is she?Rotherham: Oh no you aren't going to see her! (Please go and see her...) Meh, she's in Bath.Gerard: Right! Off I go! Erm... can I borrow some money?Rotherham: *rolls eyes* Whatever. *** ~Bath:Gerard: Hey, Emily! It's me! Remember, that guy you fell in love with sometime last year?Emily: Um... yeah, sure I do! Hi! Mrs Floore: Are you sure he should be hanging around, seeing as you're, you know, engaged n'all?Emily: Oh, Rotherham would be fine with it! They're cousins!Mrs Floore: WHY THE HECK DIDN'T YOU TELL ME SOONER SO I COULD INVITE HIM TO DINNER?!Later...Gerard: Now that we're finally alone, Emily...Emily: Oh, I am so unhappy!Gerard: Ha, knew it! Emily: Well, I did want to marry him at first, it would be so nice to be a Marchioness...Gerard: Surely you wouldn't sell yourself just to be a Marchioness?Emily: Well, I would have, but then Rotherham frightened me and got angry at me when I didn't want him to kiss me so hard, and now I'm scared!Gerard: So the logical conclusion here would be not to marry him, yes?Emily: Oh, but I would never have the courage to cry off!Gerard: *facepalm* Make up your mind! Emily: *dithers and takes freakin' ages to decide anything, until she hears Rotherham and Lady Laleham are coming*Gerard: Emily, we must elope, it's the only way you can escape him! Even though I've got no money and we're both under-age and I don't know if it's legal or not, we really should elope!Emily: Sounds sensible! I'll get my things!Later... Serena: Uh... Mrs Floore? Why are you lying on the... well, on the floor? Mrs Floore: Poor little Emma has run away from that nasty Rotherham! Serena: And I'm guessing that she ran away with Gerard? Oh HELL no. That bitch. I'm the only person who's allowed to jilt Rotherham! I'll go get Emily back for him, even though I want to marry him myself, and I won't admit it. *gets Emily and Gerard to return*Later...Rotherham: Right, I've arrived... where's Serena?Hector: Oh, she rode off to get your silly bride back for you.Rotherham: ASKFDGL I'LL MURDER THAT GIRL!Fanny: Chill out already, she's trying to help!Rotherham: After everything I've done to scare my bride away, and Serena is trying to get her back? So not cool. *storms out*Hector:...LOL!Serena: Hey, Rotherham, you're back!Rotherham: ... Bitch.Serena: Well, that's not very nice, I just went through all this trouble to get your bride back, and you're responsible for this whole mess! Oh, and I told her you're actually a lot nicer than she thinks.Rotherham: Serena! I meant to scare her off!Serena: ...Rotherham: Wake up! I only asked her to marry me when I thought I'd lost you, but then I realised you weren't in love with Hector. You'll never marry him, he's a total doormat and you could never be happy with anyone who you could so easily bully!(Readers: Oh, for f**ks sake, can't you two just get a room already?)Serena: You are SO not being cool right now. One; Hector is far more awesome than you. Two; I am going to marry him, because I promised... and Three; how dare you talk like that to me when you deliberately tried to scare your own bride off? "Did you or did you not make violent love to her, and tell her that if she played the coquette with you after you were married it would be very much the worse for her?" (That comment is so much more amusing when you know to "make violent love" just means kissing. LOL!)Rotherham: Not immediately, but... Yeah, pretty much. But who cares? She only wanted my wealth anyway.Serena: Well, you're kind of a bastard, aren't you? Here I was trying to save you from being jilted again, and all this time you were only engaged to revenge yourself upon me! GTFO, and don't you dare come back.Rotherham: LOL! As if. *leaves*Later...Rotherham: Look, Emily, is there any way I can persuade you that you won't like being married to me?Emily: Not really, no, I'm too mercenary.Rotherham: Well, this is all a bit of a mess, isn't it? Fine then. If you marry me we'll live in the country, not in London; you'll have no parties, you'll entertain my guests, learn what's expected of you, and go riding and hunting, and...Emily: Eeek! Exercise! Noooo, please don't make me!Rotherham: Hee hee, I knew that would get you. Oh, and you'll learn to do everything I say, without question.Emily: Nooo! I can't marry you!Rotherham: Ha! I win.Mrs Floore: It's okay sweetheart, you don't have to marry him, you can live with me.Lady Laleham: Hey! She does have to marry him, and you can't take my daughter!Mrs Floore: Shut the hell up, or you aren't getting any more pocket money for the rest of your life.Lady Laleham: Be like that then. *slams the door*Rotherham: Whoo! Later...Butler: Um, Serena really doesn't want to see you right now.Rotherham: That's all good... Just tell her if she doesn't come down here, I'll come up to find her.Serena: "How dare you send me insolent messages by my own servants?"Rotherham: I'm a genius, I knew that'd make you come down.Serena: You bastard, you...Rotherham: *kisses her*Serena: *hugging him* I hate you! And you were glad to be rid of me!Rotherham: Was not. Well, I thought I was, but... then you had to get engaged to Hector! Why, exactly?Serena: He worships me. You don't. End of story.Rotherham: Yes, but I know you aren't perfect, and I won't apologise for saying it, because I love you in spite of it.Serena: Well... fine! I love you too. But I can't hurt Hector.Rotherham: *facepalm* Wake up girl, Hector totally wants to marry your step-mother. Serena:...LOL!Rotherham: So... am I cool to marry Serena now?(Readers: Well, it's about bloody time...)Fanny, Hector, & Serena: Yep, go ahead. Everyone: *gets all smiley*The End.Well, I think that summary pretty much covers what I thought of Bath Tangle. But I do feel I should touch on a couple of points; just to clarify the reasoning behind my rating the novel four stars.In a nutshell, then; though Georgette Heyer's humour is on top form, as usual, this novel just didn't feel quite as fun as some of her others. And I think that comes from a couple of things. Firstly, the 'hero' is absent for quite a bit of the book, and secondly, when he does appear, he's usually trying to bite the head off the heroine, or vice versa. I do find that their harsh words and their squabbling does get a little tiresome, however amusing their clashes might be. They both have very fiery tempers, and Ivo Rotherham can on occasion be downright mean. Neither Serena nor Rotherham - though strong characters with many virtues - are the most likeable of Heyer's characters. In light of this, Bath Tangle's secondary characters were what really held the novel up. Despite my slight ridicule of the two of them, both Fanny and Hector are really the sweetest, most darling things. They have their faults, and lack the strength that Ivo and Serena have, but they have qualities that more than make up for that. Mrs Floore is kind and hilarious, Emily ridiculous, and Gerard... well, you have to feel sorry for him, but he is rather silly. Overall, Bath Tangle is a very enjoyable, light and humorous novel, dragged down a little by the circumstances and characters of the hero and heroine, but still very highly recommended to any lovers of Regency romance. :)
Update: Listened to the audiobook narrated by Sian Phillips in March 2015 and totally loved it. She had exactly all the right intonations and I loved how she voiced Serena. The last battle was super well-done too! ;) *spoiler alert*Oh, I loved this one. I really, really, really did. It was sheer entertainment from beginning to end, and I embarrassingly laughed out loud several times. A great many people had told me prior to starting that they hadn't liked this book as much as other Heyer's, mainly because of the hero and heroine's fiery tempers, and the resulting scathing arguments between them. For my part, I greatly enjoyed it; both characters were strong-willed, intelligent, impetuous and their bickering was rather funny, since they were both blessed with a keen sense of humour. The title of this book, Bath Tangle was remarkably well-chosen. This story is nothing but a delightful tangle of misinterpreted sentiments, misguided actions and lots and lots of drama. Come to think of it, it's nothing that we've never seen. I mean come on, if these people had Facebook...Serena Carlow added a life event: In a Relationship with Ivo Barrasford.Serena Carlow changed her relationship status to: It's Complicated.Serena Carlow change her relationship status to: Single.Fanny Spenborough added a life event: Widowed.Serena Carlow- with Fanny Spenborough at Dower House: Life is so boring! There is nothing to do around here! #mourning #bored #countrylife #notonpartiesIvo said: I told you you should get a house in Bath!Serena said: And let my cousin ruin my childhood home?Ivo said: There's nothing you can do now, so you should just move to Bath!!Serena said: Selfish!Ivo said: Idiot!Emily Laleham is now friends with Serena Carlow, Fanny Spenborough and Ivo Barrasford.Ivo Barrasford is attending Quenbury Assembly with Emily Laleham and 27 others.Ivo Barrasford liked Emily Laleham's profile photo.Ivo Barrasford liked a photo on Emily Laleham's timeline.Ivo Barrasford liked Emily Laleham's post.Ivo Barrasford liked a photo on Emily Laleham's timeline.Serena said: Dude, Ivo, stop liking all of Em's pics! And like some of other girls' too, or else she'll think you're interested.Ivo said: But why, Emily's photos are pretty!Serena said: You don't get it! You can't just like her photos!!Ivo Barrasford - added a photo: with Emily Laleham at Quenbury AssemblySerena said: Tag the other girl in the pic too!!Ivo said: Who, my niece? Can't remember her name!Serena said: You're so pathetic. Serena Carlow- with Fanny Spenborough in Bath: Just rented a house for the summer! I love a change of scenery :) #bath #drinkingthewaters #summer #fun #walkingthepumproomsIvo said: I freaking told you so.Serena said: Shut up!!Serena Carlow is now friends with Grandma Floore, Ned Goring and 2 others.Hector Kirkby wrote on Serena Carlow's timeline: SERENA!! IT'S BEEN SO LONG!! TXT MEEEEE (345) 213-4578 :D :D I miss you so much!Serena said: OMG, Hector! I miss you too! Can't wait to talk!! <3Hector Kirby - added a photo - in the Pump Room with Serena Carlow and Fanny Spenborough: #feelingblessed #soinlove #loveyouserena #serenaiadoreyouSerena Carlow added a life event: In a Relationship with Hector Kirkby.Fanny said: I'm so happy for you!! Congrats :)Hector Kirkby is now friends with Fanny Spenborough.Susan Laleham-at Rotherham House Ball- with Cordelia Monksleigh, Ivo Barrasford, Emily Laleham and 109 others. : This party though! So proud of my daughter, she is the most beautiful girl in the room!Ivo Barrasford likes this.Hector Kirby liked Fanny Spenborough's profile picture.Hector said: You look nice on this photo Fanny.Fanny said: Thank you! Did you see Serena's new photo? She is so beautiful!!Hector Kirby liked Serena Carlow's profile picture.Hector said: My Goddess!! My Queen!! Omg you look so HOT!!Ivo said: Serena you look like a magpie.Ivo Barrasford added a life event: In a Relationship with Emily Laleham.Fanny Spenborough wrote on Serena Carlow's timeline: Serena inbox me, ASAP!!Serena said: What?? what's wrong hun?Fanny said: Did you not see??? Serena said: No, what??Fanny said: Ivo!!Serena said: Ivo, what??? He's sick? Ill? Had an accident? Dead?? WHAT HAPPENED?!?!?Fanny said: He's going out with Emily!!Serena: WHAT??? Are you sure?!?Susan Laleham is now friends with Ivo Barrasford.Susan Laleham wrote on Ivo Barrasford's timeline: Thanks you sooooo much my making my lovely daughter sooooo happyyyy!!!! :DEmily Laleham - feeling sick: I can't wait to see you again Grandma Floore!Fanny Spenborough liked Hector Kikby's photo.Fanny said: You wanna hang out sometime?Hector said: Sure! Love to :)Hector Kirkby - added a photo - with Fanny Spenborough in Bath.Gerard Monksleigh wrote on Ivo Barrasford's timeline: I EFFIN HATE YOU, YOU RUINED MY LIFE, I NEVER WANT TO TALK TO YOU AGAIN.Ivo said: Hold on, man, da eff is going on?Gerard said: You know what! I hate you!Ivo said: Yeah I got that. But wtf did I do now??Gerard said: Everything!!! Everything is wrong with you!Ivo said: Oh stop being so damn dramatic and just SPIT IT OUT ALREADY!Gerard said: YOU STOLE EMILY FROM ME!!!Ivo said: You love Em? She's in Bath, but don't you DARE go near her!Gerard Monksleigh is now friends with Emily Laleham, Grandma Floore and Ned Goring.Emily Laleham changed her relationship status to: It's Complicated.Grandma said: Em hunny? What's wrong?? Just think how happy you are with Ivo! He is so RICH!Emily Laleham - with Gerard Monskleigh: So many hard decisions in life! #feelingpressured #indecisive #needalcohol #somanyproblemsFanny Spenborough wrote on Serena Carlow's timeline: Serena, I don't think Emily is very happy with Ivo.Serena said: Why, what do you mean?Fanny said: Do you not see all her statuses?? I think she's in an abusive relationship!Serena said: What no! Ivo is not a ogre! He's just very passionate and all...Fanny said: But she's so frightened! I don't think it's healthy for her!Serena said: Ivo clearly loves her, but he probably doesn't show it very well. Emily has no reason to be afraid!Hector said: Fanny, I think Serena and Ivo need to get back together! :PFanny said: What!! Serena hates Ivo! And besides, she's going out with you!!Hector said: I know... :/Gerard Monksleigh - with Emily Laleham going to Wolverhampton: Want to travel faster! Can't wait to arrive at destination!Serena said: What are you two doing over there?? Gerard said: Nothing, none of your business.Serena Carlow - with Ned Goring: Chasing after a pair of crazy children and bringing them back? MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!Ivo said: SERENA!!!! AHKSFJHASKFJH!!! WHAT DA EFF DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!?!?!Serena said: I'm getting you your girlfriend back, you imbecile! Please don't even think about thanking me!Ivo said: AAARRRGGGGGHHHH!!! I SWEAR!Serena said: Why are you always so bloody mad after me!?! I'm rending you the biggest service I can!Ivo said: I don't want your help!Serena said: I can't effin believe I went to all this trouble to be treated like this!!Ivo said: I DON'T WANT TO BE WITH EMILY!Serena said: WHAT??!? THEN WHY THE HELL DID YOU GO OUT WITH HER IN THE FIRST PLACE?!?!?Ivo said: To make you jealous.Serena said: Don't talk to me EVER again.Ivo Barrasford changed his relationship status to: Single.Hector Kirkby added a life event: In a Relationship with Fanny Spenborough.Ivo Barrasford added a life event: Engaged to Serena Carlow. ***This one did not disappoint. On to the top 10 Heyer list it goes! :D
What do You think about Bath Tangle (2004)?
I have read about half a dozen of Georgette's novels and this is my favorite!! I was intrigued from the very beginning and as always the main character Serena is a strong outspoken woman who cares not for the opinion of the gossiping crowds of Bath or anywhere else for that matter. After her father dies Serena's wealth and even her choice of marriage mate must be approved by the trustee appointed by her father. Her trustee Ivo Rotherham is known as a harsh man and to make matters worse he is Serena's ex-fiance. Yes she cried off her engagement and didn't care what others thought. When Serena moves with her step mother Fanny (who is younger than Serena to make matters more comical) to Bath she runs into an old love Major Kirkby. Serena was not allowed to marry Kirkby due to material interests but he did not forget Serena as 7 years past (side note - Serena love interest with Kirkby was prior to her engagement to Rotherham). Now the book gets 3 sets of couples into a tangle. I was amused reading this book and reading of these couples and wondering if they would end up together in the end. As I learned more of the characters, I imagined different people in a relationship together versus the ones that are. An interesting read for sure to see how matters turn out. And when Rotherham's fiance Emily (young naive girl) starts to doubt her engagement - will Serena encourage her or disuade her? Will Rotherham fight to keep her? Will Major Kirkby try to stop his fiance's interference? Will he always think her perfect? A MUST(versus GOOD) READ for any fan of Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen style novels.
—Katherine
THE unabridged AUDIOBOOKI wasn't as familiar with this GH Regency romance as others I have read and re-read happily (Frederica, Arabella, Grand Sophy, Unknown Ajax, Sylvester, Venetia, etc.) but it's a corker! Not one star-crossed pair but three sets of lovers disentangle themselves after much brinksmanship and hilarious, distempered arguments. The main duo, a fiery, independent, self-possessed earl's daughter and her lifelong neighbor, a marquis to whom she was once betrothed but jilted unceremoniously just before the wedding. Upon her father's passing, she discovers that her inheritance was left in trust with this marquess as her trustee, giving him power of the purse over her until she marries --with the marquess' approval -- which precipitates an eyebrow-scorching scold during the will reading. She's got a seriously sharp tongue, and it's a delight to hear the two go at each other, (thanks to the readers remarkable skill). She's outraged at her father's posthumous meddling. The marquess is all cool, aloof reserve and mockery. Her rumblings escalate dangerously like a volcano coming out of dormancy. Her name, btw, is Serena. Ha! Each knows the other so long, and understands the other so well, they also know exactly how to goad the other for maximum effect -- and at times, for their benefit because deep down they do care for one another.Left with only pin money, Serena sets up house with her younger step-mother and together they eventually decide to remove to Bath, rather than watch the uncultivated cousin, the new earl, dismantle all the fine traditions and the pretty grounds of the great estate that he plans to occupy with his shrew of a wife and their offspring.In Bath, fate intervenes and Serena's long ago first love, now a retired army major, crosses her path and they renew their acquaintance and fall back in love. About that time the marquess announces his betrothal to a young debutante, Serena's major approaches the marquess about their marriage plans. The marquess does not object and all is settled, until it isn't and the tangle starts unraveling a bit at a time. I mean, this was truly delightful to listen to, and worth paying close attention, so much zings back and forth as things grow ever more complicated.The reader, Sian Phillips, was EXCELLENT, she makes even the heated arguments crystal clear and funny, and best of all, not uncomfortable to listen to. The secondary characters play important roles and are extremely well differentiated. I loved both this story, a new one to me, and the performance.
—Miranda Davis
Now this is my second Georgette Heyer Regency, and I have to say the woman is brilliant. Her characters are so well drawn and so well developed that they pull you right into the story and tug you along as it goes.Mrs. Floore - I loved her! She felt that Regency dresses would make her look like a potato sack with a string tied 'round it, so she continued to wear Georgian clothes. Old and very fat and with dyed black hair, she was my favorite character.Serena and Ivo - These two faught like Katherine and Petruchio in Taming of the Shrew! Hilarious. Serena was headstrong, independent, forceful and tempermental. Ivo met her step for step.Fanny and Hector - reminded me of Jane and Bingley from P&P. Both are amiable and loving.So much fun! I'm so glad I have just about her entire collection to look forward to reading.
—Susinok
