Cotillion - Softcover

Georgette Heyer

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0330201506 ISBN 13: 9780330201506

Publisher: Pan Books, 1968

Synopsis

To escape the unwelcome attentions of greedy suitors, a wealthy heiress pretends to become engaged to Freddy Stanton, a modest and resourceful young Regency Beau. The problems caused by this sham engagement are the focal point of a romantic novel set at the height of the Regency period.

About this title

Review

Young Kitty Charing stands to inherit a vast fortune from her irascible great-uncle Matthew--provided she marries one of her cousins. Kitty is not wholly adverse to the plan, if the right nephew proposes. Unfortunately, Kitty has set her heart on Jack Westruther, a confirmed rake, who seems to have no inclination to marry her anytime soon. In an effort to make Jack jealous, and to see a little more of the world than her isolated life on her great-uncle's estate has afforded her, Kitty devises a plan. She convinces yet another of her cousins, the honorable Freddy Standen, to pretend to be engaged to her. Her plan would bring her to London on a visit to Freddy's family and (hopefully) render the elusive Mr. Westruther madly jealous. Thus begins Cotillion, arguably the funniest, most charming of Georgette Heyer's many delightful Regency romances.

No sooner does Kitty arrive in London than she becomes embroiled in the romantic difficulties of several new acquaintances. Kitty's French cousin, Camille, a professional gambler, has won the heart of her new friend, Olivia--who also happens to be the object of Jack Westruther's dishonorable intentions. Meanwhile, Kitty's doltish cousin Lord Dolphinton has fallen in love with a merchant's daughter who's embattled with his mother and needs his help. Finally, there is Kitty herself, who begins to wonder if the dandified Freddy might not be the man for her after all. As in all of Georgette Heyer's books, Cotillion transcends genre--it is, quite simply, wonderful literature. Historically accurate down to the finest details of dress, deportment, and speech, Heyer was also a master at creating unforgettable, comic characters, and Kitty Charing and Freddy Standen stand out as one of her most charming romantic duos ever.

From the Back Cover

"Sparkling" -Independent on Sunday
A most unusual hero
Freddy is immensely rich, of course, and not bad-looking, but he's mild-mannered, a bit hapless-not anything like his virile, handsome, rakish cousin Jack?
A heroine in a difficult situation
Young Kitty Charing stands to inherit a vast fortune from her irascible and eccentric guardian-provided she marries one of his great-nephews?
A sham betrothal
No sooner does Kitty arrive in London then the race for her hand begins, but between confirmed rakes and bumbling affections, Kitty needs a daring scheme?
"Thus begins Cotillion, arguably the funniest, most charming of Georgette Heyer's many delightful Regency romances."
-Amazon.co.uk
"Triumphantly good?Georgette Heyer is unbeatable."
-Sunday Telegraph
"My favourite historical novelist." -Margaret Drabble
Georgette Heyer is the author of over fifty books and one of the best-known and best-loved historical novelists. She was legendary for her research, historical accuracy and extraordinary plots and characterizations.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pan Books
• Publication date: 1968
• ISBN 10: 0330201506
• ISBN 13: 9780330201506
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 336