The titular character in the Regency novel Frederica by Georgette Heyer (published 1965) is not looking to get married. Ever since her father died, Frederica Merriville has been the guardian of her family, and even beforehand she was the principal person to run the household, since her mother has been gone for years. Now she considers her quite “on the shelf” at the ripe age of 22. However, in hopes of helping her gorgeous younger sister, Charis, enter society and find an eligible husband, she solicits the help of her very distant cousin and certified bachelor, the Marquis of Alverstoke. Her siblings add chaos to the entire situation and (*spoiler!*) said bachelor falls in love with the unattractive “older” sister, and not the gorgeous empty-headed young sister.
Georgette Heyer always provides a rather predictable story. I really enjoyed Frederica’s story because she was such a strong character (much like Sophy in The Grand Sophy) but also because the family relationships were so dear and fully developed. Frederica’s youngest brothers have specific interests (one loves horses and the other loves mechanical experiments), and they find a common bond with the intelligent Marquis. To his own surprise, he enjoys being surrounded by child-fed chaos.
The young age of these boys (12 and 16) adds to the delight. Heyer captures those ages with realism, and I’m convinced our 12-year-old must be based on someone she knew! He is a rascal that one can’t help loving. Some of the story is carried on by his antics, and he adds a truly funny side to the story. In fact, his cute sayings are some of the things I remember most after having finished the book.
Heyer’s Frederica, then, has humor, an action scene (I love that the original cover had a hot air balloon!), and of course a sweet budding friendship that becomes a romance. This sweet courtship story is just what I anticipated, and I love that it ended with a “She-Marquis” in the end.
