If The Nonesuch in Georgette Heyer’s novel (reviewed here) introduced the perfect Regency era love interest, than the scandalous Lord Damerel in Venetia (published 1958) represents the least virtuous. Venetia Lanyon is the 25-year-old beauty who has always lived in Yorkshire, and her sensibility means she will never marry the boring suitors from her neighborhood: she wants love. It’s only when the rake Damerel returns to his estate that she meets her matcha nd finds the excitement and potential experiences she desires.
Venetia is a good girl. She’s always taken care of her invalid youngest brother (Aubrey) who is a genius scholar even at age 16. The older brother is off with the military, while she remains, day after day. After he mother’s death, her father had retreated to isolated place, and now even he is gone. Only Venetia’s novel reading and scholarly development has given her worldly knowledge.
Damerel, on the other hand, has lived a life of scandal, even having the reputation for holding “orgies” at his nearby estate. When Damerel first arrives, he shocks Venetia with his lose ways, but somehow she doesn’t mind. The more she and her brother get to know him, and the more she is convinced he is a good man. It takes some other events and London for Venetia to learn the secrets she’s never known. Unfortunately, Damerel is determined not to ruin the innocent lady. Venetia has to change her tactics if she is going to end up with Damerel.
Memorable characters and surprising twists made this a fun read. I didn’t like Damerel as much as I like the virtuous characters in Heyer’s novels. I guess I’m not really the scandalous type. But Venetia was feisty, and plenty of humor made this book a fun listen. (audiobook via Audible)
