(For OBM, and any other fans) Georgette Heyer Appreciation Society

[wombling]

Thought it was a good idea to start this lw, so we stopped cluttering up the Austen Thread (thanks onebatmother, for the suggestion). But I have only just managed to get around to it, so is there anyone else out there who is keen?

What are your favourites, I love These Old Shades, Devils Cub, The Grand Sophy and Venetia. I also managed to discover a historical novel I didn't know wbout "The Great Roxhythe", unfortunately out of print. When googling, I also managed to find www.georgetteheyer.com, which is a mine of info I didn't know about, esp about her modern novels.

Oh, My Dear Miss Slayerette, would you mind returning this book to the library for me while you are there? Mrs Bat gave it to me to read and although it is rather fun I think my mother would be terribly upset to see me reading one of these romances
I shall stay here and work on my own needlework if you do not mind. I believe Lady CallMeMadam may come to call and I do not wish to be out when she comes.

I trust you will just be going to the library and back? You will not be meeting Anyone I am sure????

Why, Miss Ghosty, I do not see how I can be expected to cut your brother if I should happen to meet him whilst strolling in Hyde Park, which I might be doing in an artless way at noon. And my footman is so slow when carrying my parcels, who could be surprised if he falls behind somewhat whilst Percy and I take a turn along one of those delightful little paths.

I vow, I am most tempted to see if the library has any of Lord Byron's latest work although I do not wish to send Mrs Bat into palpitations. He has quite taken the town by storm, you know.

Do tell LadyCallMeMadam how desolate I am to miss her visit. I shall leave my card for her tomorrow.

My dear Miss Ghosty! I vow and declare I was never more shocked! I just ordered the barouche to stop here one moment ( am on the way to organise the Grand Tour of Venice) when what should I see in the street but that heartless minx of a girl you choose to call a friend tripping into the perch_ phaeton driven by your Wicked Brother! In brad daylight to, and not a footman in sight! ,Pauses for dramatic effect and swigs Sal Volataile (baggsie that as my next MN nickname at alarming rate.....

You see! I can't even speak for excitement horror!

lol you three. Hurrah!

Wombling bustles in in sea green sarsnet, and fans herself rapturously,

Slayerette:

"Why, I do declare, I used my last drop of laudanum yesterday. But I am planning on trying this wonderful diet where you drink vinegar with each meal - I'm reducing you know!"

Vinegar must be the Grand Sophy's aunt talking to Sancia - or am I thinking of crushed strawberries for the complexion?

Ooh - it might be! I'm sure she recommended something to do with pineapples as well...

Miss Ghosty, Jeeves tells me that Lady CallMeMadam has been here! I swear I caught a glimpse of her earlier just as your charming brother was so kind as to take me up in his phaeton; I must say I do admire the way he handles his horses! He drives to an inch!

I have brought you the latest work by Lord Byron as I promised although you must swear not to tell Mrs Bat and Lady Wombling
that we are reading it. I heard the most delicious story about him today regarding his tendre for Lady Caroline Lamb. Apparently, she has been seen calling at his lodgings

in breeches!

Oh oh oh I just had a vision of Spike in breeches and I am about to swoon!

Am a huge GH fan & have just discovered this thread my worlds are about to collide.

I'm sure Vinegar isn't the Grand Sophy's aunt...must make haste to the attic to dig them out. I think it's one with a chimney sweep boy....

we are going to get very confused if we are posting on Buffy and GH threads simultaneously. Are we the same person?

Isn't the chimney sweep boy in Arabella? Must check if it's also Vinegar Lady...

Rosa turns up at the door dressed in rags with a baby wrapped in her shawl. Miss Ghosty, I have been seduced and abandoned by your wicked brother. He promised me marriage, but en route to Gretna Green his phaeton overturned and we had put up at a hostelry for the night. There was only one bedroom suitable for the Quality, and I trusted to his honour when he promised that he would take his repose on a pallet on the floor. Alas, he has betrayed me in the cruellest way - my reputation is in shreds I have been cut by all my acquaintance. Can you not persuade him to relent and honour his promise of marriage?

I have always loved GH and Agatha Christie. wonderful for when you are ill, or depressed or in hospital.

I used to love Anya Seton when I was in my teens - wonderful historical novels based on real characters - has anybody read her? Should I start another thread?

Trying to think of titles (Anya Seton)- "Kathryn", "Avalon", "My Theodosia"......

Yes you're right - think they were green too. But someone had strawberries...

Didn't think vinegar was Arabella - have an impression of a slightly mournful lady with a frilled cap

Mrs Bat, returning unexpectedly from Town, overheard poor Rosa's plaint. She considered, in the very first instance (and to her subsequent mortification), turning the poor wan Rosa from her door forthwith.

But the weak mewls of the bundle, and the lamentable state of Rosa's complexion, shewed the kind-hearted madam where her duty lay.

"Rosa" she hissed, beckoning the girl to the back stairs, and pushing her into a cupboard. "You and your babe may rest here. Sprocket will be up shortly with some broth for you. Not a peep, though, or I may change my mind."

Seeing Rosa entirely cast down, she relented. "There, there, Rosa, don't fret, my dear. I pray G*d that Mr Ghosty can be brought to a sense of his own responsibilities."

Nothing in the library but Faro's Daughter!!
Actually there were others but I lost my nerve at the LARGE PRINT shelf.

The pressing question: Is It Any Good?

Faro's Daughter - yes, yes, yes. Lovely sensible heroine and sexy hero (Max Ravenscar, renowned gamester, according to the back of my edition) who is kept in the cellar at one point...

You will love it.

Maybe we should have a GH book club, where we all (re)read the same one at the same time to sigh over favourite bits together!

Ooh - just flicked through and eyes alighted on this:

'You may do what you please - strumpet!'

Lots of eyes flashing and bosoms heaving, methinks.