The Quiet Gentleman is another Georgette Heyer novel. This one has a mystery in it. Lord Gervase Frant comes back alive from the Napoleonic Wars, much to the chagrin of his step mother and cousins. His younger half brother, Martin, who has been coddled and brought up to believe he would one day be lord of the manor is especially resentful. Gervase handles everyone's discontent with aplomb. However, he arouses more jealously when he begins to flirt with the local beauty, a girl Martin is infatuated with. In fact, men are drawn to pretty, sweet Marianne like moths to a flame. Martin has a quick temper. Gervase relies on Theo, a cousin who has been friendly to him and has been managing the properties, as Gervase's suspicious grows that Martin wants Gervase dead. In the meantime there is sensible Drusilla Morville staying at the estate and keeping the Dowager St. Erth company. She's the daughter of two radical parents who are friends with the Shelleys and Lord Byron. But she herself is eminently practical and clear sighted and of the most delightfully unromantic temperament. She knows just how to manage everything and everyone in the most proper, considerate way.
In spite of growing unease as there seems to be multiple attempts on Gervase's life, there are lots of wonderful characters and funny scenes. But is Martin really trying to kill Lord St. Erth?
A very enjoyable read. The character of Drusilla is pitch perfectly drawn. Heyer takes her familiar themes and once again writes a clever, well crafted, engaging story.
Two thumbs up!
For more book reviews go to Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks.
No comments:
Post a Comment