Georgette Heyer? Not this time. First published in 1982, this reminds me of the more adventure-filled rags-to-riches stories popular back then, gothic novels (not that it is one) and Victoria Holt. Starved of this type of thing for too long, I confess to enjoying it immensely and wishing that the tide would turn and this type of novel become back in vogue once more. There is a lot in here, from the plucky and stylish heroine, political background of Whigs versus Tories, William Pitt opposing the Regency, the Royal family and their German ways, fashions and their manufacture and various plots. It seems some way off from the usual Regency, but then it really isn’t one. For anybody who likes plenty of story and historical background with their romance and doesn’t require a bodice ripper, this is sure to fit the bill. More please!