Charles Rivenhall inherited a large fortune when his great uncle died. Which was fortunate for his parents because his father, Lord Ombersley was a gambler and a spendthrift and his careless ways had put the family into serious debt. Charles took over the family finances from his father and pretty much became the boss of them all, including his mother, his father and his several siblings.
Charles is engaged to a worthy but rather cold and very proper woman, Eugenia. Their wedding had been delayed due to a death in Eugenia's family.
Lady Ombersley's brother arrives unexpectedly at the Rivenhall home in London. He has been in France and now he has to travel to Brazil and he wants his daughter, Sophy, to stay with his sister while he is gone. He describes Sophy as a dear little soul who won't cause any trouble. He also wants his sister to find an eligible suitor for Sophy as he feels it is time for her to be married.
Turns out Sophy is not quite the demure little miss her father seems to see her as. She is twenty years old and has been without a female companion ever since her governess died a few years ago. And at five foot nine, she is also not a little miss. She has a strong character and is a bit of a force of nature, sweeping all before her. She loves managing things and people and when she gets a good look at the Rivenhall family, she moves to set everything she sees as wrong to right, willy nilly. Good luck to anyone who gets in her way!
This is probably one of Heyer's most funny and enjoyable stories. I must admit that I don't think I would like Sophy in real life, as she seems a bit mental. I mean, at one point she shoots a friend in order to further her plans for the Rivenhall daughter, Cecelia, who has fallen in love with the wrong man. Sophy certainly is one of Heyer's most unforgettable characters, that is for sure. I wonder if Heyer ever knew anyone like that in real life.
Here is a review by Laurel Ann Nattress on Austenprose.
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