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Peerless Theodosia
England hasn't been invaded for several hundred years, until, during the War of 1812, an overzealous English naval officer removes two young siblings from a ship bound for their native America. Fortunately, a British diplomat - the Earl of Claremont - rescues them and sends them to his country home until hostilities have calmed down enough to allow them a peaceful return home. This kindly man has no idea of the turmoil he is about to cause his family and friends by this simple, humanitarian act. For Theodosia and Thomas Jefferson Clement are far from the simple youngsters expected by his Countess. The young Clements have been on friendly terms
with the crowned heads of Europe as well as the highest elected officials in
their own country.
The earl's son is betrothed to the daughter of a neighbor, his daughter
would rather write book than read them, and his young twins would wear out a
regiment of governesses. Theodosia makes short work of centuries-old
customs, while finding her own surprising true love.
with the crowned heads of Europe as well as the highest elected officials in
their own country.
The earl's son is betrothed to the daughter of a neighbor, his daughter
would rather write book than read them, and his young twins would wear out a
regiment of governesses. Theodosia makes short work of centuries-old
customs, while finding her own surprising true love.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 1, 2019
good until the end, then collapses
November 18, 2013
When Lady Southcote learns that her husband's American diplomat friend, Senator Clement's children have been taken prisoners of war she invites them to stay with her family in their country home. The war will surely be over soon and how much trouble can two children be? Senator Clement's children turn out to be fully grown young adults and how much trouble is a matter of opinion! Bookish Jefferson, age 18, finds himself strongly attracted to Lady Cynthia, a beautiful bluestocking while Theo and Lady Southcote look on disapprovingly. As for Theo, she's too bold, too fashionable and too fast for Edwina Morton-West, neighbor and affianced wife of Lord Claremont Southcote. Theo is reunited with her old friend Albert, the new Marquess of Torville and other old friends from her past. Lady Southcote is delighted to be a part of such a fashionable crowd. Edwina, always aware of what's proper and what's not, aided by her new friend Torville's cousin Lieutenant Steyland, sends tales of the goings-on to Clare, who rushes to his family home to put a stop to these adventuring mushrooms. Though Theo fears being put into prison, she is too fiercely proud of her independence to give in to Clare's bullying. When they aren't fighting, they find a good friend in each other, however, Theo can't forget she's a prisoner of war. Soon everyone around them can see what's happening, but Clare's temper and Theo's pride may get in the way of their relationship -whatever form it takes.
This story is a remake of Georgette Heyer's The Grand Sophy. Unlike The Grand Sophy, most of the action takes place off the page. Theo is called "peerless" any number of times and we're told a lot about what she has done, but not much is actually part of the action. Nevertheless, the plot is cute and enjoyable. It has something for almost everyone: a pair of mischievous twins; a parrot; the ton; a young couple; slightly older ladies; an alpha male; a somewhat buffoonish young Lieutenant, and of course, romance. The romance has it's ups and downs. Theo and Clare's relationship is difficult but they understand each other. It ends up being sweet, anyway. I liked Theo for the first 2/3 of the book. She's strong, brave, independent and fearless. In the last third she turns into a missish watering pot and the way she chooses to solve her problem seems out of character. Clare's temper keeps him from being a truly appealing hero. He loses his temper over the most trifling things. My favorite character is Peg. She made me giggle, especially during the romantic scene. I also liked Lady Cynthia and I felt bad for her because she's a young bluestocking and everyone scolds her for it. I enjoyed the plot, for the most part, especially the last chapter, which was so unrealistic but very funny. I think this book is cute though it's not at the level of Georgette Heyer. It's more like a Joan Smith and a lot of the other early Regency writers. It's a good, light, summer read.
This story is a remake of Georgette Heyer's The Grand Sophy. Unlike The Grand Sophy, most of the action takes place off the page. Theo is called "peerless" any number of times and we're told a lot about what she has done, but not much is actually part of the action. Nevertheless, the plot is cute and enjoyable. It has something for almost everyone: a pair of mischievous twins; a parrot; the ton; a young couple; slightly older ladies; an alpha male; a somewhat buffoonish young Lieutenant, and of course, romance. The romance has it's ups and downs. Theo and Clare's relationship is difficult but they understand each other. It ends up being sweet, anyway. I liked Theo for the first 2/3 of the book. She's strong, brave, independent and fearless. In the last third she turns into a missish watering pot and the way she chooses to solve her problem seems out of character. Clare's temper keeps him from being a truly appealing hero. He loses his temper over the most trifling things. My favorite character is Peg. She made me giggle, especially during the romantic scene. I also liked Lady Cynthia and I felt bad for her because she's a young bluestocking and everyone scolds her for it. I enjoyed the plot, for the most part, especially the last chapter, which was so unrealistic but very funny. I think this book is cute though it's not at the level of Georgette Heyer. It's more like a Joan Smith and a lot of the other early Regency writers. It's a good, light, summer read.
May 30, 2009
It has a really rough stuffy beginning, but the story improves as it goes on. Worth looking for!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews