Agatha

by Edna Maye Manley

Regency heiress Agatha Winslow--25, un-pretty, with a slight limp from a riding accident--has decided she'll never marry; she'll simply go on being the supremely competent manager of the estate left to her by her late father and mother. Then, however, Agatha must go up to London--where her dim-witted, gorgeous younger sister Celia, on the ton, seems to have fallen dangerously head-over-heels for that notorious rake Lord Averson! So off Agatha trundles, with flirtatious help along the way (her first shattering kiss!) from an irresistibly attractive stranger. And who does this stranger turn out to be?. Lord Averson himself, of course--though it's then revealed that Celia doesn't adore the 35-ish Lord but his empty-headed young nephew David. All is set up, then, for a Darcy/Elizabeth-style courtship between worldly-wise Averson and quick-witted Agatha. She can't believe that Averson would care for her, though "she was dangerously close to forming a lasting tendre for him, and that would never do!" Averson, less worldly-wise than he seems, has decided never to marry--because he believes that genteel women can't enjoy sensual pleasures. But an eccentric old fairy-godmother type, Lady Draysham, soon sets both parties straight. So, after a bit of foul play is foiled by Averson (a fortune-hunting old flame of Agatha's has her abducted), there'll be the inevitable fadeout--with happiness for both Agatha and doughty, not-so-dim-witted Celia. Standard Regency fare in the ungushy tradition, complete with Beau Brummell cameo (not flamboyant, "his attire actually suggested a quiet elegance"), but likable, reasonably tart, and non-idiotic.

171 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1984

Reviews

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should have enjoyed this little-known slip of a romance but I found it boring. Agatha got on my nerves for some reason. I didn’t understand why Edward was attracted to her and the villain was simply annoying.

[Kagama-the Literaturevixen]

Miss Agatha Winslow has resigned herself to a quiet country life, but she cannot ignore the breathless letter from her young sister Celia, in London for her debut, announcing that she is passionately in love with a man whom Agatha believes to be a rake

Need more info or else this will languish at the bottom of to read bookpile for an eternity.

[Claire S · Rating 3 out of 5]

The blurb pretty much describes the whole book accurately although the male lead is Sir Edward, not a lord. That looks more like a review and it was definitely not the blurb from the book, which happens to be pretty descriptive as well, so I'm not going into the plot except to say that the sister's romance is pretty much resolved right away (which worked for me) and the focus is on the friendship leading to romance between Agatha and Sir Edward.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this romance and the male lead, mainly because I usually detest rakes (with rare exceptions). I believe there are a few reasons why it was different in this case. Sir Edward sowed many wild oats in his youth, but has been much more staid for the past three years. It's briefly mentioned that he had just broken up with his mistress, but he's basically no longer being a man-whore (and he certainly was one, admits to it, and shows no remorse). I also appreciate that, even though he doesn't apologize for his previous behavior, he also doesn't flaunt it. He also doesn't speak disrespectfully about women. In fact, he's quite the rogue and very charming to all, and I can see why Agatha was smitten with him. The one thing that I had to ignore was the "stolen" kisses. I absolutely dislike when the main character kisses any woman without permission or encouragement.

I really liked Agatha. She acted stupidly when they first met (to aid the plot no doubt), but aside from that she was very sensible and intelligent. I love her sense of humor even when she wanted to be angry with Sir Edward. She's my kind of heroine being "older" and responsible, but I liked that she was also fun. Her limp is pretty much a part of the story (not forgotten for plot's sake), and she deals with it with grace and dignity.

The writer's style was very pleasing and I'm sad to see she only wrote two books (I'm planning to read the other one). Although the focus is on Agatha's experiences, we do get the point of view of others, including Sir Edward's. Unfortunately, the sociopathic villain and the cliché kidnapping made the last third of the book a bit dull. The story didn't need a crazy villain to work.

All in all, it was a fun, quick (under 200 pages) and clean read.

[Crystal Karre · Rating 3 out of 5]

good story!

[lunarlibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read and reread this since I was a young girl.