Heyer at her best.

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Perhaps because I was listening to this instead of reading it, I found this story hard to buy into at first. Phillida Nash, an accomplished British actress, read extremely well. Maybe I wasn't in the right mindset as I began the book. The secondary characters, particularly the guests Venetia's older brother Conway sent to her, really turned the book in a new direction. Venetia is a twenty-five-year-old, intelligent woman who has been cloistered in the country, taking care of her younger, handicapped brother Aubrey (about 17-years-of-age).

In the beginning, I felt so sorry for Venetia because she had always been surrounded by people who accepted her kindness and concern, without offering those items to her. Conway had left Venetia in charge of their homestead while he went off to war. Her father, prior to his death, didn't seem to care about anyone. Aubrey is brilliant but self-centered (he values books and learning over relationships). Although Venetia is clear-eyed about her brothers and she loves them anyway, she says that she knew her father didn't care about her and she returns the favor.

When Venetia meets Lord Damerel, she has a host of beaus in the neighborhood, though she is not interested in any of them. Damerel catches her picking berries on his estate, though he hasn't been back to his estate in years. Venetia knows all about him from the wags in the community, who keep up with Damerel's legendary exploits.

Heyer makes a point in this story to explain that rakes really aren't accepted in the country, though they are lauded in London and on the Continent, and amongst their town friends. Damerel understands clearly that he is a 'persona non grata' -- barely accepted, in spite of his rank.
Damerel seems unbowed by the censure. He seems to be in the neighborhood to get his financial affairs in order. He has been spending heavily over the years and he needs to balance his expenses and his assets, with the help of his manager. His plan is to leave the district as soon as he implements the new economies -- until he meets Venetia.

When Aubrey is in an accident and winds up at Damerel's home, they forge a fine friendship. Venetia comes daily to take care of her brother, and the three become close. Venetia has never been encouraged to have friends and the experience with Damerel leads her to call him her 'dear friend.' It is obvious to others who visit that Venetia (a level-headed but 'green girl') and Damerel are falling in love. A motherly friend notifies Venetia's aunt and uncle about the situation, which leads to Venetia being sent to London.

I found all of the characters to be fully realized. Many were engaging, while some were maddening. In the end, I wound up staying up all night to finish the book. The unique story of Venetia and Damerel grows on the reader.

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I read this many years ago. It is even beter the second time!

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A leopard does not change its spots... but can the innocent spinster, Venetia, win the infamous rake, Lord Damerel's heart ?

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I reread a paperback copy of this so much I wore it out. Georgette Heyer is a fantastic writer. So entertaining and fun.

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Love Georgette Heyer!!!!!

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All the Heyer elements, this time without the background of Almacks and the London Season. I must have read this at some point in my youth, but I didn't remember it and so it was brand new to me.

This is a 1958 copy, but the book is in good shape.

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In all her twenty-five years, lovely Venetia Lanyon has never been further than Harrogate, nor enjoyed the attentions of any but her two wearisomely persistant suitors. Then, in one extraordinary encounter, she meets a neighbour she only knows by reputation - the infamous Lord Damerel - and before she realizes it, finds herself egging on a libertine whose way of life has scandalised the North Riding for years.

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A bit different from Ms. Heyer's usual sweetness and light among the "proper" women. Venetia is a bit too outgoing for her time period. She makes a great character, and I'm glad she "gets her man" (or maybe he gets her. Read it to find out.)

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a story with wit and gayety...highly entertaining

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