The Grand Sophy

My mother had every one of Georgette Heyer’s regency novels, and I inherited them. They are witty, romantic, and satisfying. When I feel sad I dive beneath their covers and lose myself in them. I also remember my mum. The Grand Sophy was her favourite, it is the story of an extraordinary young woman who has a gift for sorting out other people’s problems – whether they want her to or not!

Back to the Regency for this one. The Ombersley household isn’t prepared for a visitor: grumpy Charles is engaged to a disagreeable girl, Cecilia’s fallen in love with a poet, Hubert has secret worries. Their “little cousin Sophy” turns out to be more than they bargained for: she arrives with a monkey and a parrot for the younger children and it’s soon clear that life following Wellington’s army with her diplomat father has made her used to sorting out other people’s troubles. Very funny, impeccable historical detail, and a wonderfully resourceful heroine who’s never at a loss.

This is a Regency romance novel published in 1950. She amuses me because her relatives are expecting to host this shy little miss. Instead, she turns out to be confident, brave, and magnificent. She’s traveled extensively with her father and knows generals, grand dames, and is popular with the officers. An excellent horsewoman and a keen wit, Sophie colors inside the lines of her time, but she’s so very vibrant, one can’t help but smile and enjoy the good times.