Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg

One year ago today I went on vacation to Colonial Williamsburg. I had a wonderful time and learned an incredible amount about the Revolutionary War era from the actor/interpreters who portray the citizens of Williamsburg. You can read more about Williamsburg and learn about the real people of the town on their fabulous website at history.org. I am going to blog my journal and some photos in hopes that you will learn something as well.

Night One - May 14th

I went on a tour called Legends, Myths, Mysteries and Ghosts. I missed the first story but arrived in time for the second story.

Our hostess was a fashionable 18th century lady. She teased us about our "most peculiar apparel" and asked if it was the custom where we come from to wear such things. She asked a man about the logo on his hat and he said he didn't know, it was a free hat. She asked another man and he commented on it being a hat commemorating some football game - some College Bowl between something State and Something else and our hostess exclaimed that she didn't understand a word he said. She then asked another young man about his best calf. He said "I don't have any calves - I have sheep, but no calves!" She explained slowly and patiently "Which part of your leg that is not covered by your breeches is your best? Which is your best foot you put forward?" A gentlemen shows off his calves when dancing to attract a lady. She then drew our attention to her hat, which she had borrowed from someone "for as long as she liked." Then she related a story about going out on the river in a shallop with a young lady who wore the very height of fashion. Her hips were so wide they were afraid they'd fall overboard! She also wore a very tall wig. The young lady fell overboard and a gentleman dove in to rescue her. The man grabbed her hair in his teeth and swam to safety. When he arrived at the shore, he let go of her hair and all he had was her wig! He jumped in to save her and all was well. Our hostess told us she wears her hat tied under her chin instead of behind her head because if any gentleman should like her enough to rescue her from downing and pulled her hat, her head would come along with it!

Our last story was a vampire story about a man whose house guest turned out to be a vampire and the man wasted away and died and people believed he was plaguing them. The townspeople dug up the body and he was pouring blood and his hair and nails had grown long. They drove a steak through his heart and then he died for good. Just to be safe, they burned his body and buried his ashes. They felt all was well, but our storyteller wondered then who it is that scratches at her window at night!! The tour was very good and entertaining. I enjoyed hearing the colonial urban legends.

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .

Miss Tonks Turns to Crime: The Poor Relation #2 by Marion Chesney -- Regency Romance
The Poor Relation hotel is in need of money again and poor spinster Miss Tonks is chosen to steal something from her cruel sister's home. Miss Tonks is treated little better than a servant by her sister but is befriended by her sister's outspoken 18 year old daughter, Cassandra. Cassandra's mother tries to push Cassandra of the wealthy Lord Eston, but Cassandra is determined to be a spinster like her aunt and snubs Lord Eston. Miss Tonks, assisted by Lord Eston, accomplishes her task and sets off back to London with Cassandra, who has run away from home. Back in London, they learn a rival hotel has stolen their servants and is determined to put The Poor Realtion out of business. Cassandra comes up with the idea to spy on their rival by masquerading as guests. There, they become reaquainted with Lord Eston, his beautiful airhead of a fiance and her scheming family. Cassandra has all the adventures and romance she dreamed of as the novel comes to the predictable conclusion. I liked this book a little better than the first volume, though I still don't think stealing is the answer. Cassandra is a great heroine and I could really identify with her. I also really liked How Miss Tonks grew as a person and became more confident as a result of her adventures. As usual in Chesney's novels, the romance plot is rather unrealistic at times but not as improbable as most of the School for Manners romances.

Mrs. Budley Falls From Grace: The Poor Relation #3 by Marion Chesney -- Regency Romance
The Poor Relation is in need of money again. The sweet widow Mrs. Budley draws the shortest straw and is chosen to visit the old, senile Marquess of Petersburg and rob him of some trifle that will pay the bills. Mrs. Budley is horrified to learn that the Marquess is neither old, nor senile, but young and handsome! The Marquess has been lonley and bored since he came into the title several months ago. When he learns Mrs. Budley's story, he agrees to give her something in exchange for her company for a week. Over the course of the visit, Mrs. Budley and the Marquess become friends and then fall in love. However, the Marquess has a duty to his name and title and Mrs. Budley has fallen from grace by being in trade and is too proud to allow herself to believe anyone would want to marry her. She returns to London and to work where the Poor Relation is more busy than ever. The Marquess also returns to London to choose a bride. An old enemy is thrown into the mix, determined for revenge. Sir Philip is determined to play matchmaker so he can get rid of the other partners and have Lady Fortescue for himself. The Colonel is set on thawarting Sir Philip, a plot device which sets up the next novel in the series. All ends happily and predictably. I didn't like this one as much as #2, but it wasn't bad. Like Miss Tonks, Mrs. Budley learns to take care of herself and stand up for herself, which I really liked. The Marquess was kind of proud and cold for my tastes. I look forward to the next in the series and hope it's better than this one.
   

Sir Philip's Folly: The Poor Relation #4 by Marion Chesney -- Regency Romance

In this fourth volume of the series, Sir Philip has installed his lazy paramour in the hotel. Mrs. Budge is unhelpful, expensive and unwanted, so the other three partners, with the help of new friends, come up with a plan to rid the hotel of Mrs. Budge. They also conspire to help bring out Arabella Carruthers, a19 year old hotel guest whose mother is on the hunt for husband #2. Lady Carruthers thinks that by leaving her daughter in the schoolroom, she, Lady Carruthers, will appear younger. However, Arabella has other ideas and the other Poor Relations sympathize with Arabella and together, with the Earl of Denby, another guest, they help make all of Arabella's dreams come true. This was the best book of the series so far. I liked the characters I was supposed to like and even Sir Philip redeemed himself by the end. The romance was kind of improbable but sweet and chaste. My biggest complaint is that the author stopped the narrative to explain the history of hair powder tax which jarred me and took away from the story. Otherwise, I liked the book a lot.

Colonel Sandhurst to the Rescue: The Poor Relation #5 by Marion Chesney -- Regency Romance
Business is brisk at the Poor Relation Hotel, however, it is fashionable for members of the ton not to pay their bills on time... or at all, so Col. Sandhurst is chosen to bully the money out of Sir Randolph but is scared off by Sir Randolph's daughter who warns him about her father's dogs and her father's desire to sell her to the highest bidder. Frederica is running away from home and her arranged marriage and Col. Sandhurst takes the opportunity to bring Frederica back to the hotel and hold her for ransom. When the Poor Relations try to enact their scheme, they are met by Frederica's intended groom, Lord Bewley, and in exchange for his paying off Sir Randolph's debts and not calling the Runners, the Poor Relations allow Lord Bewley to stay at the hotel and strive to keep the beautiful Frederica out of his sight. Meanwhile, Frederica has fallen in love with the handsome Captain Manners and Miss Tonks has a romantic dilema of her own! This is the very best in the entire series. It plays out like a Shakespearean comedy with mistaken identities, cross-dressing and romance. This is a great read!

Penelope Goes to Portsmouth: The Traveling Matchmaker #3 by Marion Chesney -- Regency Romance
Miss Hannah Pym is off on another adventure on a "flying machine," this time to Portsmouth, where her traveling companions include a prim spinster, an American, a beautiful young merchant's daughter named Penelope and Lord Augustus, a dissipated young rake. Hannah dreams of making a match between Penelope and Lord Augustus as well as rescuing a footman in trouble. She embroils herself and her companions in a series of adventures that none of them will ever forget - especially Hannah's enemy. I did not like this book as much as the first volume. The adventures were too risky and Hannah made a deadly enemy who will undoubtedly return in later books. Penelope was too young and innocent for me to like and Lord Augustus was a ne'er do well and not appealing. I hope the next volume is better!

Period Dramas

Period Dramas Part III: Masterpiece Classic
2008 Season

Cranford
Cranford is based on a series of stories by Elizabeth Gaskell, a 19th century writer. Cranford is a small town where elderly women are in charge. They are resistant to change, except when change = marriage. This production revolves around the coming of the railroad and the changes in class consciousness of the mid-19th century. This was an excellent and well-done production with foolishness (two stand out scenes: one with a cow and one with a cat), heartbreak and happiness. The acting is stellar; an all star cast of notable British actors. Dame Judi Dench was very good as sweet, patient Miss Matty and Dame Eileen Atkins was incredible as the somewhat formidable Deborah. Another standout is Francesca Annis as Lady Ludlow, the aging aristocrat who wants everything as it was in her youth.



My Boy Jack
This is based on the life of John "Jack" Kipling, son of the notable author Rudyard Kipling. It takes place in 1914, at the beginning of WWI, when patriotism and support for the war were high. Rudyard Kipling works in the war propaganda office, promoting the British cause. His desperately wants his son Jack to join up, however, Jack has extremely poor eyesight and has been rejected by the Army. Kipling will stop at nothing to get his son to the front lines. He is determined to find a way to prove to his father that he's a man. Mrs. Kipling supports the war but does not wish her son to go off to be killed. Jack is torn between wanting to please his father and resentment of his father's interference in his life. He finally makes it to the front lines. At just barely 18 years old he's made a Lieutenant in charge of the Irish guards as they fight the Germans on the bloody battlefield.

(is that really Harry Potter with a mustache????)

Jack is played brilliantly by Dan Radcliff who is a fine young actor and should have a prolific career beyond Harry Potter. He conveyed Jack's divided feelings excellently and realistically portrayed a young man coming of age. David Haig wrote the screenplay as well as played Rudyard Kipling. I don't know much about Kipling but Haig's acting was very fine and he looks just like Kipling. Kim Cattrell, though best known for Sex & The City, was great as a mother longing to protect her son. This was the best Masterpiece production of the season. By the end, my mom and I had forgotten to turn on the lights after the sun set and we were sitting in darkness and silence with tears streaming down our faces. Do not miss this movie!

Period Dramas

Period Dramas Part II: Masterpiece Classic 2008 Season
The Austen Collection

Persuasion
8 years ago Anne Elliot, daughter of Sir Walter Elliot, Baronet, fell in love with the handsome young Frederick Wentworth, a poor Naval man. Anne was persuaded by her godmother to break their engagement and Frederick went to sea to nurse his broken heart. Now Frederick has returned to land, a wealthy Captain and he and Anne are thrown together again as Anne's foolish father has spent nearly all their money and is forced to rent their home to Wentworth's sister and brother-in-law, Admiral and Mrs. Croft. Anne's feelings remain unchanged but Wentworth seems to be courting the dashing young Louisa Musgrove. A near tragedy causes Wentworth to rexamine his feelings but it may be too late for Anne is courted by her cousin, Walter Elliot. This is the single worst Jane Austen adaptation and Masterpiece show I have ever seen. They chopped the novel and took out some of the subplot that shapes Anne's decision for her future. They also chopped and moved my favorite chapter, the second to last, which is the most telling and romantic part of the whole novel. Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel. The faded and unapreciated Anne really touched my heart and Frederick Wentworth is a wonderful, but flawed, hero. This production did not do it justice. I liked the 1996 motion picture version better.



Northanger Abbey Catherine Morland is invited to Bath by wealthy family friends where she befriends Isabella Thorpe who shares Catherine's passion for gothic romance novels. She also makes the aquaitance of cute and charming Henry Tilney who invites her to stay at his family's abbey with his sister. Catherine suspects there is a dark secret at the Abbey revolving around Mrs. Tilney's death and thinks she can solve the mystery but instead endangers her friendship with the Tilneys and her romance with Henry. This was the most charming of the Austen adaptations this season. Catherine was appropriately young and innocent and her lurid fantasies come across as amusing. Henry Tilney was a charming young hero. Some people have a lot of complaints about this prodcution but my only one was a really stupid scene with Isabella and a rake. If you're an Austen fan, you should watch this version of Northanger Abbey. The costumes are also a nice bonus and accurate for a change.


Mansfield Park Young Fanny Price leaves her poor family in Portsmouth to live with her wealthy relations the Bertrams. They all treat her as a second class citizens, with the exception of Edmund who looks at Fanny like a little sister. As they grow into adulthood, Fanny pines for the absent minded Edmund who has eyes for the bold Mary Crawford while Mary's brother pursues Fanny. This is my least favorite of the Austen novels (is there anyone who actually likes this book?) and this production was exceptionally bad. It oversimplified the story and basically didn't tell much of a story at all. fanny runs around with her hair wild and free (totally inaccurate) mooning over Edmund who is boring and uninteresting. The ending is very abrupt and unrealistic. Andrew Davies gets a lot of criticism but he didn't write this one and maybe it would have been better if he had. Austen fans should watch the 1999 movie instead.

Miss Austen Regrets A fictional look at the life and loves of Jane Austen. Aside from making Jane Austen out to be a sad drunk, I really enjoyed this story. I liked seeing Miss Austen interact with her young adult niece and hearing her witty advice to her romantic young niece. This is worth a watch for a "what if?" perspective.




Pride and Prejudice Colin Firth = swoon! Since this isn't technically a Masterpiece production and deserves a blog post all of it's own, I'll write about it some other time. All you really need to know is that it is the definintive version and Colin Firth IS Mr. Darcy!


Emma Like Pride and Prejudice, this is a repeat of an A&E production. It tells the story of self-assured, wealthy beauty Emma Woodhouse who thinks mainly of matchmaking and inventing romantic stories about her poor friend, Harriet Smith and neighbor Jane Fairfax. Emma manages to hurt some of her kind friends and neighbors with her scheming and the only person who can make her see the error of her ways is gentleman farmer Mr. Knightly, whose brother is married to Emma's older sister. Mr. Knightly helps Emma to grow up and look into her own heart. This isn't my favorite Austen novel - I find Emma silly and Mr. Knightly bores me, but I enjoyed this production. It's faithful to the novel and Kate Beckinsale does a wonderful job portraying Emma.


Sense & Sensibility
When their father dies, the young Misses Dashwood, their mother and younger sister are turned out of their home by their weak step-brother and his nasty, scheming wife. They move to a cottage in the country and befriend their eccentric relative and his friends. 17 year old Marianne dreams of romance while practical Elinor is secretly in love with Edward Ferrars, her step- sister-in-law's brother, but harbors no romantic illusions about her future. Marianne's dreams seem to come true when the handsome Mr. Willoughby rescues her from an accident and calls on her frequently. Marianne is also persuded by the older Col. Brandon, whom Marianne sees as ancient and boring. Willoughby leaves the country for London with promises to Marianne but no further action. When Elinor and Marianne visit a wealthy friend in London, they run into Willoughby unexpectedly and the meeting is not what Marianne hoped for. The sisters react to their romantic entanglements very differently and I really relate to practical Elinor. I liked this production but I felt the second half was rushed. I also felt that Edward was way too good looking for a minister and Willoughby not good looking enough. I enjoyed the scenery of the seaside and the realistic rainy days. My biggest complaint is the same as everyone else's concern, the opening scene, which I initially feared would spoil the plot. The scene is filmed in shadows and candlelight so not much is revealed but it would be better without it.

Period Dramas

Period Dramas Part I: Masterpiece Classic 2009 Season

The 2009 season featured a mix of repeats and all new specials. I watched most of them and I've seen some of the older ones before. Here are some short reviews of my personal opinions.


The Old Curiosity Shop
Based on a story by Charles Dickens. When Little Nell's grandfather loses everything, including his curiosity shop, to a scheming, wicked villain, Nell and Grandfather must wander and beg for charity. Grandfather can not overcome his gambling addiction which has tragic consequences. Meanwhile, the wicked Quilp and his associates set out to prevent a mysterious stranger from finding Little Nell and her grandfather. This was a really strange story. I wasn't sure what was happening through most of it because it went by so quickly. I felt there wasn't enough time for character development. This was not the best of Masterpiece's offerings.



Little Dorrit A thrilling Charles Dickens tale of a young woman born in debtor's prison. Amy Dorrit has selflessly cared for her father, who a prominent inmate (the Father) of the Marshalsea Prison. Amy also cares for the poor people of Bleeding Heart Yard, a local slum, and worries about her older sister and brother as they attempt to make their way in the world by not quite respectable means. Amy is hired as a seamstress by the wealthy crotchety old invalid, Mrs. Clenham. When Mrs. Clenham's son, Arthur, returns from 20 years in China with a message from his father's deathbed to never forget... something.... what, Arthur isn't sure of and his mother isn't telling. Arthur becomes convinced the secret has something to do with the Dorrit's misfortune and sets out to uncover the secret. This is a complex story featuring many quirky characters and one incredibly nasty villain. The story takes many twists and turns on the way to the predictable conclusion. I enjoyed this production which featured incredible acting from Mr. Dorrit and Andy Serkis (aka Gollum) as Rigaud. Overall, there were too many characters to make this story easily followed as a serial. It would be better as a long movie, especially on DVD, where the viewer can go back and refresh their memory. I did enjoy watching it though and I especially liked the quirky secondary characters Pancks, Mrs. Plornish and Flora Finching.

Oliver Twist The story of a poor orphan boy who retains his optimism despite numerous hardships including the workhouse, a terrifying apprenticeship, a band of young thieves and a villain who wants Oliver out of the way - permanently. Though the plot was rather predictable, I thought this was a fine production of a typical Dickens tale. The acting was incredible, especially Tom Hardy as the villainous Sikes who was terrifying and the heartbreaking Sophie Okenedo as Nancy. I really liked how dark and dirty and gritty the streets of London appeared. The contrast between upper class and lower class London was shocking and probably realistic. I haven't seen any other versions of Oliver Twist, except Disney's animated Oliver & Company so I can't compare but I thought this was a particularly good version.



Wuthering Heights
This is a gothic romance of star crossed lovers set on the moors of Yorkshire, England. Young Cathy Earnshaw runs free on the moors with Heathcliff, the mysterious youth her father took in. Cathy's brother Hareton can not feel the same attraction to Heathcliff and the two boys detest each other. When Mr. Earnshaw dies unexpectedly, Hareton takes charge and delegates Heathcliff to a subservient role. Heathcliff and Cathy's bond deepens into love, despite her brother's attitude. An unexpected stay at the home of the quiet, genteel Lintons causes Cathy to choose comfort over love and Heathcliff is abandonned to his increasingly violet feelings towards the Earnshaws and Lintons which have consquences that trickle down to the next generation. I loved this novel in high school, but haven't seen any of the other productions. The scenery was gorgeous and the acting very good. Tom Hardy was excellent as the raging, maniacal Heathcliff, yet made Heathcliff into a tragic character. I think this story lost a little something in the transition to TV. The passion was there but I think the portrayals of Cathy and Heathcliff were a little too kind! That being said, I did enjoy this production, especially the gorgeous scenery.

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .

Animating Maria : School for Manners #5 -- Regency Romance
The Tribbles latest charge is Maria Kendall, the beautiful daughter of vulgar "mushrooms" from Bath. Maria's problem is that she dreams too much and no amount of beating from her parents will make her accept a suitor they've chosen. On the way to London, Maria runs afoul of the Duke of Berham and she instantly vows revenge. He is cool and distant and not roused to passion at all. However, when his mother finds out about her son's encounter with Maria, she decides to take matters into her own hands and arrange a marriage between the two. Maria and the Duke cross swords, then bond over reforming slums but the course of true love ne'er did run smooth! Meanwhile, Miss Amy and Miss Effy are having problems of their own as they try to attract the attentions of two eligible gentlemen and deal with menopause. This novel has a more somber tone than the others. I felt very sad for the characters while reading it. The Tribbles weren't as hilarious as usual but Amy has an outstanding adventure and is funny as always. I liked the romance in this book a little better than the previous ones because the hero and heroine are less driven by lust and get to know each other.

 

Marrying Harriet: School for Manners #5 -- Regency Romance

In this last book of the School for Manners series, the Tribbles face their greatest challenge yet with Harriet Brown, the recently orphaned daughter of a Methodist minister. Harriet is sent by her aunt to London for The Season in hopes of catching a husband. Harriet complies because she realizes without money or accomplishments, she doesn't have a choice. However, Harriet sees the trip as an opportunity to do good works. She catches the eye of the rake Lord Charles Marsham and enlists his help to sort out the Tribble sisters' love lives. Meanwhile, the Tribbles have made deadly enemies who desire revenge! This book is closer in tone to the previous volume, so it isn't as funny but there are some extremely funny moments. Again, the heroine and the suitor get to know each other, rather than succumb to passion. Overall, I enjoyed the series as lighthearted, fun Regency era reads. The romance in the first 4 novels was rather lacking and toed the line between sweet and racy but not too bad. The series ends predictably but getting there is the fun part!

Lady Fortescue Steps Out: The Poor Relation #1 -- Regency Romance  

Lady Fortescue is an elderly poor relation, forced to live on a pittance and visits to her wealthy relations. After she's caught stealing candlesticks from the home of her nephew, the wealthy and haughty Duke of Rowcester, she feels ashamed of her situation and in absolute despair until she meets Col. Sandhurst, another elderly poor relation. The two decide to pool their resouces and invite other poor relations to stay. Soon they turn their home into a fashionable family hotel, The Poor Relation. The hotel becomes a grand success with the help of the shady Sir Philip. The Duke of Rowcester comes flying down to London convinced his aunt is senile and determined to shut down the hotel, until he sees the beautiful chef, Miss Harriet James, a young lady for whom he once had feelings for until she disappeared out of his life. The plot is predictable and not all together exciting. The main characters are lying theives and entirely unlikeable. The Duke is haughty and uncaring and unfeeling despite his feelings for Harriet. I never really got a sense of why the romantic leads liked each other and as with The School of Manners, the romance happens too quickly and improbably. This was not one of my favorites.

Emily Goes to Exeter: The Traveling Matchmaker #1 by Marion Chesney -- Regency Romance

(This story is set in 1800, so not quite the Regency)

For nearly her whole life, Miss Hannah Pym has faithfully served the same employer. She has achieved her life long dream of becoming a housekeeper, however, she longs for something more - an adventure on one of the new fangled "flying machines" (stage coaches). When her employer dies and leaves her a legacy, his brother takes an interest in Hannah and encourages her to fulfill her dream. Hannah sets off on the stage and meets several eccentric characters along the way. Hannah and the other travelers become stranded at an inn during a snowstorm and most of the adventure takes place there. Hannah takes charge running the inn as well as playing matchmaker to some of her fellow passengers. This story is one of Chesney's better ones. The romance develops plausibly and nicely. I really like Miss Pym and can't wait to read more of her matchmaking adventures!

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .

Refining Felicity : School for Manners #1 -- Regency Romance
When gently born but impoverished elderly spinsters Amy and Effie Tribble advertise to hire themselves out as professional chaperones for difficult young ladies, they get more than they bargained for with Lady Felicity Baronsheath, who refuses to stop acting like a wild boy. Aided by Lady Felicity's neighbor, the Marquess of Ravenswood, the Tribbles are determined to refine Felicity and land her a husband. This is one of the best Regency books I've read in a long time. The Tribble sisters are hilarious in their efforts to catch a man for themselves and in their dealings with Felicity. Felicity comes across as a spoiled brat but I really have sympathy for her and wouldn't wish to be a woman of her station at that time. The romance parts were stupid and unrealistic and I enjoyed the Tribble sisters more than the central romance. I can't wait to read more about the Tribble sisters!

Perfecting Fiona: School for Manners #2 -- Regency Romance
The Tribbles are back with a new charge, Miss Fiona Macleod a Scottish heiress sent by her aunt and uncle to the Tribbles because she's sent every suitor running. The Tribbles find Fiona charming as does Lord Peter Havard, a notorious rake. The Tribbles try to push Fiona into marriage but not with Lord Peter, who is entirely unsuitable. Fiona has her own ideas about marriage and plots to keep the gentlemen away. Meanwhile, Effy and Amy Tribble hold out hope of romance of their own and the dastardly Mr. Callahagn who inherited their aunt's money, has plans of his own. This second volume in the series wasn't as funny or charming as the first. The romance happens too quickly and is too improbable. I enjoyed Effy and Amy's exploits much better than Fiona's and laughed out loud at some of them.

Enlightening Delilah : School for Manners #3 -- Regency Romance
I read this after the first in the series but I didn't seem to miss anything that I didn't already know by skipping the second. Once again the Tribbles must come to the rescue of an exasperated parent. Squire Wraxall's daughter Delilah, still unmarried at the advanced age of three and twenty, has become a hardened flirt after being disappointed by Sir Charles Digby when she was 17. The Squire hires Miss Amy and Miss Effy to help give Diana some "town bronze" and cure her of her habit of breaking hearts. Sir Charles Digby has returned from the wars and decided to have some fun in London and hunt for a wife. The romance happens too quickly and unbelieavably. It's predicatble but there's more of a plot than the romance and more mature than the first book. There is an amusing subplot involving Miss Amy Tribble and her desire for a husband and the outcome of the story had me laughing out loud. More Tribbles waiting for me on my nightstand and in the library! I am hooked on them.

Finessing Clarissa: School for Manners #4 -- Regency Romance

The Honorable Clarissa Vevian is the Tribbles latest charge, and most challenging! Clarissa is tall, awkward and clumsy - a walking disaster! Before she even arrives at the Tribbles, she manages to set fire to her last suitor, be held up by a (wannabe) highwayman, injure the highwayman and set fire to her traveling coach, plus a few other mishaps along the way! She is befriended by the Earl of Greystone who at first feels sorry for her. Clarissa and the Earl become friends after she helps him out with difficult family members. His stepmother and half-sister loathe Clarissa and the attention the Earl gives her and are determined to ruin Clarissa. There is also a mystery plot involving French spies and a packet of missing papers As usual, the Tribbles still dream of marrying and see any man who comes their way as a potential suitor! Like the previous books, the romance happens too quickly and too improbably but the Tribbles come to the rescue with their hilarious hijinks!