Sprig Muslin
Sprig Muslin is a Regency romance novel by Georgette Heyer. The story is set in 1813.
Plot summary
Sir Gareth is a noted Corinthian and has been a confirmed bachelor ever since his betrothed died prematurely, seven years ago. He decides for practical reasons to marry an old friend, Hester, who is unfashionable and plain, not to mention "on the shelf" at the age of 29. However, he soon meets a young, runaway girl and determines to resolve her problems satisfactorily. Unfortunately, this particular runaway is possessed of an extremely lively imagination, and gets them both into a little more trouble than he had bargained for.
The piece is reminiscent of Charity Girl, also about a wiser and more experienced man helping a young girl to find her feet while avoiding becoming romantically entangled with her.
Characters
Sir Gareth Ludlow — a Corinthian who never got over the death of his fiancée Clarissa Lincombe seven years ago.Lady Hester Theale — 29, the eldest daughter of Lord BrancasterLord Theale, Earl of Brancaster — Lady Hester's widowed father, profligate member of the Prince Regent's set, country seat is Brancaster Park, ChatterisLord Theale, Viscount Widmore — Lady Hester's brotherCliff — Lord Theale's butlerPovey — Lady Hester's maidAmanda 'Smith' — intrepid daughter of general, 17Captain Neil — a brigade majorMrs Beatrix Wetherby Sir Gareth's sisterMr Warren Wetherby — Sir Gareth's brother-in-lawThe Reverend Augustus Whiteleaf — Lord Brancaster's chaplain, aspirant to Lady Hester's handThe Honourable Fabian Theale — Lord Brancaster's brother, a roué Trotton — Sir Gareth's groomMr & Mrs Sheet — proprietors of an inn at BythornMr Joe Ninfield — a farmhand, godson of Mrs Sheet Mr Hildebrand Ross — a dramatist and student of Cambridge, on his way to Ludlow on vacationMrs & Mrs Chicklaid — proprietors of the Bull Inn at Little Staughton