Arabella

Book info: Arabella (Hardcover, 512 pages – Ulverscroft Large Print Bks., 1982) – Ulverscroft Large Print Bks., 1982. Language: Eng.

It opens in Yorkshire with the four daughters of the Reverend Henry Tallant - he's got as many sons, as well. Arabella is the eldest, quite pretty, as are all the children. Her mother has decided to spend her savings to stake her daughter on a Season in London. The parents are interesting. Henry Tallant could have had more from life than being a vicar, and his wife could have had more than a minister for a husband. They're happy because they both got what they wanted. The warmth and charm of the Tallant family could be saccharine in the hands of a lesser writer, but Heyer obviously loves these characters, and in her hands they're genuine and three-dimensional. When the Vicar reluctantly agrees to the great adventure, he advises his daughter not to be taken in by vanity or false pride. Unfortunately, false pride rears its head before she even arrives in London. (Amazon customer)