Annis Wychwood is a classic late Georgette Heyer heroine - beautiful, independent, and well past marriageable age! And Oliver Carleton (with an e) is one of her best "sardonic" heroes - truly mad, bad and dangerous to know. But of course it is their shared love of the ridiculous that unites them, and sets them apart from the rigid society whose rules he shuns and she longs to. The juveniles' sub-plot is also classic Heyer, and less interesting, although I remember when I was fourteen I preferred their story to that of the aged Annis and Oliver. You'll only read this if you're already a Heyer fan, but if you are, rest assured, it is one of her best. And don't be embarrassed, because there are a lot of us about who admire her wit and style. Certainly escapism, but definitely An Escapism of Quality!
