Updated edition of the beloved classic by the Queen of Regency romance herself, Georgette Heyer, featuring a new Foreword by New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James.

A forthright, independent young woman stumbling on happiness for herself while seeking only a brilliant match for her beautiful sister.

The Marquis of Alverstoke is bored. Family and friends are always making demands, so when a distant cousin shows up seeking his patronage, he is not inclined to help.

Frederica Merriville, head of her young family since the death of their parents, has brought her brood to London in an attempt to find a brilliant match for her stunningly beautiful younger sister. Unfortunately their guardian, the Marquis of Alverstoke, appears to be too bored and cynical to bother with them, and without him, they can't launch into the haute ton. But the Merriville family is lively and likeable and as Alverstoke finds himself rescuing them from one scrape after another, he has to admit he's getting attached. Particularly to Frederica herself, who is so busy trying to keep her younger brothers in line and get her sister married off, she is slow to notice. But as their partnership blossoms, it suddenly becomes clear that Alverstoke is no longer bored...he's in love.

"In Frederica we have not only romance--and we have plenty of that--but a lovely and affectionate study of a family." --Nora Roberts, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Delicious... Georgette's work is a treasure beyond price." --Anne Stuart, New York Times bestselling author

"Overflowing with fun and family...warm and joyful." --Library Journal