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Cotillion
"One of you shall have her, and my fortune into the bargain"
Such was the whimsical, some would say outrageous, statement of the ageing Mr Penicuik, to the three of his great-nephews gathered around him.
The future of his vivacious step-daughter, Miss Kitty Charing, was thus assured, provided she married one of the handsome beaux now seeking her hand. But Kitty was in no hurry to conclude such a contract. By hook or by crook she meant to go to London, where anything might happen and very often did...
Such was the whimsical, some would say outrageous, statement of the ageing Mr Penicuik, to the three of his great-nephews gathered around him.
The future of his vivacious step-daughter, Miss Kitty Charing, was thus assured, provided she married one of the handsome beaux now seeking her hand. But Kitty was in no hurry to conclude such a contract. By hook or by crook she meant to go to London, where anything might happen and very often did...
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1953
857 people are currently reading
8938 people want to read
About the author
Georgette Heyer
245 books5,500 followersGeorgette Heyer was a prolific historical romance and detective fiction novelist. Her writing career began in 1921, when she turned a story for her younger brother into the novel The Black Moth.
In 1925 she married George Ronald Rougier, a mining engineer. Rougier later became a barrister and he often provided basic plot outlines for her thrillers. Beginning in 1932, Heyer released one romance novel and one thriller each year.
Heyer was an intensely private person who remained a best selling author all her life without the aid of publicity. She made no appearances, never gave an interview and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. She wrote one novel using the pseudonym Stella Martin.
Her Georgian and Regencies romances were inspired by Jane Austen. While some critics thought her novels were too detailed, others considered the level of detail to be Heyer's greatest asset.
Heyer remains a popular and much-loved author, known for essentially establishing the historical romance genre and its subgenre Regency romance.
In 1925 she married George Ronald Rougier, a mining engineer. Rougier later became a barrister and he often provided basic plot outlines for her thrillers. Beginning in 1932, Heyer released one romance novel and one thriller each year.
Heyer was an intensely private person who remained a best selling author all her life without the aid of publicity. She made no appearances, never gave an interview and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. She wrote one novel using the pseudonym Stella Martin.
Her Georgian and Regencies romances were inspired by Jane Austen. While some critics thought her novels were too detailed, others considered the level of detail to be Heyer's greatest asset.
Heyer remains a popular and much-loved author, known for essentially establishing the historical romance genre and its subgenre Regency romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,026 reviews
September 21, 2013
I love, love, love, Freddy!!! He is one of my top (if not THE top) Georgette Heyer heros. Surprised that's how I feel? Then let me explain. Freddy isn't your average GH hero, he is a pink, NOT a rake, NOT a nonsuch and certainly NOT 'in the petticoat line'. He is quite simply everyone's friend but no ones crush. His cousin Jack (Who IS a rake, IS a nonsuch and is VERY much in the petticoat line) thinks he's amusing in the way that you might find a kitten or puppy amusing. Which effectively made me hate, hate, hate Jack for the rest of the book! Because the thing about Freddy is that he tries REALLY hard and make's things work out right. He isn't suave, he isn't able to just swan about and fix everything effortlessly, and I loved him for it! The happy endings he managed to salvage out of horrible tangles where all the better because he'd given his all to make it happen. And being ready to take a bashing for your girl, even when you know without a shadow of a doubt your gonna be beaten to pulp, makes a true hero. A nonsuch would have known he was going to win, and therefore his willingness would not be as brave.
April 12, 2021
4.5 stars! Also, this is currently on a $1.99 Kindle sale, as of April 12, 2021. Georgette Heyer books very rarely go on a sale, and this is one of her Regency comedy gems, so grab it if you’re interested! My third read of this one, and it keeps moving up on my list of favorite Heyer novels.
Kitty Charing is the orphaned ward of the miserly and eccentric Mr. Matthew Penicuik. "Uncle Matthew" has no children of his own, but has five grand-nephews, including his favorite, the suave and handsome Jack. Kitty has a crush on Jack, and Matthew hopes he’ll marry Kitty, but he decides, in fairness, to throw the field wide open: he'll leave Kitty his fortune, contingent on her marrying any of his grand-nephews. So Matthew calls a meeting of all of his single grand-nephews, two of whom promptly propose to Kitty. But Jack, reluctant to be ordered about and to lose his freedom too quickly, doesn't show up at the meeting, thus offending both Kitty and Matthew.
Kitty impulsively asks Freddy, another of the great-nephews, to enter into a pretend engagement with her for a month. With a fair amount of difficulty and tears, she convinces Freddy to go along with her plan, partly so she can enjoy life in the big city for a few weeks, out from under Uncle Matthew’s thumb and miserly ways, and partly to try to make Jack jealous.
Freddy patiently squires Kitty around London (his reactions at being forced to tour the sights of London with her are one of the highlights of the story). Jack is a little taken aback by the news of the engagement, but thinks (rightly) that Kitty is just playing hard to get and (maybe rightly) that he can win her back any time he wants. Meanwhile, he's busy trying to make the lovely and innocent Olivia his latest mistress; since she has a not-so-innocent Mamma, Jack figures his chances of success are good.
To complicate matters, Kitty’s generous heart is moved try to help everyone else in her vicinity with their romantic troubles. She's very much like Arabella, actually. And Olivia, of course, just happens to be one of those people Kitty meets and tries to help.
When I first read Cotillion, ten or so years ago, I thought it was pleasant but forgettable. I think I was expecting more of a focus on the romance. I was new to Georgette Heyer at the time, and also my expectations had been set by Devil's Cub, probably one of Heyer's more romantic books, what with the hot (and hot-tempered) hero chasing the reluctant heroine all over creation (be still, my heart). *Note: Some spoilers follow, although I've tagged most of them*
In Cotillion the romance is definitely more low-key, the handsome rake that the heroine has been angling for , and the hero is a beta character of middling good looks and average intelligence, excessively fond of appearing in the pink of fashion, who turns out to have unforeseen depths of character. It's definitely gratifying in its own way, but it wasn't what I was looking for at the time. Looking back on it now, I think I had my expectations set wrong:
Rereading it a second time, it struck me that this really is much more a comedy than a romance, even though the plot centers around several romantic entanglements. Once I stopped expecting it to give me deep romantic feelz and just settled down to enjoy the wit and the absurdities, it became immensely enjoyable.
One of my favorite things was how this book thumbs its nose at the standard romantic tropes:
A cotillion is a genteel version of an English square dance, popular two or three hundred years ago in Europe and America, and was - mark this - originally danced by four couples.
In this book there actually are four romantic (well, more or less romantic) couples:
1. Kitty and Freddy
2. Dolph and Hannah
3. Olivia
4.
And suddenly it struck me how brilliant Heyer was with the plot of this book, with these four couples engaging in a social dance with each other and in their relationships with the people around them, and with all of the crazy entanglements among them.
4.5 stars, up from an initial 3 star rating. :)
Prior review:
This has been one of the Georgette Heyer books on my TBR list for a while, but I paged through it at the library the other day and realized that I actually had read it (maybe 10 years ago) and pretty much forgotten it, except for the ending. Even at the time I read it, it struck me as pleasant but forgettable.
A lot of my fellow Heyer fans love this one so I might give it another try sometime, when my TBR pile gets a little less daunting or I'm really in the mood for an old-fashioned Regency read.
Kitty Charing is the orphaned ward of the miserly and eccentric Mr. Matthew Penicuik. "Uncle Matthew" has no children of his own, but has five grand-nephews, including his favorite, the suave and handsome Jack. Kitty has a crush on Jack, and Matthew hopes he’ll marry Kitty, but he decides, in fairness, to throw the field wide open: he'll leave Kitty his fortune, contingent on her marrying any of his grand-nephews. So Matthew calls a meeting of all of his single grand-nephews, two of whom promptly propose to Kitty. But Jack, reluctant to be ordered about and to lose his freedom too quickly, doesn't show up at the meeting, thus offending both Kitty and Matthew.
Kitty impulsively asks Freddy, another of the great-nephews, to enter into a pretend engagement with her for a month. With a fair amount of difficulty and tears, she convinces Freddy to go along with her plan, partly so she can enjoy life in the big city for a few weeks, out from under Uncle Matthew’s thumb and miserly ways, and partly to try to make Jack jealous.
Freddy patiently squires Kitty around London (his reactions at being forced to tour the sights of London with her are one of the highlights of the story). Jack is a little taken aback by the news of the engagement, but thinks (rightly) that Kitty is just playing hard to get and (maybe rightly) that he can win her back any time he wants. Meanwhile, he's busy trying to make the lovely and innocent Olivia his latest mistress; since she has a not-so-innocent Mamma, Jack figures his chances of success are good.
To complicate matters, Kitty’s generous heart is moved try to help everyone else in her vicinity with their romantic troubles. She's very much like Arabella, actually. And Olivia, of course, just happens to be one of those people Kitty meets and tries to help.
When I first read Cotillion, ten or so years ago, I thought it was pleasant but forgettable. I think I was expecting more of a focus on the romance. I was new to Georgette Heyer at the time, and also my expectations had been set by Devil's Cub, probably one of Heyer's more romantic books, what with the hot (and hot-tempered) hero chasing the reluctant heroine all over creation (be still, my heart). *Note: Some spoilers follow, although I've tagged most of them*
In Cotillion the romance is definitely more low-key, the handsome rake that the heroine has been angling for , and the hero is a beta character of middling good looks and average intelligence, excessively fond of appearing in the pink of fashion, who turns out to have unforeseen depths of character. It's definitely gratifying in its own way, but it wasn't what I was looking for at the time. Looking back on it now, I think I had my expectations set wrong:
Rereading it a second time, it struck me that this really is much more a comedy than a romance, even though the plot centers around several romantic entanglements. Once I stopped expecting it to give me deep romantic feelz and just settled down to enjoy the wit and the absurdities, it became immensely enjoyable.
One of my favorite things was how this book thumbs its nose at the standard romantic tropes:
“I do think,” said Kitty fervently, “that Freddy is the most truly chivalrous person imaginable!”Freddy is about the farthest thing from a dragon-killer or a feet-sweeper-offer: he's a clothes hound who loves high fashion, and he has an interesting habit of dropping his pronouns that makes him appear more dim-witted than he really is. But he's also a totally goodhearted, stand-up guy, and Kitty's tendency to get into fixes that require some nice guy to rescue her motivates Freddy to step up to the plate and develop new depths.
Freddy’s sister, regarding her with awe, opened her mouth, shut it again, swallowed, and managed to say, though in a faint voice: “Do you, indeed?”
“Yes, and a great deal more to the purpose than all the people one was taught to revere, like Sir Lancelot, and Sir Galahad, and Young Lochinvar, and—and that kind of man! I daresay Freddy might not be a great hand at slaying dragons, but you may depend upon it none of those knight-errants would be able to rescue one from a social fix, and you must own, Meg, that one has not the smallest need of a man who can kill dragons! And as for riding off with one in the middle of a party, which I have always thought must have been extremely uncomfortable, and not at all the sort of thing one would wish to happen to one—”
A cotillion is a genteel version of an English square dance, popular two or three hundred years ago in Europe and America, and was - mark this - originally danced by four couples.
In this book there actually are four romantic (well, more or less romantic) couples:
1. Kitty and Freddy
2. Dolph and Hannah
3. Olivia
4.
And suddenly it struck me how brilliant Heyer was with the plot of this book, with these four couples engaging in a social dance with each other and in their relationships with the people around them, and with all of the crazy entanglements among them.
4.5 stars, up from an initial 3 star rating. :)
Prior review:
This has been one of the Georgette Heyer books on my TBR list for a while, but I paged through it at the library the other day and realized that I actually had read it (maybe 10 years ago) and pretty much forgotten it, except for the ending. Even at the time I read it, it struck me as pleasant but forgettable.
A lot of my fellow Heyer fans love this one so I might give it another try sometime, when my TBR pile gets a little less daunting or I'm really in the mood for an old-fashioned Regency read.
March 30, 2015
*Spoilers ahead! Also beware of fangirling and reader who got considerably carried away*
This is a Heyer novel, so of course I expected to enjoy it, but I hadn't planned on falling totally head over heels in love with it!! This is by far my favourite of her Regencies. It's been a while since I hadn't had that much fun with a novel!
This delightful Regency romp opens up with a hilarious scene of three cousins sitting in a drawing room at Arnside, waiting for their eccentric great-uncle to put in an appearance and formally tell them why they invited them (except that we know, early on, that one of them, Lord Biddenden, was NOT invited!!). All three are already aware of the reason for their uncle's summons: he means to give his inheritance to his ward, Miss Kitty Charing, provided she marries one of his great-nephews. Her choices are:
1. Lord Biddenden is NOT a choice because he was NOT invited, because he is already married, as keeps repeating
2. Lord Dolphinton, only Earl in the family, who appears to be slightly touched in his upper works, but in reality he is just very, very slow and possesses a very *small* amount of intelligence and common-sense. The poor man had me laughing every time he said something!
3. Reverend Hugh Rattray, a very stoic and straitlaced man, although handsome, he means to offer for Kitty simply out of pity, and to give her the protection of his name and his "education" (he promises to educate her! yay! fun!).
4. Jack Westruther, the rake Kitty has been in love with since childhood. An entirely deplorable man, selfish and without morals, but nevertheless his uncle's and Kitty's first choice. He does not, however, answer the summons to go to Arnside.
5. Last but not least, Freddy Standen, who is on his way to Arnside, but has no idea of the trouble looming ahead of him.
At present, Kitty's opinion of them all is
Kitty Charing is a charming young lady with a kind heart and warm, open and unaffected manners. She is innocent and seems even more so because she has never been outside of the country. I thought she made a lovely heroine, and although she may not have been as feisty and fascinating as Sophy ( The Grand Sophy ), or as intelligent and resourceful as Mary( Devil's Cub ), the reader is easily won over by her simple kindness and desire to help others.
Appalled by her uncle's heartless ultimatum, Kitty heedlessly flees Arnside and finds refuge in a nearby inn, where she happens to meet up with Freddy Standen, who was just on his way to Arnside. Freddy and Kitty have known each other all their lives and have a very friendly, cousinly relationship. The tale is soon poured out to him, and he finds himself very glad to have encountered her before reaching Arnside, as he had no plan at all to offer for Kitty. They "wouldn't suit". ;)
But Kitty, in a light bulb flash of genius, asks him bluntly: "Then Freddy, will you be so very obliging as to be betrothed to me?"
"No! Dash it, Kit!"
Freddy is none of your typical bad rake in need of a sweet maiden to reform his ways, nor is he a perfect tall, dark, handsome and rich Nonesuch, admired and solicited by all the London beauties. Instead, he is a much more simple, yet much more loveable character. He is said to be "less intelligent" than the norm and repeatedly states the he "has no brains", but in truth he is very down-to-earth, and it is just the way he speaks that make him sound less smart than he really he is. I wouldn't change his speech for the world though, that habit of not using pronouns and using many forceful expressions became him so well and added so much charm to his personality! He is described as not being particularly handsome, but as having an exquisite style of fashion; he is not in the petticoat line, yet is the friend of everyone; he prefers dancing to sporting, and his manners are always graceful and elegant. He may not handle his team with the utmost perfection, but at least he knows how to tie his cravat!
Moreover, Freddy is the nicest, most kind-hearted person on the planet. He is loyal, devoted, and doesn't hesitate to help his friends.
"I think Freddy has what is better than accomplishments - a kind heart!"
Yes, I fell in love with Freddy. Of course I fell in love with Freddy!! He was downright adorable!!!
And, of course, Freddy accepts the counterfeit betrothal and agrees to whisk Kitty off to London!
"I shall have a great to learn, because I have never been to London in my life. But I mean to apply myself!"
Together, they:
* Make sure Kitty is properly dressed. "Charming Kitty! You are as fine as fivepence! Were you guided by Freddy's exquisite taste, or is this new touch all of your own devising?"
*Dance!!! "For this I will say, Freddy! - however stupid you may be, you are by far the best dancer in London! And that, let me tell you, is what Lady Jersey says!
*Visit London. Freddy as the reluctant tourist was hilarious!!! So Kitty, being new to London, naturally wants to see all the famous London sights, which Freddy has absolutely no interest in! She even gets a tourist book, which describes all the Curiosities, Amusements, Exhibitions, Public Establishments and Remarkable Objects in London!
And poor Freddy is all
"No, really, Kit! Not yourself! Can't be! Nice pair of flats we should look, going all over town with a dashed guide book!"
But as kind as he is, he nevertheless agrees to take her on a tour of the City.
Shall we?
The City of London
with commentary by Freddy Standen
Westminster Abbey
"But the dilapidated effigies in the Henry the Seventh Chapel, in particular the ghoulish countenance of Queen Elizabeth, proved to be his breaking-point. He said that he had never seen such a set of rum touches in his life, and represented to Miss Charing in the strongest terms that another five minutes spent in the chapel would make them both feel as blue as megrim."
The British Museum
"The thing's a dashed take-in! A pretty set of bubble-merchants they must be, the fellows that look after place! I'll tell you what Kit: it's a fortunate thing you brought that book! Why, if we hadn't had it we should have been done brown as a pair of berries!"
The Elgin Marbles
"'Dash it, they've got no heads!'"
'No, but you see, Freddy, they are so very old! They have been damaged.' explained Miss Charing.
'Damaged! I should rather think so! They haven't got any arms either! Well, if this don't beat the Dutch! And just look at this, Kit!'
' Birth of Athene from the brain of Zeus,' said Kitty, consulting the catalogue.
'Birth of Athene from what?'"
The Bank of England
" 'One of the wonders of commerce; and one of the abortions of art' read out Miss Charing.
'Is it though? Well, that settles it! We needn't go to Cornhill at all. You know, Kit, that's a dashed good book! We can go home now!'"
* They rack their brains to try and help new acquaintances (befriended by Kitty) get out of miserable tangles, even Freddy would much prefer to stay well out of it! But, he has no choice but to help, says he, since Kitty's in it (and if she's in it, so must he!).
*Literally out-nice each other. Not only are they the two nicest human beings, but they actually argued over it!
"'Tell you what, Kit! Got too kind a heart!' A smile swept across her face. 'Oh Freddy, how absurd you are! When you have a much kinder one than I have!'
'No, really Kit!' protested Freddy, revolted. 'Haven't got anything of the sort! Been on the town for years!'
'Yes, you have,' averred Kitty, lifting his hand to her cheek for a brief moment."
Could they get any cuter?!?! I found myself going "Awwwwwwwwww" every single time they were together!
*And in the middle of it all, they obviously had tons of fun!!! (and so had I)
"I daresay Freddy might not be a great hand at slaying dragons- but one has not the smallest need of a man who can kill dragons!"
" ' I may be without sensibility, but I'm dashed if I'd sit tearing my hair out when a man came to tell me Kit was in trouble!' retorted Freddy. 'Much good that would do her!'"
Not only does Cotillion feature one of the most irresistible hero and heroine of all literature, but the secondary characters are priceless as well. We have Jack, the selfish, rakish cousin who likes to take advantage of everyone and loves to look down mockingly at Freddy and Kitty. Curiously he did not bother me that much. I expected to hate him, having heard much against him, but he was a rather spicy character and made a good contrast with all the other good characters. Moreover I've always loved rakes and he was very hero-material; just the kind who would have made for a perfect "redeemed rake" plot. Then there is Lord Dolphinton, the dim-witted cousin who wants to marry a Cit's daughter and who literally hides under a table when he thinks his mother is coming after him!! I don't think I've ever laughed at a character so much before! He added so much comical relief (as though the book wasn't comical already!). Freddy's father, Lord Legerwood, was extremely fascinating and very hero-material as well. I wished he had been involved in the story more. Another one I loved was Meg, Freddy's older pregnant sister, who made a very good companion and friend for Kitty, and who had random mood swings. I love the scenes when she and Kitty go shopping and try on clothes in her room; they were creating such a lasting bond!
The plot of this wonderful book is also so clever and engaging! Nobody really believes Freddy and Kitty's engagement to be real, but they are so busy trying to untangle everyone else's problems that they do not let it bother them. And before they know it, it is no longer just a fake engagement...
"' What I mean is, like you to have everything you want. Wished it was me and not Jack, that's all. (...) You don't feel you could marry me instead? Got no brains, of course, and I ain't a handsome fellow, like Jack, but I love you. Don't think I could ever love anyone else. Daresay it ain't any use telling you, but - well, there it is!' 'Oh Freddy, Freddy!' sobbed Miss Charing.
'No, no, Kit, don't cry!' begged Freddy, putting his arm round her. 'Can't bear you not to be happy! I won't say another word. Never thought there was any hope for me. Just wanted to tell you.'
'Freddy, I love you with all my heart!' Kitty said, turning within his arm, and casting bothe her own round his neck. 'Much, much more than you could possibly love me!'"
And my reaction:
Honestly, this book is just so good, I can't recommend it enough. MUST READ for Regency and non-Regency fans alike, JUST GO GET A COPY AND ENJOYYY!!! :D :D :D
Group read with the Georgette Heyer Fans group.
This is a Heyer novel, so of course I expected to enjoy it, but I hadn't planned on falling totally head over heels in love with it!! This is by far my favourite of her Regencies. It's been a while since I hadn't had that much fun with a novel!
This delightful Regency romp opens up with a hilarious scene of three cousins sitting in a drawing room at Arnside, waiting for their eccentric great-uncle to put in an appearance and formally tell them why they invited them (except that we know, early on, that one of them, Lord Biddenden, was NOT invited!!). All three are already aware of the reason for their uncle's summons: he means to give his inheritance to his ward, Miss Kitty Charing, provided she marries one of his great-nephews. Her choices are:
1. Lord Biddenden is NOT a choice because he was NOT invited, because he is already married, as keeps repeating
2. Lord Dolphinton, only Earl in the family, who appears to be slightly touched in his upper works, but in reality he is just very, very slow and possesses a very *small* amount of intelligence and common-sense. The poor man had me laughing every time he said something!
3. Reverend Hugh Rattray, a very stoic and straitlaced man, although handsome, he means to offer for Kitty simply out of pity, and to give her the protection of his name and his "education" (he promises to educate her! yay! fun!).
4. Jack Westruther, the rake Kitty has been in love with since childhood. An entirely deplorable man, selfish and without morals, but nevertheless his uncle's and Kitty's first choice. He does not, however, answer the summons to go to Arnside.
5. Last but not least, Freddy Standen, who is on his way to Arnside, but has no idea of the trouble looming ahead of him.
At present, Kitty's opinion of them all is
Kitty Charing is a charming young lady with a kind heart and warm, open and unaffected manners. She is innocent and seems even more so because she has never been outside of the country. I thought she made a lovely heroine, and although she may not have been as feisty and fascinating as Sophy ( The Grand Sophy ), or as intelligent and resourceful as Mary( Devil's Cub ), the reader is easily won over by her simple kindness and desire to help others.
Appalled by her uncle's heartless ultimatum, Kitty heedlessly flees Arnside and finds refuge in a nearby inn, where she happens to meet up with Freddy Standen, who was just on his way to Arnside. Freddy and Kitty have known each other all their lives and have a very friendly, cousinly relationship. The tale is soon poured out to him, and he finds himself very glad to have encountered her before reaching Arnside, as he had no plan at all to offer for Kitty. They "wouldn't suit". ;)
But Kitty, in a light bulb flash of genius, asks him bluntly: "Then Freddy, will you be so very obliging as to be betrothed to me?"
"No! Dash it, Kit!"
Freddy is none of your typical bad rake in need of a sweet maiden to reform his ways, nor is he a perfect tall, dark, handsome and rich Nonesuch, admired and solicited by all the London beauties. Instead, he is a much more simple, yet much more loveable character. He is said to be "less intelligent" than the norm and repeatedly states the he "has no brains", but in truth he is very down-to-earth, and it is just the way he speaks that make him sound less smart than he really he is. I wouldn't change his speech for the world though, that habit of not using pronouns and using many forceful expressions became him so well and added so much charm to his personality! He is described as not being particularly handsome, but as having an exquisite style of fashion; he is not in the petticoat line, yet is the friend of everyone; he prefers dancing to sporting, and his manners are always graceful and elegant. He may not handle his team with the utmost perfection, but at least he knows how to tie his cravat!
Moreover, Freddy is the nicest, most kind-hearted person on the planet. He is loyal, devoted, and doesn't hesitate to help his friends.
"I think Freddy has what is better than accomplishments - a kind heart!"
Yes, I fell in love with Freddy. Of course I fell in love with Freddy!! He was downright adorable!!!
And, of course, Freddy accepts the counterfeit betrothal and agrees to whisk Kitty off to London!
"I shall have a great to learn, because I have never been to London in my life. But I mean to apply myself!"
Together, they:
* Make sure Kitty is properly dressed. "Charming Kitty! You are as fine as fivepence! Were you guided by Freddy's exquisite taste, or is this new touch all of your own devising?"
*Dance!!! "For this I will say, Freddy! - however stupid you may be, you are by far the best dancer in London! And that, let me tell you, is what Lady Jersey says!
*Visit London. Freddy as the reluctant tourist was hilarious!!! So Kitty, being new to London, naturally wants to see all the famous London sights, which Freddy has absolutely no interest in! She even gets a tourist book, which describes all the Curiosities, Amusements, Exhibitions, Public Establishments and Remarkable Objects in London!
And poor Freddy is all
"No, really, Kit! Not yourself! Can't be! Nice pair of flats we should look, going all over town with a dashed guide book!"
But as kind as he is, he nevertheless agrees to take her on a tour of the City.
Shall we?
The City of London
with commentary by Freddy Standen
Westminster Abbey
"But the dilapidated effigies in the Henry the Seventh Chapel, in particular the ghoulish countenance of Queen Elizabeth, proved to be his breaking-point. He said that he had never seen such a set of rum touches in his life, and represented to Miss Charing in the strongest terms that another five minutes spent in the chapel would make them both feel as blue as megrim."
The British Museum
"The thing's a dashed take-in! A pretty set of bubble-merchants they must be, the fellows that look after place! I'll tell you what Kit: it's a fortunate thing you brought that book! Why, if we hadn't had it we should have been done brown as a pair of berries!"
The Elgin Marbles
"'Dash it, they've got no heads!'"
'No, but you see, Freddy, they are so very old! They have been damaged.' explained Miss Charing.
'Damaged! I should rather think so! They haven't got any arms either! Well, if this don't beat the Dutch! And just look at this, Kit!'
' Birth of Athene from the brain of Zeus,' said Kitty, consulting the catalogue.
'Birth of Athene from what?'"
The Bank of England
" 'One of the wonders of commerce; and one of the abortions of art' read out Miss Charing.
'Is it though? Well, that settles it! We needn't go to Cornhill at all. You know, Kit, that's a dashed good book! We can go home now!'"
* They rack their brains to try and help new acquaintances (befriended by Kitty) get out of miserable tangles, even Freddy would much prefer to stay well out of it! But, he has no choice but to help, says he, since Kitty's in it (and if she's in it, so must he!).
*Literally out-nice each other. Not only are they the two nicest human beings, but they actually argued over it!
"'Tell you what, Kit! Got too kind a heart!' A smile swept across her face. 'Oh Freddy, how absurd you are! When you have a much kinder one than I have!'
'No, really Kit!' protested Freddy, revolted. 'Haven't got anything of the sort! Been on the town for years!'
'Yes, you have,' averred Kitty, lifting his hand to her cheek for a brief moment."
Could they get any cuter?!?! I found myself going "Awwwwwwwwww" every single time they were together!
*And in the middle of it all, they obviously had tons of fun!!! (and so had I)
"I daresay Freddy might not be a great hand at slaying dragons- but one has not the smallest need of a man who can kill dragons!"
" ' I may be without sensibility, but I'm dashed if I'd sit tearing my hair out when a man came to tell me Kit was in trouble!' retorted Freddy. 'Much good that would do her!'"
Not only does Cotillion feature one of the most irresistible hero and heroine of all literature, but the secondary characters are priceless as well. We have Jack, the selfish, rakish cousin who likes to take advantage of everyone and loves to look down mockingly at Freddy and Kitty. Curiously he did not bother me that much. I expected to hate him, having heard much against him, but he was a rather spicy character and made a good contrast with all the other good characters. Moreover I've always loved rakes and he was very hero-material; just the kind who would have made for a perfect "redeemed rake" plot. Then there is Lord Dolphinton, the dim-witted cousin who wants to marry a Cit's daughter and who literally hides under a table when he thinks his mother is coming after him!! I don't think I've ever laughed at a character so much before! He added so much comical relief (as though the book wasn't comical already!). Freddy's father, Lord Legerwood, was extremely fascinating and very hero-material as well. I wished he had been involved in the story more. Another one I loved was Meg, Freddy's older pregnant sister, who made a very good companion and friend for Kitty, and who had random mood swings. I love the scenes when she and Kitty go shopping and try on clothes in her room; they were creating such a lasting bond!
The plot of this wonderful book is also so clever and engaging! Nobody really believes Freddy and Kitty's engagement to be real, but they are so busy trying to untangle everyone else's problems that they do not let it bother them. And before they know it, it is no longer just a fake engagement...
"' What I mean is, like you to have everything you want. Wished it was me and not Jack, that's all. (...) You don't feel you could marry me instead? Got no brains, of course, and I ain't a handsome fellow, like Jack, but I love you. Don't think I could ever love anyone else. Daresay it ain't any use telling you, but - well, there it is!' 'Oh Freddy, Freddy!' sobbed Miss Charing.
'No, no, Kit, don't cry!' begged Freddy, putting his arm round her. 'Can't bear you not to be happy! I won't say another word. Never thought there was any hope for me. Just wanted to tell you.'
'Freddy, I love you with all my heart!' Kitty said, turning within his arm, and casting bothe her own round his neck. 'Much, much more than you could possibly love me!'"
And my reaction:
Honestly, this book is just so good, I can't recommend it enough. MUST READ for Regency and non-Regency fans alike, JUST GO GET A COPY AND ENJOYYY!!! :D :D :D
Group read with the Georgette Heyer Fans group.
November 10, 2025
The unlikely hero.
I remember the first time I read Pride and Prejudice. I imagine every woman does.
It's like the first time you have sex.
Except good.
At any rate, I had somehow made it to my early 20s without getting the plot spoiled, so when Lizzie got that letter from Mr. Darcy, I was floored to find myself in love with him.
And I'm not comparing my feelings for Mr. Darcy (and yes, I still have feelings) to Kitty's man.
But around the halfway mark, much like in P&P, my feelings started to undergo a shift that I did not originally see coming.
I do not want to spoil this one for anyone, so I'll just give the skinny gist of the story and leave it at that.
Kitty is an orphan who was adopted by her father's rich bachelor BFF when she was young.
Now, the old guy is a skinflint, but he's loaded. AND he's leaving everything to Kitty, as long as she marries one of his nephews. One is a stodgy old vicar, one has an exceptionally low IQ, one is an independently wealthy dandy who doesn't want to get married, and one is a handsome rake (Jack) who didn't even bother to show up when his uncle called him for the announcement.
Now, Kitty is feisty and really doesn't care about her guardian's money, so she turns down the offers that some of her faux-cousins give her.
Shocking!
But she does hatch a plan to go to London and see the sights using the sheer force of her personality against the dandy - who is her friend if nothing else.
Since she knows he doesn't want to marry her, she concocts a fake engagement to allow her to visit his family in London, and perhaps even show Jack what he's missing out on.
Kitty hits London like a sock full of nickels upside the head, and the hijinks ensue.
And that's all you need to know.
Now, quit asking me questions and go read the book.
Highly recommended for fans of Regency Romance.
I remember the first time I read Pride and Prejudice. I imagine every woman does.
It's like the first time you have sex.
Except good.
At any rate, I had somehow made it to my early 20s without getting the plot spoiled, so when Lizzie got that letter from Mr. Darcy, I was floored to find myself in love with him.
And I'm not comparing my feelings for Mr. Darcy (and yes, I still have feelings) to Kitty's man.
But around the halfway mark, much like in P&P, my feelings started to undergo a shift that I did not originally see coming.
I do not want to spoil this one for anyone, so I'll just give the skinny gist of the story and leave it at that.
Kitty is an orphan who was adopted by her father's rich bachelor BFF when she was young.
Now, the old guy is a skinflint, but he's loaded. AND he's leaving everything to Kitty, as long as she marries one of his nephews. One is a stodgy old vicar, one has an exceptionally low IQ, one is an independently wealthy dandy who doesn't want to get married, and one is a handsome rake (Jack) who didn't even bother to show up when his uncle called him for the announcement.
Now, Kitty is feisty and really doesn't care about her guardian's money, so she turns down the offers that some of her faux-cousins give her.
Shocking!
But she does hatch a plan to go to London and see the sights using the sheer force of her personality against the dandy - who is her friend if nothing else.
Since she knows he doesn't want to marry her, she concocts a fake engagement to allow her to visit his family in London, and perhaps even show Jack what he's missing out on.
Kitty hits London like a sock full of nickels upside the head, and the hijinks ensue.
And that's all you need to know.
Now, quit asking me questions and go read the book.
Highly recommended for fans of Regency Romance.
April 30, 2023
Warning there may be spoilers for
in this review.
I find it hard to say which is my favourite Heyer Regency. When I read Arabella that is my favourite, but when I read Cotillion that is my favourite.& I have only just reread Cotillion for the umpteenth time, but maybe Cotillion is my true, absolute love.
The point both books have in common are the heroine. Both are pretty brunettes with kind hearts & no real money of their own. Society's rules are less important to them than a social conscience (Arabella) and helping friends or family (Kitty) The books main difference is the hero. Robert from Arabella is a true Regency hero - dashing, handsome, witty & autocratic. In Cotillion
A Cinderella story with heart.
Edit: Still my favourite GH Regency. I'll just add Kitty gains not just a kindly husband, but a loving family - which she has never had before.
Lot of layers to this story.
& look what I found online
Adorable
Edit 2: & my third read since being on GR of this, still my favourite Georgette Heyer Regency - which of course means this is my favourite Regency of all time!
As many times as I have read this novel *mumble, probably around sixty times!* the witty sparkling dialogue and very original plot has me smiling right the way through!
If I was stranded on a desert island, this would definitely be one of the novels I would want with me !
& on to reread number four - & that is just since I have been on Goodreads!
As Kate Fenton (from the Daily Telegraph) writes on the back cover of my copy;
I'm on my second or third copy of most of them!
Enjoy!
in this review.I find it hard to say which is my favourite Heyer Regency. When I read Arabella that is my favourite, but when I read Cotillion that is my favourite.& I have only just reread Cotillion for the umpteenth time, but maybe Cotillion is my true, absolute love.
The point both books have in common are the heroine. Both are pretty brunettes with kind hearts & no real money of their own. Society's rules are less important to them than a social conscience (Arabella) and helping friends or family (Kitty) The books main difference is the hero. Robert from Arabella is a true Regency hero - dashing, handsome, witty & autocratic. In Cotillion
A Cinderella story with heart.
Edit: Still my favourite GH Regency. I'll just add Kitty gains not just a kindly husband, but a loving family - which she has never had before.
Lot of layers to this story.
& look what I found online
Adorable
Edit 2: & my third read since being on GR of this, still my favourite Georgette Heyer Regency - which of course means this is my favourite Regency of all time!
As many times as I have read this novel *mumble, probably around sixty times!* the witty sparkling dialogue and very original plot has me smiling right the way through!
If I was stranded on a desert island, this would definitely be one of the novels I would want with me !
& on to reread number four - & that is just since I have been on Goodreads!
As Kate Fenton (from the Daily Telegraph) writes on the back cover of my copy;
A writer of great wit and style...I've read her books to ragged shreds.
I'm on my second or third copy of most of them!
Enjoy!
March 28, 2018
Synopsis: Naive country lad Kit Charing's obstreperous and stingy guardian has made it clear that the boy will inherit nothing unless Kit marries one of her nieces: either the amiable but rather dim fashion plate Frederica Standen, the simple-minded Lady Dolphinton, mean-spirited Claudette, uptight bible-thumper Huette... or the intended target, the beautiful and very popular Jacqueline Westruther. Unfortunately, despite being rather in need of funds, the prideful minx Jacqueline resists, refusing to engage with this marriage plot. And so Kit enacts his own scheme: he and kindly Frederica will fake an engagement, in the hopes of igniting jealousy in the heart of flirtatious Jacqueline. All's well that end's well when both Kit and the reader come to understand the callow heartlessness beneath Jacqueline's beauty, and the strength and loyalty that lie under Frederica's shallow obsession with fashion and manners. Girls will be girls! As boys will be boys.
I loved this sweet and comedic confection. Heyer must have been in a playful mood when writing Cotillion, as she does surprising things in this novel: mercilessly sending up the superficial nature of high society including its discreet but constant focus on money; putting romance to the side while instead providing a generous number of comic scenes based around shopping, couture and the appropriate colors that should be worn by certain complexions, describing an unpleasant dinner party followed by a trashy masquerade, and the visiting of many so-called attractions of London; spoofing the very idea of how a proper marriage proposal should be conducted; making unseemly jokes about red light districts and honey traps; and best of all, confounding reader expectations around gender roles and what sorts of traits romantic leads should embody. I grinned happily and laughed out loud many times. The title is clever as well, delineating the romantic entanglements that four couples dance through in the novel - with one couple being a surprise, last-minute addition. All in all, Cotillion is an amiable and cheerful delight.
Actual Synopsis: switch the genders in the Synopsis.
I loved this sweet and comedic confection. Heyer must have been in a playful mood when writing Cotillion, as she does surprising things in this novel: mercilessly sending up the superficial nature of high society including its discreet but constant focus on money; putting romance to the side while instead providing a generous number of comic scenes based around shopping, couture and the appropriate colors that should be worn by certain complexions, describing an unpleasant dinner party followed by a trashy masquerade, and the visiting of many so-called attractions of London; spoofing the very idea of how a proper marriage proposal should be conducted; making unseemly jokes about red light districts and honey traps; and best of all, confounding reader expectations around gender roles and what sorts of traits romantic leads should embody. I grinned happily and laughed out loud many times. The title is clever as well, delineating the romantic entanglements that four couples dance through in the novel - with one couple being a surprise, last-minute addition. All in all, Cotillion is an amiable and cheerful delight.
Actual Synopsis: switch the genders in the Synopsis.
June 6, 2025
‘Freddy, you are quite sure you don’t want to marry me, aren’t you?’
He looked a little alarmed, for she spoke with a degree of urgency which made him feel uneasy. ‘Yes,’ he said. He added apologetically: ‘Very fond of you, Kit, always was! Thing is, not a marrying man!’
‘Then, Freddy, will you be so very obliging as to be betrothed to me?’ said Miss Charing breathlessly.
2023 Review
Georgette Heyer brings a great sense of humor to her stories! That, combined with believable characters, the various scrapes they have to get out of and Austen-like writing makes Cotillion a very engaging light read.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
[One star for the premise and the whole book; One star for the story; One star for the characters; One star for the witty writing; One star for the world-building and description of the ton - Five stars!]
He looked a little alarmed, for she spoke with a degree of urgency which made him feel uneasy. ‘Yes,’ he said. He added apologetically: ‘Very fond of you, Kit, always was! Thing is, not a marrying man!’
‘Then, Freddy, will you be so very obliging as to be betrothed to me?’ said Miss Charing breathlessly.
2023 Review
Georgette Heyer brings a great sense of humor to her stories! That, combined with believable characters, the various scrapes they have to get out of and Austen-like writing makes Cotillion a very engaging light read.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
[One star for the premise and the whole book; One star for the story; One star for the characters; One star for the witty writing; One star for the world-building and description of the ton - Five stars!]
September 23, 2021
June 2019 re-read: Yup, still good. Glad I moved his up on the re-read rotation. I hadn't remembered all the shenanigans with Kitty once they hit London but found them very engaging so I'm not sure why they'd faded from my memory.
This is one of the few Georgette Heyer books I own, but haven't re-read in recent years. I won't make that mistake again. I must have read it early in my Heyer days, because I'm pretty sure I didn't understand the main characters, Freddy and Kitty, very well. Freddy, in particular, undergoes more character development than is common in Heyer's heroes and is easy to write-off in the early parts of the novel as empty-headed. He starts out much like many supporting characters in Heyer's other novels--stylish, proper, concerned about fashion, an unquestioning bachelor, and considered by his friends to be a well-meaning fribble. He ends much more in the typical heyerian mode of someone who is comfortable in his world and well able to shape it to his needs and desires.
Indeed, in many ways, this book is more about the hero than the heroine. Freddy undergoes a strong metamorphosis as he begins to recognize his own ability to manage his world and put his imprint on it. That others come to appreciate, and respect, his new-found capacity for action isn't nearly so important as realizing, himself, that he is perfectly capable, and willing, to do what must be done to see to the comfort of his friends and the people he cares about. Kitty, on the other hand, doesn't really grow or change except in relation to her understanding of, and appreciation for, Freddy. This is a reversal of the many Heyer novels where the heroine's character develops appreciably and the hero merely learns to appreciate her stellar qualities.
Catching the early hints that Freddy has much more depth than seemed at first possible made all the difference in my enjoyment of this book. It hasn't become my favorite Heyer novel, but it's certainly climbed out of my dog pile and will be happily re-read on a much more regular basis.
August 17, 2021
Having come to expect the standard in a romance novel, Cotillion is a breath of fresh air. It's funny too with sparkling touches of wit and silly characters. Oh, I would love to have it read to me. Its heroine Kitty is honest, plain spoken, and in need of some fun in her life and the hero is one of the most well-drawn protagonists I've read.
The title puzzled me and I thought it very dry for such a whimsical story, but my better-read, Goodreads readers let me in on the secret. A cotillion was an intricate, contemporary dance involving four couples. There are exactly four romances going on in the book. All of which are surprising and delightful in different ways.
The title puzzled me and I thought it very dry for such a whimsical story, but my better-read, Goodreads readers let me in on the secret. A cotillion was an intricate, contemporary dance involving four couples. There are exactly four romances going on in the book. All of which are surprising and delightful in different ways.
September 13, 2018
This is my first book by Georgette Heyer. I've heard so many great things about her that I had to see for myself. At first, I wasn't too pleased with the book, but I warmed to it after the first couple of chapters.
The way “Cotillion” starts out: with a miserly, eccentric uncle trying to hold his relations hostage to his will, I thought it would be dreary. But as soon as Cousin Freddy comes on the scene, the book takes a most pleasant, comedic turn! Against his will and his protests, the heroine, Kitty, talks him into a fake engagement, so that she may go to London, and make her cousin, Jack--of whom she always had romantic fantasies-- jealous. However, while she's in London, her kind heart gets her embroiled into all sorts of schemes to help various people. Freddy is always there to get her and her friends out of a fix.
I didn't like Kitty at first. She seemed so manipulative--getting Freddy to propose when he clearly didn't want to. It seemed her plan could end up destructive to both of them. I realized as she grew that the plan was just naivete and not pure manipulation, and everything turned out well in the end. She started out as an unexciting character, but I came to love her for her actions—which gives her more depth than initial looks and sparkling personality.
Besides the protagonists, the novel also has a wide cast of nicely developed side characters who add to the twists and turns of the plot. The story evolves in a series of complicated steps, just like the lively dance of the title.
Heyer's writing is delightful. She mixes humor with the beloved Regency Romance genre, which is something I have a penchant for lately. While it's no literary masterpiece, it's a rare find-- a pleasant escape from 21st century life that satisfied my romance cravings without insulting my brain with bad prose, poor pacing, violence, sex, or the melodramatic bodice ripping of most historical fiction. I have no idea how authentic the Regency slang the characters spout, but the word play is very amusing. I didn't expect to get so engrossed and interested as I did, and I’m totally going to invest more time on Heyer’s works soon!
The way “Cotillion” starts out: with a miserly, eccentric uncle trying to hold his relations hostage to his will, I thought it would be dreary. But as soon as Cousin Freddy comes on the scene, the book takes a most pleasant, comedic turn! Against his will and his protests, the heroine, Kitty, talks him into a fake engagement, so that she may go to London, and make her cousin, Jack--of whom she always had romantic fantasies-- jealous. However, while she's in London, her kind heart gets her embroiled into all sorts of schemes to help various people. Freddy is always there to get her and her friends out of a fix.
I didn't like Kitty at first. She seemed so manipulative--getting Freddy to propose when he clearly didn't want to. It seemed her plan could end up destructive to both of them. I realized as she grew that the plan was just naivete and not pure manipulation, and everything turned out well in the end. She started out as an unexciting character, but I came to love her for her actions—which gives her more depth than initial looks and sparkling personality.
Besides the protagonists, the novel also has a wide cast of nicely developed side characters who add to the twists and turns of the plot. The story evolves in a series of complicated steps, just like the lively dance of the title.
Heyer's writing is delightful. She mixes humor with the beloved Regency Romance genre, which is something I have a penchant for lately. While it's no literary masterpiece, it's a rare find-- a pleasant escape from 21st century life that satisfied my romance cravings without insulting my brain with bad prose, poor pacing, violence, sex, or the melodramatic bodice ripping of most historical fiction. I have no idea how authentic the Regency slang the characters spout, but the word play is very amusing. I didn't expect to get so engrossed and interested as I did, and I’m totally going to invest more time on Heyer’s works soon!
September 12, 2016
This is one of Heyer's best books featuring one of her very best characters, that of Freddie Standen. Such an adorable man and just the perfect match for Kittie once she comes around to realising it. So many great characters in this book! I loved Freddie's father and his sister, Meg and Dolph was also great fun.
There is just something about a good Georgette Heyer book. They are light, funny, entertaining and oh so smart. And they are wearing the test of time. Still so good after so many years:)
There is just something about a good Georgette Heyer book. They are light, funny, entertaining and oh so smart. And they are wearing the test of time. Still so good after so many years:)
January 10, 2019
How is this only the second Georgette Heyer romance I’ve ever read? I picked up An Infamous Army years ago and loved it; I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to seek out another one of her Regency romances. Cotillion often appears on lists of people’s favorite Heyer novels, so it seemed like a good starting point for diving back into her work.
I am happy to report that, in short, Cotillion is a goddamn bonbon of a book – clever, cute, and so light and carefree it practically bounces. As an added bonus, the plot is basically a checklist of all your favorite fanfiction tropes: our heroine is Kitty Charing, who was adopted at a young age by a wealthy but miserly Englishman. He declares that Kitty will inherit his entire fortune, but only if she marries one of his great-nephews (he very generously leaves the choice up to Kitty). Kitty hatches a plan - she approaches the most sympathetic of the nephews, a delightful fop named Freddy, and presents her proposal. She and Freddy will pretend to get engaged so Kitty has an excuse to go to London and go to all the ton parties and buy new clothes, and after a suitable amount of time they’ll have a “fight” and “break up” and no one will be the wiser. (And if Freddy's rakish and scandalously handsome cousin Jack should become jealous of Kitty's apparent engagement and decide to do something about it WELL THEN) So the couple goes off to London, where Kitty immediately gets herself involved in the scandalous marriage plots of two separate couples, all while trying to keep a lid on her own marriage plot.
This baby’s got everything, in other words. Rakes, social climbers, fake engagements, fortune hunters, elopements – god, we even get that scene where a character is teaching someone how to dance and they have a Moment (“characters unexpectedly falling in love after being forced to dance together for some reason” is my personal favorite in the FanFic Trope grab bag). The only thing that’s missing is a scene where Freddy and Kitty have to make out or share a bed to prove that their engagement’s genuine, since the 18th century setting doesn't allow for such nonsese. Really, the only thing I didn't like was that there was never any real payoff to Kitty being adopted - I was sure that we were going to learn something scandalous about her mother's identity, but she remains merely French, and therefore scandalous enough.
All in all, this book was a fun, fluffy all-around good time, where even the villains are funny and charming. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt, and we need that from our books every now and then.
I am happy to report that, in short, Cotillion is a goddamn bonbon of a book – clever, cute, and so light and carefree it practically bounces. As an added bonus, the plot is basically a checklist of all your favorite fanfiction tropes: our heroine is Kitty Charing, who was adopted at a young age by a wealthy but miserly Englishman. He declares that Kitty will inherit his entire fortune, but only if she marries one of his great-nephews (he very generously leaves the choice up to Kitty). Kitty hatches a plan - she approaches the most sympathetic of the nephews, a delightful fop named Freddy, and presents her proposal. She and Freddy will pretend to get engaged so Kitty has an excuse to go to London and go to all the ton parties and buy new clothes, and after a suitable amount of time they’ll have a “fight” and “break up” and no one will be the wiser. (And if Freddy's rakish and scandalously handsome cousin Jack should become jealous of Kitty's apparent engagement and decide to do something about it WELL THEN) So the couple goes off to London, where Kitty immediately gets herself involved in the scandalous marriage plots of two separate couples, all while trying to keep a lid on her own marriage plot.
This baby’s got everything, in other words. Rakes, social climbers, fake engagements, fortune hunters, elopements – god, we even get that scene where a character is teaching someone how to dance and they have a Moment (“characters unexpectedly falling in love after being forced to dance together for some reason” is my personal favorite in the FanFic Trope grab bag). The only thing that’s missing is a scene where Freddy and Kitty have to make out or share a bed to prove that their engagement’s genuine, since the 18th century setting doesn't allow for such nonsese. Really, the only thing I didn't like was that there was never any real payoff to Kitty being adopted - I was sure that we were going to learn something scandalous about her mother's identity, but she remains merely French, and therefore scandalous enough.
All in all, this book was a fun, fluffy all-around good time, where even the villains are funny and charming. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt, and we need that from our books every now and then.
October 4, 2015
The cotillion (also cotillon or "French country dance") is a social dance, popular in 18th-century Europe and America. Originally for four couples in square formation, it was a courtly version of an English country dance, the forerunner of the quadrille and, in the United States, the square dance.
That's what it says on the cover and that's what you will find between the covers of this delightful comedy of manners from the pen of Georgette Heyer, whose accomplishments in the recreations of the customs, fashions and linguistic peculiarities of the period have come to define the whole genre of Regency Romance. I used to think P G Wodehouse is without peer when it comes to creative use of the English language and comedic entanglements, but "Cotillion" is a fine example for me of a succesful challenge to his elevated position. While the historic periods are clearly different, the comparison is underlined by the setting of the story among the higher echelons of the British society (the Ton as the Regency bucks liked to define it) and by the pursuit of love as the prime engine of the plot.
The dance starts with an introduction of several gentlemen gathered at the manor of their cranky old uncle who wants to leave his whole wealth to a poor orphan girl in his household. The condition for the inheritance is that the lovely Miss Kitty Charing must marry one of the nephews of Mr Penicuik. Among the four nephews, Lord Dolphington is an Earl with a few screws loose in the belfry, Hugh is a stuffed shirt clergyman, George is already married and a bore, Freddy is an effete man about town, more interested in the latest fashions than in petticoats, and Jack Westruthers is a scoundrel with the good looks and the loose morals that can get him any lady of the high society that he snaps his fingers at. Seems like an easy choice for Kitty, but the only problem is that the saucy Jack has refused to answer the summons. Inflamed by the plan of her tight-fisted guardian to sell her out like livestock, Mrs. Charing hatches a plan to escape for her first season in London, hoping to find there more succes in her pursuit of marital bliss than in the isolated estate of Mr. Penicuik.
I do not want neatness and propriety! I want elegant dresses, and I want to have my hair cut in the first style of fashion, and I want to go to assemblies, and rout-parties, and to the theatre, and to the Opera, and not - not! - to be a poor little squab of a dowdy!
After browbeating one of the nephews into a fake marriage proposal, Kitty proceeds to do exactly that, armed with an illustrated guide of the points of interes in the metropolis : "The Picture of London (Price Five Shillings, Bound in Red" ). With an introduction to the household of her impromptu fiancee's sister Meg, the girl is ready to take the Ton by storm. Fresh as paint, and full of enthusiasm. Miss Catherine Charing is a delightful guide to the Regency landscape, cca 1816. While trying to solve her own marital status, she is pretty soon involved in the fate of two other couples, each totally unsuited to each other by the standards of the time. All her best efforts though only lead to more complications, to the exasperation of the amiable Freddy Standen, who finds himself plunged deep "in the soup" as his modern alter-ego (Bertie Wooster) would say. Unlike Bertie, the honourable Freddy turns out to hide behind the phlegmatic facade and the studied affectations of speech a healthy dose of common sense and resourcefulness under stress.
I think Freddy has what is better than accomplishments - a kind heart! exclaims the impressed young Kitty after the umpteenth time he comes to her rescue. But can he replace the dashing Jack of her romantic dreams?
The casual reader might understandably dismiss the novel as inoffensive escapism, a pleasant way to enjoy a weekend pondering over the fashion sense of the well-to-do:
Ermine and chinchilla with blue, Meg! Sables never show to advantage! Now, if only you had chosen to wear the Merino cloth pelisse I bought for you - not the earth-coloured one, but the braided one in French green - it would have been unexceptionable!
Between the lines though there is a glimpse of the dire position of women in a scandal prone and male dominated society where their only chance at a decent life is to ensnare a wealthy husband, or at least a generous rogue to pay their upkeep in exchange for sexual favours. As Kitty is auctioned to suitors with the promise of a fat dowry, the impoverished Olivia is offered to the blase and elderly 'roue' Henry Gosford as a mistress:
I am wholly dependant upon the generosity of my guardian! I do not exaggerate when I say that I have not a penny in the world!
I have mentioned earlier that much of the enjoyment of the lecture came not so much from the plot or from the personable young people involved, but from the well researched linguistic peculiarities of the period. While some words made me dive for the dictionary (valetudinarian, cicisbeo) , it is mostly in the bubbling conversation that the talent of the author really shines:
You know, Kitty, the old gentleman must be in pretty queer stirrups! Unless he's been on the mop, and that doesn't seem likely. Well, what I mean is, he must be dicked in the nob to want such a set of gudgeons at Arnside!
I have considered for a moment a three star rating for this divertimento, but then I had before me a picture of Miss Fishguard,the poetry-obsessed governess of Kitty, and listened to her admonition:
So ignoble a thought will not for an instant be permitted to obtrude!
January 31, 2013
Rating Clarification: 3.5 Stars
I am enjoying my reads from the prodigiously fertile pen of Georgette Heyer, but I'm not always sure what I'm going to get when I start Chapter 1. Some are dull (Faro's Daughter), some are stupid (Powder And Patch), some are downright wall-bangers (The Convenient Marriage), some are hysterically funny (Friday's Child), some are gothically dark (Cousin Kate), some are realistic non-HEA's (A Civil Contract), and some are little gems of near perfection (Arabella). I think whatever you're in the mood for experiencing, Heyer can almost always take you there.
Cotillion is certainly one of Heyer's lighter, frothier offerings. Nothing much happens, there's no real drama or climatic denouement, and everything pretty much works out to the good for all concerned. What makes Cotillion unique is that Heyer presents us with a hero who normally doesn't make the cut in her romances. You fans know the secondary character I'm referring to: he's usually the hero's good friend and/or side kick. He's somewhat daft and young, and is usually there to make funny comments and egg on the main hero. But Heyer brings this stock character to the forefront in this novel, and Freddy shines in the role of the unassuming but true love for our heroine Kitty. Freddy makes the book, and it wouldn't be the favorite of so many Heyer's fans without him being the person he is.
An enjoyable read. Not my personal favorite, true, but good stuff. Recommended for first time initiates to Heyer.
I am enjoying my reads from the prodigiously fertile pen of Georgette Heyer, but I'm not always sure what I'm going to get when I start Chapter 1. Some are dull (Faro's Daughter), some are stupid (Powder And Patch), some are downright wall-bangers (The Convenient Marriage), some are hysterically funny (Friday's Child), some are gothically dark (Cousin Kate), some are realistic non-HEA's (A Civil Contract), and some are little gems of near perfection (Arabella). I think whatever you're in the mood for experiencing, Heyer can almost always take you there.
Cotillion is certainly one of Heyer's lighter, frothier offerings. Nothing much happens, there's no real drama or climatic denouement, and everything pretty much works out to the good for all concerned. What makes Cotillion unique is that Heyer presents us with a hero who normally doesn't make the cut in her romances. You fans know the secondary character I'm referring to: he's usually the hero's good friend and/or side kick. He's somewhat daft and young, and is usually there to make funny comments and egg on the main hero. But Heyer brings this stock character to the forefront in this novel, and Freddy shines in the role of the unassuming but true love for our heroine Kitty. Freddy makes the book, and it wouldn't be the favorite of so many Heyer's fans without him being the person he is.
An enjoyable read. Not my personal favorite, true, but good stuff. Recommended for first time initiates to Heyer.
November 21, 2008
Cotillion quickly moved to the top of my favorite Heyer books. It's so frustrating to see her lumped into the general romance novel section as she's so much more than that and I'm afraid that a lot of people who are snooty about reading "romance" novels are missing out on a marvelous author. Time Magazine put it best, "With a Georgette Heyer you don’t buy a book, you buy a world. If it suits you, you settle down forever."
September 8, 2016
This was me finishing my first Heyer novel. Yeah, yeah, yeah... where have I been.
Kitty is the duckling ready to assume her swan plumage, and does she ever in this escape from Cranky Manor where her guardian has kept her in the severest of conditions. Needless to say, as soon as the opportunity presents itself, Kitty is on the first coach out of there.
And thus begins the shenanigans.
The entire story is amusing and set at a breakneck pace. Imagine if you will, Austen pairing up with Gilbert and Sullivan to do a revamped version of Midsummer's Night Dream. It's the Ton, it's topsy-turvy, and there's love swaps all around until things finally settle into a most satisfactory conclusion.
Without a doubt Freddy was my favorite character. From the onset he was charming, loyal, and conscientious enough keeping his eye on things, but not a wet blanket. Underestimated and stalwart, he stole my heart away one little action at a time.
Plus, a line like this can never go wrong:
Overall, it's a classic for a reason, nonpareil.
Kitty is the duckling ready to assume her swan plumage, and does she ever in this escape from Cranky Manor where her guardian has kept her in the severest of conditions. Needless to say, as soon as the opportunity presents itself, Kitty is on the first coach out of there.
And thus begins the shenanigans.
The entire story is amusing and set at a breakneck pace. Imagine if you will, Austen pairing up with Gilbert and Sullivan to do a revamped version of Midsummer's Night Dream. It's the Ton, it's topsy-turvy, and there's love swaps all around until things finally settle into a most satisfactory conclusion.
Without a doubt Freddy was my favorite character. From the onset he was charming, loyal, and conscientious enough keeping his eye on things, but not a wet blanket. Underestimated and stalwart, he stole my heart away one little action at a time.
Plus, a line like this can never go wrong:
He found the strings, tugged ruthlessly at them, and cast the offending bonnet aside. ‘That’s better! Been wanting to kiss you for weeks!’
Overall, it's a classic for a reason, nonpareil.
May 31, 2025
Loved it as much as ever!! Freddy is not your typical hero but he's one of the best. He is so very funny without trying to be. I laugh out loud every time even though I've read it several times.
This review should have come up under my original ones but for some reason I couldn't sync the covers.
30/5/2025
Still one of my absolute favourite Heyers!! Freddy is a tonic and I needed a little pick me up. Job done!!
This review should have come up under my original ones but for some reason I couldn't sync the covers.
30/5/2025
Still one of my absolute favourite Heyers!! Freddy is a tonic and I needed a little pick me up. Job done!!
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June 5, 2025
OH. MY. GOD. This is Heyer at her absolute, unparalleled, supreme BEST.
She has an eye for human behaviour and personality unlike anything I've ever encountered before. Freddy is a masterpiece of a character - not witty, or dashing, or even handsome, but quite the best hero I have ever been privileged enough to read about. Kitty was also a very good heroine just perfect for Freddy, but it was he who stole the show.
My only wish is that this book were longer and we got to see more of the side characters, especially Lord Legerwood. Because you know what? I loved reading about every single person, even the irritating ones. I can't wait for enough time to elapse that I can reread this one again.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
She has an eye for human behaviour and personality unlike anything I've ever encountered before. Freddy is a masterpiece of a character - not witty, or dashing, or even handsome, but quite the best hero I have ever been privileged enough to read about. Kitty was also a very good heroine just perfect for Freddy, but it was he who stole the show.
My only wish is that this book were longer and we got to see more of the side characters, especially Lord Legerwood. Because you know what? I loved reading about every single person, even the irritating ones. I can't wait for enough time to elapse that I can reread this one again.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
February 5, 2008
I believe that this book is the definition of the word "romp." It's all a farce, hardly any romance in it at all except the silly kind Heyer makes fun of (despite the fact that the story is almost all tangled marriage plots- they just involve such ridiculous people who by and large are not in love with each other, so there's absolutely no romance at all.). There are a plethora of laugh out loud lines and exchanges, and I very much wish that someone would turn this into a play in the style of Oscar Wilde. I think they could do it, if it wouldn't require so many scenery changes- the action moves REAL fast. Head-spinningly fast at times. In a good way.
I think one of my favorite things about the book is that it takes a character who would normally be an amusing sidekick and makes him the hero. He has faults aplenty, and its quite easy to make fun of him, but you just love him anyway. The sardonic type who would usually be the hero gets royally screwed, and it's /wonderful/. Kit, the heroine, started off a little bit shaky with me, but once Heyer decided what she wanted to do with her character, I adored her. There is also the usual cast of crazy friends and relations.
Possibly the most amusing thing I've read in awhile. Dashed good fun, as these characters would say. :)
I think one of my favorite things about the book is that it takes a character who would normally be an amusing sidekick and makes him the hero. He has faults aplenty, and its quite easy to make fun of him, but you just love him anyway. The sardonic type who would usually be the hero gets royally screwed, and it's /wonderful/. Kit, the heroine, started off a little bit shaky with me, but once Heyer decided what she wanted to do with her character, I adored her. There is also the usual cast of crazy friends and relations.
Possibly the most amusing thing I've read in awhile. Dashed good fun, as these characters would say. :)
August 26, 2022
2022 Re-Read
I suspect Freddy's love language is gift-giving and that might explain a good part of his charm.
2020 Re-Read
First, "ditto" my 2018 analysis of Freddy. I positively adore him.
Second, I just adore this book. I've read it I-don't-know-how-many times over the last 9 years and it still leaves me in fits of giggles. That is, I think, part of the genius of Heyer. No matter how many times you read her dialogue, it is still genuinely funny. While she didn't write "classic novels" in the sense that you read her books to to learn about human character (though arguably you could), they are timeless gems that shine with good humor and clean romance. I gain more from every read!
2018 Re-Read
Y'ALL, by strange coincidence, I finished re-reading this one 7 years to the day since I first read it. 7 years! That explains a lot.
For example, what the heck is up with my 2011 Review? Did I think throwing in a French phrase would made me sound classier? Probably, actually. High school Amy had weird hobbies. (Learning French was not one of them, however, and it shows.)
I've been binge-re-reading Georgette Heyer novels over the past few days which is a sure sign I'm stressed. I promise to take a break.
At the same time, I am so glad I re-read Cotillion. (Though have I ever regretted re-reading a Heyer novel?) Initially it disappointed me. I almost didn't keep reading. I remembered the story as being my Third Favorite behind The Grand Sophy and Frederica but I couldn't for the life of me remember why. Freddy comes across as dandified and airheaded. 7 years and multiple reads later, I find still his avoidance of pronouns crazy irritating. I also found Kitty to be rather clueless and along the lines of Heyer's other Young Females...a comparison I had not previously drawn.
Yet I did keep reading and I found the book even more enjoyable then I remembered. This is your typical Heyer plot, no doubt about it, but Freddy...Freddy remains unique among the Heyer Heroes. The thing is, Heyer's Heroes are charming. They dress fashionably, sport admirably, drive splendidly, and carry themselves with an air of hauteur. I love them for it. From Max Ravenscar, a known gamester, to Alverstoke, a seasoned flirt, to Marquis of Vidal, who kidnaps his love-interest!, Heyer's men fit the general stereotype of tall, dark, and handsome. Even Sir Richard Wyndham, who is not a womanizer, fits the brooding hero stereotype.
And then comes along comes Freddy. I mistakenly accused of him of wearing yellow pantaloons in my earlier review. I should have known better. He would never do anything so improper as travel in such getup! By rights of personality and temperament, Jack should be the hero of this story. Not sweet and proper Freddy. Yet in Freddy, I think you see one of Heyer's most brilliant creations. She mocks her own storybook heroes. There is a passage where Kitty is talking to Freddy's sister about him and says,
"I do think," said Kitty fervently, "that Freddy is the most truly chivalrous person imaginable!...and a great deal more to the purpose than all the people one was taught to revere, like Sir Lancelot, and Sir Galahad, and Young Lochinvar and - and that kind of man! I dare say Freddy might not be a great hand at slaying dragons, but you may depend upon it none of those knight-errants would be able to rescue one from a social fix, and you must own, Meg, that one has not the smallest need of a man who can kill dragons!"
In the end, it isn't the dragon-slaying men of elegance and charm who win Kitty, but her sensible and none-to-clever cousin. When I first read this book at 17, I got some sense of this being a good thing. (See below.) Yet now I find it even more brilliant. Freddy has a healthy, sweet relationship with his siblings and parents. He watches over the heroine but doesn't boss her around. He is polite and respectful but shrewd in his own way.
In that sense, Kitty matches him. Neither character is drowning in sensibility. It is their innate sense of practicality, even when surrounded by emotional or dramatic figures and despite their own ridiculous adventure, that binds them together so well.
Then again, perhaps one of the greatest charms of Heyer is that this theme of sensible characters in ridiculous situations holds consistently true throughout her work.
It is a fluffy novel, sure, but it comes with a deeper message and one I find charming. (I might make this my Second Favorite Heyer Novel. Hard to say, I will have to keep re-reading ;) )
2011 Review
There are a few things you can always be certain of in life. Murphy's Law, taxes, and relatives. Particularly, the annoying ones. Every family has them, those people who can't really disown but would rather not claim blood with. Cotillion is a hilarious, romantic novel filled with relatives, romps, and regency romance. It is Georgette Heyer at her best, and I would say Cotillion is almost as good as The Grand Sophy.
Kitty Charing stands to receive a great deal of money from her guardian, (the wealthy and eccentric miser Mr Penicuik) but only if she marries one of his grand-nephews. Kitty is not averse to the idea, as long as the right nephew proposes. In particular, the dashing rake Jack. When he doesn't show up, much less propose, Kitty concocts a crazy scheme to get herself to London and into Jack's path, she convinces her cousin Freddy into a sham betrothal! As his fianced bride, she has all the reason in the world to go to London and reaquaint herself with her "new family."
But London holds more suprises for her then she could imagine, including biological French cousins, blond headed beauties, and her not-so-bright cousin Lord Biddenden, whose tyrannical mother is still pressing to ask for her hand.
If I could, I would probably give this book 4.7 stars. The reason is Freddy's aversion to pronouns. It drove me CRAZY. He doesn't say, "I want to help." It is "Want to help." And not just once in a while, but all the time. It might not even have been that bad, if it weren't for the fact that the only other person who did it was Lord Biddenden, and he isn't exactly the brightest bulb. Foggy in his attic. It made Freddy out to be more of a dunce then he really was, though I suppose you were supposed to get a hint that most people didn't view him as particularly bright. Plus, when the reader first meets him, he is wearing yellow pantaloons .
The thing is, though, I loved Freddy anyway. Maybe more then Charles in The Grand Sophy. He wasn't an amazing whip or a brilliant boxer or any of the stuff Heyer's heroes usually are (of course, he always dressed perfectly, that seems to be a must for a Heyer Hero) but he had a sweetness and a incorruptibility that I loved. He almost reminded me of Sir Percy from the Scarlet Pimpernel. He wasn't prideful, cocky, full of himself. Certainly didn't plan on marrying. He wasn't even a flirt, which I loved even more. He was simply a nice mannered pink of the ton, willing to come to the help of a lady, somewhat clever in his own way.
But of course, Freddy wasn't the only character who made this book. Kitty really was quite adorable. Comparing her to the other two Heyer books I've read (Arabella and The Grand Sophy), Kitty was more like Arabella then Sophy. I liked her much better than Arabella, though. She wasn't pefect. She wasn't even one of those "perfect part of the time with an occasional issue". No. She was coniving, charming, well-meaning, likeable, troublesome and sweet! She had attacks on her conscious, was occasionally naive but also sharp enough to figure stuff out.
Heyer is, of course, a master at creating characters. Everyone from Lord Biddenden (and his voracious mother) to Freddy's Father (who reminded me of Mr Bennet)to Jack himself! (No comment on him , I don't want to give anything away!)
The plot was so good too! Very cute. Heyer has a way of handling rather awkward situations with a few well-placed words that are so much than the disturbing detail most modern books seem to think they need to sink into.
It wasn't, perhaps, as rollicking funny as The Grand Sophy, but it was certainly better than Arabella, and overall I strongly reccomend it. Heyer is a delightful author for all ages, with wonderful characters and good plots. Enjoy! jouir de, prendre plaisir!
I suspect Freddy's love language is gift-giving and that might explain a good part of his charm.
2020 Re-Read
First, "ditto" my 2018 analysis of Freddy. I positively adore him.
Second, I just adore this book. I've read it I-don't-know-how-many times over the last 9 years and it still leaves me in fits of giggles. That is, I think, part of the genius of Heyer. No matter how many times you read her dialogue, it is still genuinely funny. While she didn't write "classic novels" in the sense that you read her books to to learn about human character (though arguably you could), they are timeless gems that shine with good humor and clean romance. I gain more from every read!
2018 Re-Read
Y'ALL, by strange coincidence, I finished re-reading this one 7 years to the day since I first read it. 7 years! That explains a lot.
For example, what the heck is up with my 2011 Review? Did I think throwing in a French phrase would made me sound classier? Probably, actually. High school Amy had weird hobbies. (Learning French was not one of them, however, and it shows.)
I've been binge-re-reading Georgette Heyer novels over the past few days which is a sure sign I'm stressed. I promise to take a break.
At the same time, I am so glad I re-read Cotillion. (Though have I ever regretted re-reading a Heyer novel?) Initially it disappointed me. I almost didn't keep reading. I remembered the story as being my Third Favorite behind The Grand Sophy and Frederica but I couldn't for the life of me remember why. Freddy comes across as dandified and airheaded. 7 years and multiple reads later, I find still his avoidance of pronouns crazy irritating. I also found Kitty to be rather clueless and along the lines of Heyer's other Young Females...a comparison I had not previously drawn.
Yet I did keep reading and I found the book even more enjoyable then I remembered. This is your typical Heyer plot, no doubt about it, but Freddy...Freddy remains unique among the Heyer Heroes. The thing is, Heyer's Heroes are charming. They dress fashionably, sport admirably, drive splendidly, and carry themselves with an air of hauteur. I love them for it. From Max Ravenscar, a known gamester, to Alverstoke, a seasoned flirt, to Marquis of Vidal, who kidnaps his love-interest!, Heyer's men fit the general stereotype of tall, dark, and handsome. Even Sir Richard Wyndham, who is not a womanizer, fits the brooding hero stereotype.
And then comes along comes Freddy. I mistakenly accused of him of wearing yellow pantaloons in my earlier review. I should have known better. He would never do anything so improper as travel in such getup! By rights of personality and temperament, Jack should be the hero of this story. Not sweet and proper Freddy. Yet in Freddy, I think you see one of Heyer's most brilliant creations. She mocks her own storybook heroes. There is a passage where Kitty is talking to Freddy's sister about him and says,
"I do think," said Kitty fervently, "that Freddy is the most truly chivalrous person imaginable!...and a great deal more to the purpose than all the people one was taught to revere, like Sir Lancelot, and Sir Galahad, and Young Lochinvar and - and that kind of man! I dare say Freddy might not be a great hand at slaying dragons, but you may depend upon it none of those knight-errants would be able to rescue one from a social fix, and you must own, Meg, that one has not the smallest need of a man who can kill dragons!"
In the end, it isn't the dragon-slaying men of elegance and charm who win Kitty, but her sensible and none-to-clever cousin. When I first read this book at 17, I got some sense of this being a good thing. (See below.) Yet now I find it even more brilliant. Freddy has a healthy, sweet relationship with his siblings and parents. He watches over the heroine but doesn't boss her around. He is polite and respectful but shrewd in his own way.
In that sense, Kitty matches him. Neither character is drowning in sensibility. It is their innate sense of practicality, even when surrounded by emotional or dramatic figures and despite their own ridiculous adventure, that binds them together so well.
Then again, perhaps one of the greatest charms of Heyer is that this theme of sensible characters in ridiculous situations holds consistently true throughout her work.
It is a fluffy novel, sure, but it comes with a deeper message and one I find charming. (I might make this my Second Favorite Heyer Novel. Hard to say, I will have to keep re-reading ;) )
2011 Review
There are a few things you can always be certain of in life. Murphy's Law, taxes, and relatives. Particularly, the annoying ones. Every family has them, those people who can't really disown but would rather not claim blood with. Cotillion is a hilarious, romantic novel filled with relatives, romps, and regency romance. It is Georgette Heyer at her best, and I would say Cotillion is almost as good as The Grand Sophy.
Kitty Charing stands to receive a great deal of money from her guardian, (the wealthy and eccentric miser Mr Penicuik) but only if she marries one of his grand-nephews. Kitty is not averse to the idea, as long as the right nephew proposes. In particular, the dashing rake Jack. When he doesn't show up, much less propose, Kitty concocts a crazy scheme to get herself to London and into Jack's path, she convinces her cousin Freddy into a sham betrothal! As his fianced bride, she has all the reason in the world to go to London and reaquaint herself with her "new family."
But London holds more suprises for her then she could imagine, including biological French cousins, blond headed beauties, and her not-so-bright cousin Lord Biddenden, whose tyrannical mother is still pressing to ask for her hand.
If I could, I would probably give this book 4.7 stars. The reason is Freddy's aversion to pronouns. It drove me CRAZY. He doesn't say, "I want to help." It is "Want to help." And not just once in a while, but all the time. It might not even have been that bad, if it weren't for the fact that the only other person who did it was Lord Biddenden, and he isn't exactly the brightest bulb. Foggy in his attic. It made Freddy out to be more of a dunce then he really was, though I suppose you were supposed to get a hint that most people didn't view him as particularly bright. Plus, when the reader first meets him, he is wearing yellow pantaloons .
The thing is, though, I loved Freddy anyway. Maybe more then Charles in The Grand Sophy. He wasn't an amazing whip or a brilliant boxer or any of the stuff Heyer's heroes usually are (of course, he always dressed perfectly, that seems to be a must for a Heyer Hero) but he had a sweetness and a incorruptibility that I loved. He almost reminded me of Sir Percy from the Scarlet Pimpernel. He wasn't prideful, cocky, full of himself. Certainly didn't plan on marrying. He wasn't even a flirt, which I loved even more. He was simply a nice mannered pink of the ton, willing to come to the help of a lady, somewhat clever in his own way.
But of course, Freddy wasn't the only character who made this book. Kitty really was quite adorable. Comparing her to the other two Heyer books I've read (Arabella and The Grand Sophy), Kitty was more like Arabella then Sophy. I liked her much better than Arabella, though. She wasn't pefect. She wasn't even one of those "perfect part of the time with an occasional issue". No. She was coniving, charming, well-meaning, likeable, troublesome and sweet! She had attacks on her conscious, was occasionally naive but also sharp enough to figure stuff out.
Heyer is, of course, a master at creating characters. Everyone from Lord Biddenden (and his voracious mother) to Freddy's Father (who reminded me of Mr Bennet)to Jack himself! (No comment on him , I don't want to give anything away!)
The plot was so good too! Very cute. Heyer has a way of handling rather awkward situations with a few well-placed words that are so much than the disturbing detail most modern books seem to think they need to sink into.
It wasn't, perhaps, as rollicking funny as The Grand Sophy, but it was certainly better than Arabella, and overall I strongly reccomend it. Heyer is a delightful author for all ages, with wonderful characters and good plots. Enjoy! jouir de, prendre plaisir!
December 16, 2025
The OG fake engagement tope~
This was so delightful I couldn't put it down~
The story was so vivid for me. I could see the events and laugh or shake my head or sigh as the events developed.
↬ (I don't know if the following qualifies as a spoiler but just in case I hid it because the story isn't completely forthright about who the hero is. However, imo it wasn't hiding it too hard either.)
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━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
This was so delightful I couldn't put it down~
The story was so vivid for me. I could see the events and laugh or shake my head or sigh as the events developed.
↬ (I don't know if the following qualifies as a spoiler but just in case I hid it because the story isn't completely forthright about who the hero is. However, imo it wasn't hiding it too hard either.)
・
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・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
October 27, 2013
dandy.
a lesser heyer, in my view—and yet still possessed of a number of sparklingly funny passages and two very clever subversions of traditional regency romance plot devices.
i found the subtle tension between high ton propriety and compassionate but naive ideology fascinating. our country innocent of a heroine dismissed the unsavory reputation one must expect to find oneself with if one chooses to associate with vulgar but friendly people who laugh a lot. but when this kindhearted inclination was actually put to the test at a scandalous masquerade, she finds her presupposition of affinity quite rudely disabused, and decides that no, actually, one really shouldn't associate with common folk after all, because their coarse manners are ever so distressing.
doesn't signify, though. the right people marry the right people and all's well that ends with a snog in a curricle.
a lesser heyer, in my view—and yet still possessed of a number of sparklingly funny passages and two very clever subversions of traditional regency romance plot devices.
i found the subtle tension between high ton propriety and compassionate but naive ideology fascinating. our country innocent of a heroine dismissed the unsavory reputation one must expect to find oneself with if one chooses to associate with vulgar but friendly people who laugh a lot. but when this kindhearted inclination was actually put to the test at a scandalous masquerade, she finds her presupposition of affinity quite rudely disabused, and decides that no, actually, one really shouldn't associate with common folk after all, because their coarse manners are ever so distressing.
doesn't signify, though. the right people marry the right people and all's well that ends with a snog in a curricle.
May 20, 2025
I wrote all already in my previous reviews. I just add that I simply melted when Freddy stepped aside during the last conversation between Kitty and Jack. Writers of bestseller romances can write long, details scenes, love declarations, etc., but Heyer could do a marvellous (much better) job with just a few words.
----- My review after the second reading: -----
Yes, you would not choose Freddy to fight dragons. Yes, he wasn't the kind to make me swoon. But when he 'got a notion' it was a wise idea. And if you need a friend, someone to whom you can look for help, and who has a kind heart - he is your guy! The book was about Freddy - one of the best man characters ever. Freddy was the book.
Besides Freddy, the novel was a pure pleasure of language, wit, and amusement. To savour, have fun, and shine the mood.
Other reviewers have written all. So I will just go and kiss the book again.
PS This time I have had a paper copy and I could hug it properly at the end ;-)
-------------------------
My review after the first reading:
I fell in love with Heyer's hero - again! This piece of her was brilliant. I think it was the funniest I have read by now. And, really, I wasn't sure one hundred percent how it would up. When it ended up I had a big (really big) smile on my face and I was hugging the book [To tell the truth I was hugging the tablet. I regretted that in this case, I hadn't a printed book. But still, I just had to hug it ;-) ].
What should I add? Very funny, witty, even a little surprising plot twists. Many interesting characters. I haven't even one complaint.
I had understood one thing during reading it: that Heyer was more accomplished than I thought. In her (one would think plain) romances she smuggled a hard, sometimes painful truth. In "Cotilion" it was the fate of girls like Olivia or men like Lord Dolphinton or Camille. Yes, their fates were funnily described and had happy endings (in Heyer's novels), but if you give them a second thought you will understand that in real life it surely was different.
But, first of all - "Cotilion" is a book which makes you laugh, which makes your day sunny ;-)
If you are not yet convinced read Anne review ;-)
----- My review after the second reading: -----
Yes, you would not choose Freddy to fight dragons. Yes, he wasn't the kind to make me swoon. But when he 'got a notion' it was a wise idea. And if you need a friend, someone to whom you can look for help, and who has a kind heart - he is your guy! The book was about Freddy - one of the best man characters ever. Freddy was the book.
Besides Freddy, the novel was a pure pleasure of language, wit, and amusement. To savour, have fun, and shine the mood.
Other reviewers have written all. So I will just go and kiss the book again.
PS This time I have had a paper copy and I could hug it properly at the end ;-)
-------------------------
My review after the first reading:
"It Won't Do, You Know!"
I fell in love with Heyer's hero - again! This piece of her was brilliant. I think it was the funniest I have read by now. And, really, I wasn't sure one hundred percent how it would up. When it ended up I had a big (really big) smile on my face and I was hugging the book [To tell the truth I was hugging the tablet. I regretted that in this case, I hadn't a printed book. But still, I just had to hug it ;-) ].
What should I add? Very funny, witty, even a little surprising plot twists. Many interesting characters. I haven't even one complaint.
I had understood one thing during reading it: that Heyer was more accomplished than I thought. In her (one would think plain) romances she smuggled a hard, sometimes painful truth. In "Cotilion" it was the fate of girls like Olivia or men like Lord Dolphinton or Camille. Yes, their fates were funnily described and had happy endings (in Heyer's novels), but if you give them a second thought you will understand that in real life it surely was different.
But, first of all - "Cotilion" is a book which makes you laugh, which makes your day sunny ;-)
If you are not yet convinced read Anne review ;-)
December 13, 2023
This is a re-read and to be honest I'm not sure how many times I've read it. Let's just say its probably close to five times. I fell in love with the author's books and Cotillion is one of the reasons.
It has many facets to it and a host of colorful characters and situations. It's cute, sweet, clever, and even a little suspenseful. It is also very much a coming into their own themed piece for both Kitty and Freddy.
Freddy is the poster boy for beta heroes. He balks at schemes, adventures, and dust-ups, but when the chips are down, it is Freddy that everyone in this story wants in their corner.
The beginning offers a great catalyst for all that comes after and a hilarious way to introduce the players in this story. The guardian who tells his eligible great-nephews that he's leaving his money to the one who weds his ward, Kitty. Kitty has a crush on dashing Jack and has no intention of wedding the rest of the cousins, but then she gets a notion to do a pretend engagement with Freddy to further a secret scheme and get a taste of London society before she has to return to her eccentric guardian's out of the way home.
From there, the pretend engagement sets the fox among the chickens as does Kitty's tendency to attract people in trouble and promise them her help. She can be rather thoughtless particularly when it comes to how her scheming will affect others and she doesn't look to the long-term, but she means well. Freddy... well he has to be coaxed into things because unlike Kitty, he does see long-term effect and how things affect others quite well. They make a fun team.
I only have on real niggle in that I felt the book ended abruptly. I would have liked one final circuit to see how the resolution affected all the rest of the players for the future.
But, even this many reads later, I still laughed and was amused by this delightful and sparkling story.
It has many facets to it and a host of colorful characters and situations. It's cute, sweet, clever, and even a little suspenseful. It is also very much a coming into their own themed piece for both Kitty and Freddy.
Freddy is the poster boy for beta heroes. He balks at schemes, adventures, and dust-ups, but when the chips are down, it is Freddy that everyone in this story wants in their corner.
The beginning offers a great catalyst for all that comes after and a hilarious way to introduce the players in this story. The guardian who tells his eligible great-nephews that he's leaving his money to the one who weds his ward, Kitty. Kitty has a crush on dashing Jack and has no intention of wedding the rest of the cousins, but then she gets a notion to do a pretend engagement with Freddy to further a secret scheme and get a taste of London society before she has to return to her eccentric guardian's out of the way home.
From there, the pretend engagement sets the fox among the chickens as does Kitty's tendency to attract people in trouble and promise them her help. She can be rather thoughtless particularly when it comes to how her scheming will affect others and she doesn't look to the long-term, but she means well. Freddy... well he has to be coaxed into things because unlike Kitty, he does see long-term effect and how things affect others quite well. They make a fun team.
I only have on real niggle in that I felt the book ended abruptly. I would have liked one final circuit to see how the resolution affected all the rest of the players for the future.
But, even this many reads later, I still laughed and was amused by this delightful and sparkling story.
June 19, 2007
I absolutely adored this book - Heyer's writing is, as always, not only perfectly in period but sublime, the humour subtle and the romance so carefully handled that each moment when it is moved along a little more seems perfect.
Kitty is fun, but my real love in this book is Freddie, the male lead, who is so wonderful and real. Not only has she given him a very strange manner of speaking, but he is always there, a presence that really warms the story from the inside out.
This is probably my favourite Heyer novel of those that I've read, and I understand I am not alone in that opinion. This is something anyone who enjoys a good romance should read.
Kitty is fun, but my real love in this book is Freddie, the male lead, who is so wonderful and real. Not only has she given him a very strange manner of speaking, but he is always there, a presence that really warms the story from the inside out.
This is probably my favourite Heyer novel of those that I've read, and I understand I am not alone in that opinion. This is something anyone who enjoys a good romance should read.
July 11, 2021
I loved all the escapades and Kittie's antics. Freddie had his hands full keeping her out of trouble. That ending was ADORABLE!!!
May 6, 2025
5/5/25: Still 5 stars and an absolute delight!
4/2023: the rare book I actually enjoy more with each reread - really appreciated both main characters growth and increasing maturity, subtle growth of increasing attraction and attachment between them. Add in delightful characters, dialogue - what’s not to love? I have a real soft spot for Freddy, he’s a kind, practical, well-mannered, humble yet charming and likable young man. Love his interactions with his urbane, wise, yet bemused father, watching the evolution of his son before his very eyes - really touching and relatable!
3/2021 - one of my favorite Heyer’s! Bummed that the unabridged audible is no longer available, wish I had bought it when I had the chance! Clair Wille does a lovely job narrating the abridged version, I just pause and read my favorite bits so I don’t miss any of the funny parts. Freddy and Kitty are a delightful pair, great supporting characters and dialogue
10/2018 - still great fun! I very much enjoyed this 4th(5th?) reread - listened to the audiobook, mostly - with the Georgette Heyer group, great discussions as always!
2010 - As so often happens when I read a new (for me) Georgette Heyer, I think this is my new favorite! I've been collecting and reading her books for years and can't believe I hadn't gotten to "Cotillion" yet.
As she cleverly did in another favorite book, "The Foundling", Heyer turns the traditional tall, dark and handsome rake-as-hero romantic ideal that she herself created on it's head in this delightful, charming, intricately plotted romp. I laughed out loud in several places as I witnessed the growth and character development of Kitty and Freddy as they embark on their sham "secret betrothal" (by the middle of the book most of fashionable London knows about it and half don't believe it).
As the story opens, Kitty Charing has been told by her cheap, selfish, curmudgeonly guardian that he will make her heiress to his fortune - but only if she agrees to accept one of his nephews as a husband. He clearly means for her to choose Jack, the dashing, handsome, rakish nephew for whom the naive and sheltered Kitty has nurtured a schoolgirl crush for years; Jack, however, refuses the summons and Kitty feels humiliated, angry and cornered. She runs away to a nearby inn and luckily runs into yet another nephew, Freddy Standen, a dandyish, fashionable, kind-hearted but rather empty-headed fellow who hardly seems the hero type. Freddy had been on his way to visit Uncle Matthew (the curmudgeon) at the behest of sneaky Jack; Kitty talks him into the sham proposal so she can escape to London to visit his family (naively hoping to get Jack's attention as well).
Freddy is rather dim but bright enough to foresee trouble ahead, but goes along with it because of his good nature. As the pair navigate London society interesting developments arise as Kitty befriends and decides to help some decidedly shady characters...No spoilers, but anyone who has read Heyer's sparkling, witty Regencies will appreciate the farcical complications, charming and comical supporting characters and wonderful dialogue. Highly recommended.
4/2023: the rare book I actually enjoy more with each reread - really appreciated both main characters growth and increasing maturity, subtle growth of increasing attraction and attachment between them. Add in delightful characters, dialogue - what’s not to love? I have a real soft spot for Freddy, he’s a kind, practical, well-mannered, humble yet charming and likable young man. Love his interactions with his urbane, wise, yet bemused father, watching the evolution of his son before his very eyes - really touching and relatable!
3/2021 - one of my favorite Heyer’s! Bummed that the unabridged audible is no longer available, wish I had bought it when I had the chance! Clair Wille does a lovely job narrating the abridged version, I just pause and read my favorite bits so I don’t miss any of the funny parts. Freddy and Kitty are a delightful pair, great supporting characters and dialogue
10/2018 - still great fun! I very much enjoyed this 4th(5th?) reread - listened to the audiobook, mostly - with the Georgette Heyer group, great discussions as always!
2010 - As so often happens when I read a new (for me) Georgette Heyer, I think this is my new favorite! I've been collecting and reading her books for years and can't believe I hadn't gotten to "Cotillion" yet.
As she cleverly did in another favorite book, "The Foundling", Heyer turns the traditional tall, dark and handsome rake-as-hero romantic ideal that she herself created on it's head in this delightful, charming, intricately plotted romp. I laughed out loud in several places as I witnessed the growth and character development of Kitty and Freddy as they embark on their sham "secret betrothal" (by the middle of the book most of fashionable London knows about it and half don't believe it).
As the story opens, Kitty Charing has been told by her cheap, selfish, curmudgeonly guardian that he will make her heiress to his fortune - but only if she agrees to accept one of his nephews as a husband. He clearly means for her to choose Jack, the dashing, handsome, rakish nephew for whom the naive and sheltered Kitty has nurtured a schoolgirl crush for years; Jack, however, refuses the summons and Kitty feels humiliated, angry and cornered. She runs away to a nearby inn and luckily runs into yet another nephew, Freddy Standen, a dandyish, fashionable, kind-hearted but rather empty-headed fellow who hardly seems the hero type. Freddy had been on his way to visit Uncle Matthew (the curmudgeon) at the behest of sneaky Jack; Kitty talks him into the sham proposal so she can escape to London to visit his family (naively hoping to get Jack's attention as well).
Freddy is rather dim but bright enough to foresee trouble ahead, but goes along with it because of his good nature. As the pair navigate London society interesting developments arise as Kitty befriends and decides to help some decidedly shady characters...No spoilers, but anyone who has read Heyer's sparkling, witty Regencies will appreciate the farcical complications, charming and comical supporting characters and wonderful dialogue. Highly recommended.
March 26, 2021
5 STARS
Loved it. I adored Freddie. For once the rake lost out. Poor Jack can go to the devil. LOL. And our narrator, Clare Wille did a brilliant job with all of these characters. I have listened to several of her narrations, and she really is a wonderful reader. I must look for more books she narrates!
“I daresay Freddy might not be a great hand at slaying dragons, but you may depend upon it none of those knight-errants would be able to rescue one from a social fix, and you must own, Meg, that one has not the smallest need of a man who can kill dragons!”
Loved it. I adored Freddie. For once the rake lost out. Poor Jack can go to the devil. LOL. And our narrator, Clare Wille did a brilliant job with all of these characters. I have listened to several of her narrations, and she really is a wonderful reader. I must look for more books she narrates!
August 14, 2009
One of the top three Georgette Heyer -- and that's saying something. She's always deft with her handling of the handsome hero and pretty but destitute heroine plot, but Cotillion goes beyond the ordinary with lovely side characters and issues which all go to further the reality she's taking Kitty -- and us -- into. None of the "extraneous" characters are; they are there with great intent to show all of us what kind of man Freddy is. And I for one say, "I like him. I like him better than Hugh. I like him better than Jack..."
February 8, 2025
This is a re-read and to be honest I'm not sure how many times I've read it. Let's just say its probably close to five times. I fell in love with the author's books and Cotillion is one of the reasons.
It has many facets to it and a host of colorful characters and situations. It's cute, sweet, clever, and even a little suspenseful. It is also very much a coming into their own themed piece for both Kitty and Freddy.
Freddy is the poster boy for beta heroes. He balks at schemes, adventures, and dust-ups, but when the chips are down, it is Freddy that everyone in this story wants in their corner.
The beginning offers a great catalyst for all that comes after and a hilarious way to introduce the players in this story. The guardian who tells his eligible great-nephews that he's leaving his money to the one who weds his ward, Kitty. Kitty has a crush on dashing Jack and has no intention of wedding the rest of the cousins, but then she gets a notion to do a pretend engagement with Freddy to further a secret scheme and get a taste of London society before she has to return to her eccentric guardian's out of the way home.
From there, the pretend engagement sets the fox among the chickens as does Kitty's tendency to attract people in trouble and promise them her help. She can be rather thoughtless particularly when it comes to how her scheming will affect others and she doesn't look to the long-term, but she means well. Freddy... well he has to be coaxed into things because unlike Kitty, he does see long-term effect and how things affect others quite well. They make a fun team.
I only have one real niggle in that I felt the book ended abruptly. I would have liked one final circuit to see how the resolution affected all the rest of the players for the future.
Phyllida Nash was the perfect narrator and I settled into her sparkling narration and felt she matched story, characters, and tone so well that I could get lost in her voice work.
But, even this many reads later, I still laughed and was amused by this delightful and sparkling story.
It has many facets to it and a host of colorful characters and situations. It's cute, sweet, clever, and even a little suspenseful. It is also very much a coming into their own themed piece for both Kitty and Freddy.
Freddy is the poster boy for beta heroes. He balks at schemes, adventures, and dust-ups, but when the chips are down, it is Freddy that everyone in this story wants in their corner.
The beginning offers a great catalyst for all that comes after and a hilarious way to introduce the players in this story. The guardian who tells his eligible great-nephews that he's leaving his money to the one who weds his ward, Kitty. Kitty has a crush on dashing Jack and has no intention of wedding the rest of the cousins, but then she gets a notion to do a pretend engagement with Freddy to further a secret scheme and get a taste of London society before she has to return to her eccentric guardian's out of the way home.
From there, the pretend engagement sets the fox among the chickens as does Kitty's tendency to attract people in trouble and promise them her help. She can be rather thoughtless particularly when it comes to how her scheming will affect others and she doesn't look to the long-term, but she means well. Freddy... well he has to be coaxed into things because unlike Kitty, he does see long-term effect and how things affect others quite well. They make a fun team.
I only have one real niggle in that I felt the book ended abruptly. I would have liked one final circuit to see how the resolution affected all the rest of the players for the future.
Phyllida Nash was the perfect narrator and I settled into her sparkling narration and felt she matched story, characters, and tone so well that I could get lost in her voice work.
But, even this many reads later, I still laughed and was amused by this delightful and sparkling story.
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