Regency Sting

This was a story about an American, Jason Hughes, came to England to claim his title and estate that was passed on to him from his deceased uncle. He met his aunt and cousins with a pre-determined image of an "American"--his aunt Harriet thought he was a rebel and his cousin Anne thought he was a primitive barbarian. Jason's relatives tried to mold him into a proper lord that would fit into the "ton", but story grew complicated with Anne's personal relationship with her betrothed and her close friend, in addition to the growing feeling towards her protegee. This was a very well written story by Ms. Mansfield, it was interesting, original (this was a guy coming from America to England, instead of a hoyden from a England's country side, to be debuted in the London society), and it was funny with comparison of the two cultures; The writing was smooth, dialog witty, and feelings believable; Even the second and third characters were interesting and likable. Although, I'd like to see Ms. Mansfield gradually lighten Anne's quick temperament and stubbornness so that it wouldn't be too abrupt at the end, and also gave Anne some credit for Jason's affection. I must also put in a word about the book cover--this edition was published in 1980 by Berkley Book, and I love the cover picture so much--It was a beautifully-dressed lady standing beside a man in a garden, who was dressed more like a Western, cow-boyish gentleman; the two characters' facial and body language sent out a perfect scenario of the book (not exactly at the location appeared in the plot, but the idea and essence was there); Definitely a refreshing change from current steaming romance novels. This is definately a classier outfit for the classy Regency romance plot. Two Thumbs Up!