The Beau and the Bluestocking — Alice Chetwynd Ley

1782, London

Alethea Newnham is a young woman with decided literary tastes, to the extent that she is called a Bluestocking by the gossips of Town.

Educated in the country by her scholarly father and raised as an equal with her brothers, Alethea finds it difficult to play romantic games when she is invited to her aunt's house in London.

In particular, she despises the dashing and notorious Sir James ‘Beau' Devenish -- a young man overly concerned with the latest fashions, and toying with female affections.

With her aunt determined to see her wed, Alethea finds herself forced into company.

Is Beau determined to make her his next conquest? Can she rebuff his supposedly irresistible charms?

Will this Bluestocking be ruled by her head … or her heart?


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Educated in the country, Alethea was unfamiliar with the haute monde, and when she went to stay in London, she found it difficult to play the romantic games that seemed to be all the rage. Haughty and determined, the beautiful young Alethea wanted more from a gentleman then lover or money.
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Corgi (UK) Edition:

When Alathea Newman first came to London, her fashionable Aunt dispaired of finding her a husband. Outspoken, lacking in feminine arts, and worst of all, clever, Alathea found more pleasure in literary circles than in the delights of the Season.

Fortunately her beauty rivalled her intellect... She soon captivated Sir James Devenish, the elegant Beau and notorious flirt. But Alathea despised both his reputation and frivolity - she found the shy poet, Paul Tracy, an admirer more to her taste.

Yet she allowed Beau was uncommonly handsome, and his languid manner masked a mind surprisingly in tune with her own. But reason must rule her heart - she has no intention of becoming his latest conquest...