by Georgette Heyer (read by Sian Phillips) c. 1956
an annual re-read
Sprig muslin: a fine white cotton fabric embroidered or woven with a pattern
Sometimes it is interesting to me to delve into the titles that Heyer chooses for her books. Cotillion and Black Sheep are two of my favorite title choices but Sprig Muslin is another one that is fun to explore. Sprig muslin was a popular fabric starting in the early 1800s and used mostly for daytime wear. It is not as luxurious as silk, satin or brocade and therefore more suitable to young un-married women.
The book centers around a schoolroom miss who has runway from home because her grandfather won't let her marry the man of her choice. Sprig muslin was worn by young women, especially unmarried women, so as a title it very quickly indicates that this story centers around a young woman of marriageable age. But Amanda lived in her own little fantasy world where the truth was, shall we say, flexible. In other words, she embroidered her stories, to deflect the truth, to get her own way or just because she like the way it sounded. Spring muslin is a light-hearted fabric and so is this story.
Almost four stars.
PS The cover choice for this audio edition is terrible. This book does not take place in Bath or any other city or town.
Arthur Barbosa, artist on the first edition covers, is the winner time after time as far as I am concerned..
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