The Reluctant Widow

The Reluctant Widow

File:ReluctantWidow.jpg First edition cover
Author	Georgette Heyer
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English
Genre	Regency, Romance
Publisher	Heinemann
Publication date	1946
Media type	Print
Pages	306 pp

The Reluctant Widow is a 1946 Regency romance novel by Georgette Heyer which describes the story of the heroine Elinor Rochdale who has her life turned upside down when she enters the wrong carriage on her way to be a governess to sustain herself. The story is set in early 1813. It was adapted into a film in 1950.

Plot summary

The heroine, Elinor Rochdale, daughter of a ruined gentleman, has been working as a governess to sustain herself. Stepping into the wrong carriage at a Sussex village, en route to a new governess position, Elinor finds herself in the wrong house, required by the sensible, sophisticated Edward Carlyon to marry his profligate cousin, Eustace Cheviot. In a somewhat dazed state, Elinor soon finds herself coerced into becoming the wife of a dying man, the mistress of a ruined estate and a partner in a secret conspiracy to save the family's name in only one night.

Following Eustace's death, a sub-plot surrounding Cheviot and information supplied to the French – with whom the country is at war – comes to light and results in some spirited battles between Elinor and Carlyon. Ultimately, the incriminating information is taken back into safe hands and Elinor and Carlyon fall in love.

Characters

Miss Elinor Rochdale – the heroine, 26

Edward 'Ned', Lord Carlyon

Eustace Cheviot – master of Highnoons, cousin of Lord Carlyon

John Carlyon – a diplomat, younger brother of Lord Carlyon

Mr and Mrs Barrow – retainers at Highnoons

Nicky Carlyon – youngest brother of Edward, rusticated from Oxford University

Bouncer – Nicky's dog

Lord Bedlington – uncle of Eustace Cheviot

Francis Cheviot – son of Lord Bedlington

Louis de Castres – son of a French emigré

Film adaptation

Main article: The Reluctant Widow (film)

The novel was adapted into a comedy released in April 1950 directed by Bernard Knowles.

External links

• The Reluctant Widow at IMDB