"The Toll-gate", ("The Duel")

[fiefoe]

The first chapter of "The Toll-gate" is vintage Heyer - a big aristocratic family gathering. The Earl considers his cousin John 'unbecomingly whimsical', chiefly because the Captain volunteered to go back to the Army when Napoleon escaped Elba. John's mother is much more sanguine about her offspring:

"Well," said Fanny crossly, "I think he is odiously provoking, ma'am!"
"Very true; my dear: all men are odiously provoking," agreed Mrs. Staples. "Now I am going to bed."

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The major conflict in Barbara Metzger's latest historical - the girl worships the guy, the guy worries about her reaction when she finds out the truth. There was a bit of liveliness when the hero convinced his best friend to dress up as a German Princess/spy to serve as the girl's chaperon, but that soon passed.

archbishopric: 'archbishipship' wouldn't have worked, now that I think of it.
spavined: (of horse) disabled in the feet or legs
syllabub: A cold dessert made with sweetened cream thickened with gelatin and beaten with wine, spirits, or fruit juice. A recipe.
chewbacon: a made-up derogatory term
dogberry: another made-up derogatory term