What an opening!

Hugo, a young Devon lad, the kind of hero who could so easily have stepped from the pages of a Regency novel found himself at the point of a sword. He had been on holiday with his uncle when he, quite inadvertently, breached Albanian etiquette, and it seemed that he would never see Devon again.

But, fortunately, help was at hand. A young woman appeared, disarmed the swordsman, and defused the situation.

Hugo was smitten, and so was she. He vowed to take Kathi home as his bride. His companions counseled him against such a course of action, but young love won the day.

And so action and adventure gave way to a love story, and a new take on Pygmalion.

A wonderful take, that showed understanding of very different cultures, and highlights the similarities and the differences , with all the warmth and wit I have come to expect from Margery Sharp.

Hugo’s parents were a little startled at their son’s choice of bride, but they quickly came to love Kathi. She was a quick learner, and there was much in her that suited them. She had been brought up to respect and care for her elders, to love and support her husband, and to share and respect the ways of others.

Kathi was a little disappointed that she wouldn’t be working the land alongside her husband, but she found much to enjoy in a comfortable life in Devon society.

And she found that the rules of Albanian society and the rules of Devon society were not so very different.

“It must be very hard to be a gentleman,” said Kathi thoughtfully, “there are so many things they may not do. I am glad I am not one.”

Hugo laughed.

“Perhaps you are right, dearest. For ladies, particularly handsome ones. may do anything they please.”

Once more Hugo found trouble. And once again Kathi came to the rescue. Much to his consternation!

Would they find a new understanding? Would they have a happy ending?

Well, what do you think?!

This is a very short novel, but it really is a gem.

A lovely mixture of adventure, romance and social comedy, made quite wonderful by Margery Sharp’s humour and intelligence, and by lovely. lovely storytelling. ( )