Powder and Patch by Georgette Heyer is a delightful early Regency-era romance filled with light-hearted humour, social satire, and sparkling repartee. Originally published in 1923, this charming novel follows the transformation of the unpolished Philip Jettan, a sturdy country gentleman dismissed by the fashionable Cleone Charteris for lacking the refinements of a true gentleman. Stung by her rejection and eager to prove his worth, Philip sets off for Paris to master the art of elegance.
In the glittering salons of Paris, Philip quickly becomes an accomplished dandy, learning the nuances of powdered wigs, perfumed handkerchiefs, and the well-placed patch. But beneath the silk and lace, his bold and determined spirit remains unchanged. When he returns to England, his new appearance and affected manners bewilder his family and neighbours — and stir confusion in Cleone’s heart. As Philip plots his quiet revenge, both come to realise that true worth lies beneath outward show.
