Sprig Muslin

Plot summary

Sir Gareth is a noted Corinthian and has been a confirmed bachelor ever since his betrothed died prematurely, seven years ago. He decides for practical reasons to marry an old friend, Hester, who is unfashionable and plain, not to mention "on the shelf" at the age of 29. However, he soon meets a young, run-away girl and determines to resolve her problems satisfactorily. Unfortunately, this particular runaway is possessed of an extremely lively imagination, and gets them both into a little more trouble than he had bargained for.

The piece is reminiscent of Charity Girl, also about a wiser and more experienced man helping a young girl to find her feet while avoiding becoming romantically entangled with her.

Characters

Sir Gareth Ludlow - a Corinthian who never got over the death of his fiancée, Clarissa Lincoln seven years ago.

Lady Hester Theele - 29, eldest daughter of Lord Brancaster

Lord Theele, Earl of Brancaster - Lady Hester's widowed father, profligate member of the Prince Regent's set, country seat is Brancaster Park, Chatteris

Lord Theele, Viscount Whidmore - Lady Hester's brother

Cliff - Lord Theele's butler

Povey - Lady Hester's maid

Amanda 'Smith' - intrepid daughter of general, 17

Captain Neil - a brigade major

Mrs Beatrix Wetherby Sir Gareth's sister

Mr Warren Wetherby - Sir Gareth's brother-in-law

The Reverend Augustus Whiteleaf - Lord Brancaster's chaplain, aspirant to Lady Hester's hand

The Honourable Fabian Theele - Lord Brancaster's brother, a roué

Trotton - Sir Gareth's groom

Mr & Mrs Sheet - proprietors of an inn at Bythorn

Mr Joe Ninfield - a farmhand, godson of Mrs Sheet

Mr Hildebrand Ross - a dramatist and student of Cambridge, on his way to Ludlow on vacation

Mrs & Mrs Chicklaid - proprietors of the Bull Inn at Little Staughton