The Duke's Wager

As to my plan of writing every evening the adventures of the day, I find it impracticable; for the diversions here are so very late, that if I begin my letters after them, I could not go to bed at all.
-- Fanny Burney, Evelina

Monday, November 6, 2000
Two years ago: Jamming at Westlake
Three years ago: Anticipate the Con

I decided to nap after work, instead of going out dancing. It felt great! But sleeping with my contact lenses in isn't a great idea, really.

I slept for a few hours, then got up, and got properly into bed.

I cozied up and began reading an early Edith Layton novel, The Duke's Wager. (The link is to a current reprinting, but I picked up an old copy at the used book store.) What an unusual Regency romance! She's really changed her style since this one. The writing reminded me of Fanny Burney's Evelina -- every character speaks in long, elaborate paragraphs, and the heroine is a noble-spirited girl of humble origins who thinks seriously on moral topics. The Layton book isn't written in letters, though. I enjoyed the book, but it was very unusual. Most Regencies are modeled more on Georgette Heyer, with sparkling dialog and a good portion of comedy.