The Incomparable Miss Compton

Sarah Compton has spent most of her adult life taking care of her younger cousin, Persephone Compton, and running her aunt and uncle's home. An orphan, with little money and passable good looks, she has more or less carved out a niche for herself in her relatives' household by being responsible and dependable. And when Sarah's aunt finds herself unable to chaperone her daughter for her London Season, the responsibility naturally falls on Sarah's capable shoulders. However, Sarah is beginning to find this Season to be a rather trying one. Persephone is a very beautiful but rather spoilt and willful young lady, who has gained the reputation of being not only the Season's 'Incomparable' but also very exacting -- the number of marriage proposals that she has turned down for the most trivial of reasons, is giving even tempered Sarah headaches! And then Persephone sets her sights on the politically active and suave Lord Malcolm Breckonridge. Sarah is sure that the two will not suit, but can she persuade either party of this fact?Lord Malcolm Breckonridge needs a wife. But not just any wife. He needs one that can run a household efficiently, and who was intelligent and sensible. And while Persephone Compton, beautiful though she is, does not fit his needs, Sarah Compton does. And so Breckonridge begins his courtship of Sarah, but in such a guarded manner that neither of the two ladies is sure which one of them it is that he is courting. Perspehone wants Breckonridge solely to augment her position in society, while Sarah is finding herself completely susceptible to Breckonridge's charms. However, she is looking for a love match, while Breckonridge is for a competent housekeeper. Will Sarah be able to persuade Breckonridge that what he is actually looking for is love?I enjoyed reading "The Incomparable Miss Compton." Sarah Compton is the kind of young woman that would usually be fitted up in the 'best friend of the beautiful heroine' role, and which no one but myself seems to find really interesting. So it was a real treat for me to find such a character in the leading role, and for the charismatic and dashing Breckonridge to realise that Sarah is a real gem, and that she is more than worthy of his attention and love. The characters are rather well developed, and it was nice to come across characters from previous Regina Scott novels again, such as Anne & Chas Prestwick for "The Unflappable Miss Fairchild." The novel unfolded smoothly, and everything was resolved in a satisfactory manner. "The Incomparable Miss Compton" was a rather fun and satisfying read for me. And one that I would have no hesitation in recommending.