Frederica (Heyer novel)

First edition cover, with art by Arthur Barbosa, depicting the balloon ascension where Frederica's young brother creates turmoil.

Frederica is a historical novel by Georgette Heyer first published in 1965. It is one of Heyer's signature Regency romances and it describes events which seemed to take place in about 1818.

Plot summary

A wealthy bachelor's affluent sisters, whom he dislikes, lobby him to give a ball at his own expense for their daughters' come-out. A distant cousin also asks him to introduce her attractive younger sister to the ton. To the astonishment of all, he agrees to give the ball on condition that his encroaching sisters share it with their unknown cousins. His sisters assume he must be under the spell of the beautiful younger cousin, whereas it is the seemingly unremarkable older cousin who has caught his carefully concealed interest.

male and female lead

• Male lead: Alverstoke (a Marquis)
• Female lead: Frederica Merriville