Georgette Heyer - "The Grand Sophy" Quiz

Answer: Sophy is 5'9" tall

Little Sophy, formally known as Miss Sophia Stanton-Lacy, stands five feet nine inches tall "in her stocking feet". Her height is further enhanced by her glamorous fashion sense, a large mouth, and extremely expressive eyes.

Answer: He has saved his family from financial ruin

Charles Rivenhall's father has squandered his wealth and is now burdened by debts and entailed property. Rivenhall has the unexpected good luck of inheriting the entire fortune of a distant cousin, which allows him to save his family AND call the shots. He is never disrespectful to his parents, but he refuses to let them fall into penury again.

Answer: A Persian cat

When Sophy descends from an extravagant chaise, she causes something of a stir. Charles Rivenhall's siblings squeal with delight seeing that she has brought them a caged parrot, a monkey (dressed in a red coat), and an Italian greyhound!

Answer: She encourages Cecilia's romance

Sophy secretly agrees with Charles that the poet Augustus Fawnhope is no match for Cecilia. She also realizes, however, that opposition is only increasing Cecilia's ardor. So, she embarks upon the rather unorthodox method of supporting the romance so strongly that it causes Cecilia to lose interest in it.

Answer: She lets many men kiss her

While Sophy is outlandish, she never actually crosses the line to behave in a manner that is "vulgar" (as members of the ton would put it). Still, her behavior shocks the prudish Charles, and he is incensed that she would dare buy her own horses and visit the bank all by herself. Her use of cant, or male slang, only furthers his exasperation.

Answer: Charles' fiancee makes everyone miserable

Miss Eugenia Wraxton, Charles' fiancee, is an intelligent, principled, and highly respectable young lady. In other words, she's a "dead bore". Sophy is certain that Charles does not truly love Eugenia, so she feels no compunction in trying to break the couple apart.

She refuses to let the seemingly perfect Miss Wraxton make Charles' entire family miserable with her constant criticizing and moralizing.

Answer: She pulls a pistol on him

When Charles' brother Hubert is unable to repay an evil moneylender, Sophy offers to help. She is completely unafraid of the moneylender's tactics or Charles' expected wrath. She marches over to the bond shop, accuses the owner of lending money to a minor, and finally pulls out a pistol. Luckily, the ploy works and her bravado saves the day!

Answer: When Sophy nurses his ill sister

Charles' sister falls sick due to an infectious disease. Wasting away in bed, with little appetite and a full-blown fever, Amabel's main comfort is Sophy. With no fear of catching the illness, Sophy spends her days and nights with Amabel until she recovers. Charles is very moved by her display of selflessness.

Answer: Disappoint him

Charles is finally able to goad Eugenia into calling off their engagement. Eugenia hints that Charles will now propose to Sophy, and hotly proclaims her wish that he will not be disappointed with Sophy's character. Charles doubts the possibility of Sophy ever disappointing him.

Answer: "I don't. I dislike you excessively!"

Quarreling until the end, Charles forces Sophy to ride out in the wet weather. She demurs, and questions whether or not he really loves her. He jokingly responds: "I don't. I dislike you excessively!" Thrilled by this unconventional declaration, Sophy is happy to follow him to the stables.