Less of a sequel than a companion to "The Pursuit of Love," this second in Nancy Mitford's series focuses on another branch of the family, the Montdores. Again narrated by Fanny, who watches with fascination and horror as her cousin Polly eschews all the bright young things of her generation to marry her uncle by marriage. Linda makes a few cameos, Uncle Davy, Fa and the younger Radletts pop in and out, but the supporting cast is largely new. The lecherous lecturer Boy, classless snob Lady Montdore, and especially the venal Cedric who looks to replace Polly in the hearts of her family- each are perfectly drawn. As with "Pursuit of Love," in which Linda looks for high romance without recognizing the love already around her, "Love in a Cold Climate" is less Polly's story than her family's. As Fanny settles into married life with lowered expectations, Lady Montdore finds someone to love her as much as she loves herself, and even Uncle Matthew has replaced terrorizing his children and Fanny with steadfast devotion. Nancy Mitford was encouraged to try fictionalizing her family by none other than Evelyn Waugh. We're all lucky she did.
Polly Hampton has long been groomed for the perfect marriage by her mother, Lady Montdore. But Polly is bored by the monotony of her glittering debut season in London. The apparently indifferent Polly has a long-held secret, however, that leads to a scandalous elopement and her own disinheritance. Includes an Introduction by the author of "Pauline Bonaparte: Venus of Empire."