The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer

Richard Wyndham, a fashion-sensitive cynic, is stumbling around drunk because he’s realized he really can’t stand the woman his family expects him to marry when he sees a cross-dressing young woman climbing out a window with the assistance of a rope of sheets that isn’t long enough. The young woman, Penelope Creed, is fleeing an unwanted marriage with her cousin, and hopes that an old friend will save her from that dire fate by marrying her himself. Richard, still extremely drunk, agrees to help her.

Throw in some stolen jewelry and a pair of rather silly forbidden lovers, and that’s basically the plot, but it’s a very entertaining and engaging plot. One thing that stood out to me is that a romantic lead like Richard wouldn’t be very likely today, especially now that traditional regencies have pretty much completely been eliminated in favor of the more alpha male-centric longer historical romances. A heroine like Penelope? Sure. It’s a pretty popular type, actually. But a snarky, extremely fashion-conscious guy? As the Gay Best Friend, sure, or elements can be the hero’s valet, but not the hero, as the aesthetic focus would automatically be labeled “effeminate,” even if the character wasn’t effeminate (and this is after the whole “male/female=good/bad” traits perception).