Georgette Heyer...

Last year, I was introduced to the work of Georgette Heyer.

It happened quite by accident and truth be told, I owe it all to Jane Austen and a pack of rabid 18th century zombies.

I should probably explain.

Reading "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" reminded me how much I loved and missed the work of Jane Austen. So, after re-reading Miss Austen's six novels I began hunting for something-- anything-- that would take me back to the wit and elegance of Regency England.

A few of the Jane Austen blogs I follow online began mentioning the Sourcebooks re-issues of the Georgette Heyer catalogue, so while I was browsing the shelves at Barnes & Noble one day, I purchased, and then devoured, "The Grand Sophy" in two days.

I was prepared for wit. I was also prepared for elegance and meticulous detail. What I was not prepared for, however, was just how funny and engaging a book about the Regency era (that wasn't written by Jane Austen) could be.

I knew immediately I had discovered something huge-- something infinitely special.

Forgive the cliche, but if my life were a J-Lo* movie, this would be the moment where the musical montage cut to "Walking on Sunshine" would kick into high gear.

I became a woman obsessed. I read "Black Sheep" next, and then "Cotillion." It wasn't enough. Like an addict, I made an Amazon.com binge order: "Frederica," "The Convenient Marriage," "The Corinthian" -- I couldn't stop myself.

I wanted to read every single one of her 50+ novels, and I wanted everyone else to know about them, too. It has become a mission of sorts.

I'll be posting excerpts from her novels every week in the hopes of meeting others who share my madness. Maybe I'll even introduce a few people to Miss Heyer, the same way that Jane Austen and a pack of brain hungry zombies did for me.

So without further ado, please enjoy this excerpt from "The Talisman Ring," available at Amazon.com, Sourcebooks, or your favorite book store.

"Oh, that is famous!" said Miss Thane. "We can now promote her betrothal to him with clear consciences. But it is vexing for you to be obliged to look about you for another lady eligible for the post you require her to fill. Are you set on marrying a young female?"

"I am not set on marrying anyone, and I beg that you--"

"Well, that should make it easier," said Miss Thane. "Very young ladies are apt to be romantic, and that would never do."

"I certainly do not look for romance in marriage, but pray do not let my affairs--"

"It must be someone past the age of being hopeful of getting a husband," pursued Miss Thane, sinking her hand in her chin again.

"Thank you!" said Sir Tristram.

"Not handsome-- I do not think we can expect her to be more than passable," decided Miss Thane. "Good birth would of course be an essential?"

"Really, Miss Thane, this conversation--"

"Luckily," she said, "there are any number of plain females of good birth but small fortune to be found in town. You may meet a few at the subscription balls at Almack's but I daresay I could find you a dozen to choose from whose Mamas have long since ceased to bring them to the 'Marriage Market.' After a certain number of seasons they have to yield place to younger sisters, you know."

"You are too kind, ma'am!"

"Not at all; I shall be delighted to help you," Miss Thane assured him. "I have just the sort of female that would suit you in my mind's eye. A good, affectionate girl with no pretensions to beauty, and a grateful disposition. She must be past the age of wanting to go to parties, and she must not expect you to make pretty speeches to her. I wonder-- Would you object to her having a slight-- a very slight squint in one eye?"

"Yes, I should," said Sir Tristram. "Nor have I the smallest desire to--"

Miss Thane sighed. "Well, that is a pity. I had thought of the very person for you."

"Let me beg you not to waste your time thinking of another! The matter is not urgent."

She shook her head. "I cannot agree with you. After all, when one approaches middle age--"

"Middle-- Has anyone ever boxed your ears, Miss Thane?"

"No, never," said Miss Thane looking blandly up at him.

"You have been undeservedly fortunate," he said grimly.

*SEE ALSO: KATE HUDSON, KATHRYN HEIGL, OR ANY OTHER MOVIE DIRECTED BY NORA EPHRON