"The Prince and Betty" is a delightful romantic comedy novel by P.G. Wodehouse, first published in 1912. Set in the United States, it follows the misadventures of the charming but financially struggling young woman, Betty Silver, and the eccentric British nobleman, Prince Rowland of Mervo.
The plot revolves around Betty Silver, who works as a secretary for her wealthy and somewhat eccentric uncle, Mr. Samuel "Sam" Shotter. When Sam's business ventures fail, he concocts a scheme to marry Betty off to the wealthy Prince Rowland, believing it will solve his financial woes. However, Betty has other ideas and is determined to marry for love, not money.
Meanwhile, Prince Rowland arrives in America incognito, hoping to experience life as an ordinary person. He adopts the alias "Peter Smith" and takes up residence in a boarding house, where he meets Betty and is immediately smitten by her charm and spirit.
As the story unfolds, misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and humorous situations abound, leading to a series of entertaining escapades. Along the way, Wodehouse skillfully weaves in elements of romance, wit, and social satire, creating a light-hearted and enjoyable read.
"The Prince and Betty" showcases Wodehouse's signature style, characterized by sparkling dialogue, endearing characters, and clever plot twists. It's a delightful blend of romance and comedy that appeals to fans of his work and lovers of classic literature alike.