The Castle

\"Beautiful, flirtatious and romantic Valeria Montford is used toattracting admiring glances from the most eligible young men in Society. But galloping through the French countryside she discoversthat pride definitely comes before a fall. A confident horsewoman, she is mortified when she is thrown in full view of Lord Charles Waterford. Embarrassed, and missing the usual praise for her equineskills, she decides that she hates Lord Waterford for making her feelhumiliated. Then she meets Sir Peter Cousins ? devastatinglyhandsome, exciting and slightly dangerous. Enchanted by Sir Peter? scharm and obvious admiration Valeria becomes even more contemptuous of Lord Waterford? s quieter nature. Back in England, Valeria? sbeloved father sadly confesses that a cad has defrauded him of hisfortune. He can see only one way to pay his creditors and escape total financial ruin ? Valeria must make a good marriage, and he alreadyhas a prospective suitor in mind. Still dreaming of Sir Peterand horrified at the prospect of a marriage without love, Valeria? sheart is thrown into confusion. So when Lord Waterford suggests thatshe helps him restore his Castle she seizes the chance to escape, hoping against hope that Sir Peter will find her and offer a proposalthat will satisfy everyone. In London, as the cream of Societyprepares for Queen Victoria? s Diamond Jubilee, Valeria is faced withthe most difficult decision of her life. Should she accept herfather? s choice of suitor and assure her family? s place in Society? Or hold out for the man she really loves? But just as Valeriacomes to understand the true nature of love, friendship and securityit seems that she has lost all chance of happiness forever.\"