When the Balkan royal Prince Stanislaus demands an English bride, Queen Victoria decides to send him Lady Lavina, whose family has a slight connection with royalty. Determined to avoid this fate, Lavina throws herself on the mercy of the Marquis of Elswick, a disagreeable man who turned his back on the world following a betrayal by the woman he loved. Surprisingly, he agrees to help by pretending to be engaged to Lavina, and together with her father, they leave to visit her relatives in Scotland. In the Highlands Lavina begins to find herself attracted to the marquis. Beneath his harsh manners he has a heart—a heart that perhaps she can win. But nearby is the queen's country home, Balmoral, and when Her Majesty arrives with Prince Stanislaus, they know there is still a battle to be fought. Then Lavina learns a shattering secret—the real reason the marquis agreed to help her.If you enjoy Downton Abbey you will love Barbara Cartland.