MARIETTA VOWED NEVER TO MARRY . . . Until she fell off a horse, and Lord Alain of Thorsgeld rescued her with his very persuasive affections. Confused by his attention, Marietta ran away, but was once again rescued by her beloved Alain. He wanted her and had no scruples about throwing her stoic airs into disarray --- and seducing her into marriage! Their nights were passionate, and the castle provided her with plenty of activity. Marietta began to love her role, and her husband, until she realized that she was playing second best to his dead wife --- a position that would lead her into danger...