STAR-CROSSED... Lydia Whittaker's horrid Uncle Henry has cast her, her widowed mother, and sisters out of their Yorkshire home. Now Lydia must not only hand over the estate she has thriftily managed for years, but also enter the marriage mart. This is far from her desire...until her heart is set a-flutter by the very first man she meets. Lieutenant Edward Whittaker has been quite preoccupied with squandering his allowance on the pleasures of London. And when his father announces his intentions for him -- a cavalry commission and a wealthy, simpering society bride -- Edward is far from charmed. On his arrival in the country, he is refreshingly intrigued, however, by Lydia's dimpled smile and keen wit. But as soon as the feuding Whittakers observe the bloom of feelings between the two cousins, Lydia's mama puts up a dreadful din, and Uncle Henry threatens to disinherit Edward. Can two young hearts outwit their wrangling, scheming relations to prove that love can conquer all...?