I began this novel when I was 90, and some stress occurred that I might not live to finish it. The story is based on life in the beautiful Clwyd Valley of North Wales, during the economic depression of the thirties and World War II. Lady Victoria Mortimer, widow of the son of a Marcher Lord, is the chief character. These noblemen would find eligible daughters of Welsh aristocrats to marry their younger sons for the purpose of extending their land holdings. Victoria was the daughter of the Squire of The Plas in Llandyrnog , and life was idyllic until an exorbitant increase in property taxes occurred, following the Great War of 1914-18. Eventually, a model village, including a Dame's School, was built through Victoria's initiative, to enhance her assets, because of the decline in farm values. This proved to be attractive for the nouveau riche who wished to retire in the country.The exigencies of the day created a demand for those who wished to live in the country, while life for Victoria and her family lost none of its charms. Noblesse oblige Read on. T.L.J.