Maid of the Midlands — Linda Swift

Love... Secrets... Betrayal... In Matilda's sixteenth summer, two events change her placid life at Hafton Castle. She falls in love with the handsome guard Jondalar, and she is chosen to be waiting-lady for the Queen of Scots who is brought to the castle as a "guest." When Matilda learns that Jondalar has deceived her, as he plots against the queen, she must choose between her love and betrayal of the woman she is obliged to serve.