The Azure Castle — Janette Radcliffe

Claire Stanhope is ignored by her father and kept hiding in the wings by her lovely older sister Gloriana. Since their father wants to continue his bachelor existence, he hopes to marry them both off - the sooner the better. Gloriana is courted by some very eligible men and has set her mind to catch Luis de Valente. He is handsome and wealthy but has managed to elude matrimony. Claire catches his eyes and he thinks she would make his younger brother a suitable wife. But, when Claire's father decides to wed her to an older man who she thoroughly dislikes, Luis finds her in tears and comes up with a solution. She will pose as his fiance, stay in his home for the summer and protect him from marriage minded misses! She agrees - and comes to his lovely blue tiled home (azure) - meets his family and falls in love with Luis - even knowing the engagement will end with summer.

Hero: Luis de Valente
Heroine: Claire Stanhope