Hebe had no idea of her own charm until Major Alex Beresford arrived on Malta. She treated him with warm practicality, showing an insight and ability to read him that few others had managed. His attentions made Hebe blossom, and her stepmother began to entertain hopes of a wedding . . . Then a letter arrived for Alex. The proposal of marriage he'd made to another before ever meeting Hebe had been accepted. He should be happy . . . But now Alex could only contemplate marrying Hebe.