On St. Valentine's Day, 2000, I took a book out from the local library. Inside was a card, dated 4 February 2000, with an urgent message for Mrs. Ann Evans. It was from a solicitor's office and contained a telephone number.

I am not usually a deceitful person, but I rang the number and pretending to be Mrs. Evans, made an appointment to see the solicitor.

Was the message on the card concerning an inheritance? I would soon find out.

The years had been kind to Mr. A. Chalmers, the solicitor. He was lean and rugged.

Nevertheless, there was no family fortune. I had been left a puppy in the will of a distant relative of Mrs. Evans. Alan suggested taking the puppy, Lady, for walks in the park and our relationship deepened.

Valentine's Day the following year, we married. As it happened, the real Mrs. Evans, a recluse, died about the same time. Alan is truly my Prince Charming!

Debra Llewellyn