Country Rivals. Zara Stoneley

       Chapter 16

      

       Chapter 17

      

       Chapter 18

      

       Chapter 19

      

       Chapter 20

      

       Chapter 21

      

       Chapter 22

      

       Chapter 23

      

       Chapter 24

      

       Chapter 25

      

       Chapter 26

      

       Chapter 27

      

       Chapter 28

      

       Chapter 29

      

       Chapter 30

      

       Chapter 31

      

       Chapter 32

      

       Acknowledgements

      

       Coming Soon From Zara Stoneley

      

       Also by Zara Stoneley

      

       Zara Stoneley

      

       About the Publisher

       Tippermere

       Welcome to tranquil Tippermere, set deep in the Cheshire countryside. Home to Lords and Ladies, horsemen and farmers.

       Set on the highest hill, keeping a close eye on the village and its inhabitants, lies Tipping House Estate. In pride of place is the grand Elizabethan style mansion, sweeping down in front of her are immaculate gardens, well-kept parkland and rolling acres that spread as far as the eye can see.

       Follow the stream down to the flat below, and nestling between copses and lakes, you find Folly Lake Manor and the sprawling grounds of the bustling Equestrian Centre. The country lane in front wends its way between high hedges to the village green, the church and two village pubs. Then fans out into tributaries, follow them further and you find a small eventing yard, a scattering of country cottages and rambling working farms.

      Take the road north eastwards, travel on a few short miles and soon the elegant village of Kitterly Heath unfolds before you - a village whose origins were recorded in the Domesday Book. At one end of the ancient high street a solid 14th Century church stands sentry, with an imposing school at the other, and all around sprawl the mansions old and new that house the rich and famous …

       The Residents of Tippermere

       Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Steel (nee Brinkley) – disorganised but loveable daughter of Billy. In line to inherit the Tipping House Estate.

       Rory Steel – devilishly daring and sexy three day eventer. Lottie’s husband.

       Tilly – head of the terrier trio that accompany Rory everywhere.

       Harry – Lottie’s spaniel.

       William ‘Billy’ Brinkley – Lottie’s father. Former superstar show jumper, based at the equestrian centre.

       Victoria ‘Tiggy’ Brinkley – wife of Billy. As friendly, shaggy and eternally optimistic as a spaniel.

       Lady Elizabeth Stanthorpe – owner of Tipping House Estate, lover of strong G&T’s. Meddler and mischief maker. Lottie’s gran, Dominic’s mother.

       Bertie – Elizabeth’s black Labrador.

       Dominic ‘Dom’ Stanthorpe – dressage rider extraordinaire. Uncle to Lottie, son of Elizabeth, slightly bemused and frustrated by both. Husband to Amanda.

       Amanda Stanthorpe – Elegant and understated, delicate and demure. Owner of Folly Lake Manor and Equestrian Centre.

       Alice Stanthorpe – Dom and Amanda’s 3 year old daughter.

       Tabatha Strachan – Rory and Lottie’s groom. Horse mad, smitten by Rory, but suitably unimpressed by most other things.

       David Simcock – England goalkeeper, resident of the neighbouring Kitterly Heath.

       Sam Simcock – wife of David. Lover of dogs, diamonds and designer delights.

       Roxy Simcock – Sam and David’s 3 year old daughter

       Rupert – Roxy’s pony

       The Film Stars & Crew

       Pandora Drakelow – scheming, sneaky, man-eating star of the film. Seb’s wife.