MARIPOSA - The Quest is the first novel in thesweeping family saga set during the gilded age ofthe cattle barons in the American West. Aristocratic twin brothers Damien and BrendonWhittaker have loved Harper Begbie, a gifted artist, since they were children in Herefordshire, England's cattle country. Always lurking abound the edges of this childhood idyll was Peggy Abbot, an evil neighbor girl and Harper's nemesis. By the time their father's death in 1875 set the brothers on a daring course to export their beloved Herefords to the boundless grasslands of Wyoming Territory where men of vision are accruing great fortunes, Harper has given Damien her heart. WhenPeggy's treachery intervenes and she tricks Damien into marrying her, Harper is so desperate to follow the man she loves to America that she agrees to marry Brendon despite not loving him. In Wyoming Territory, the Whittakers establish their vast cattle ranch, the MARIPOSA and garner success beyond their wildest imagination. Yet, their private lives are in shambles as Peggy'sevil brings unfathomable tragedy to the family.Only Harper's divinely-inspired art allows hersoul to heal. She reclaims Damien's love and herrightful place as his wife. United at last, theyface an uncertain economic future when the verylifeblood of cattle ranching is threatened. Thedanger sets Damien and Harper on a resolute quest to save their beloved MARIPOSA for futuregenerations of Whittakers as Wyoming Territory.