Zibeline — Complete

Valentine de Vermont arrives in Paris with a fortune that earned its way through a daring game of chance in the New World. Known among the glittering salons as “Zibeline,” after a rare, almost extinct animal, she dazzles society with her audacious confidence and generous spirit. Her first purpose is to restore a sizable sum to the officer who had once lost it, setting the stage for a series of striking encounters.

The novel weaves vivid portraits of Parisian aristocracy, from sumptuous drawing‑rooms to the historic greenroom of the Comédie‑Française on a memorable opening night. As Zibeline moves among the elite, her unconventional American background and wealth stir both admiration and envy, revealing the subtle power games beneath the city's glitter. Through witty dialogue and lively observation, the story captures the clash of old‑world tradition with fresh, bold energy.

Against this backdrop, a man of military renown from the Franco‑Mexican and Franco‑Prussian wars becomes the focus of her generous restitution. While she offers him his lost fortune, she also hints at a deeper, perhaps romantic, involvement. Their interaction promises a delicate balance of honor, gratitude, and the stirring possibilities that follow an unexpected encounter.