Valancy Stirling is a 29-year-old single woman and only child. At the time in which Valancy lives, she is considered to be an old maid. Valancy's family doesn't treat her very kindly. They think of Valancy as a plain child.
Due to their feelings towards Valancy, she has never had nice things or even things of her own that she isn't required to share. Some of Valancy's family members expect her to care for them. For example, Cousin Stickles believes it is Valancy's job to rub liniment on her back.
Because Valancy really doesn't have a life of her own, she dreams about the life she would have if she had her own house - the Blue Castle. Valancy dreams of the prince, her husband, boyfriend, or lover, that will court her in the Blue Castle.
When Valancy finds out that she has a heart condition that will kill her, she makes up her mind to live and experience everything she can. She obtains a job out of her mother's home. She lives with her employer. She even proposes to a man, Barney Snaith, so she can be married before she dies.
