Rosemary Morris never fails to show us just what life was like in the past—the good, the bad and the evil. Nearing seventeen, Grace has passed what is considered the expected age for a girl to marry in 1331. Being a woman with a mind of her own, she has already refused suitors chosen by her mother, Countess of Cassio, but it is now deemed past time for her to become betrothed. Her twin brother Falk’s prospective bride, meek 14-year-old Maud has already been selected for him. Falk has also put forward his friend, Jocelyn, Baron Montford, as an ideal prospective husband for his twin sister. Marriage in those times was not by any stretch of the imagination considered a love match, but more an alliance to secure a family’s prestige—and to produce heirs.
When Grace meets Jocelyn just one day before the planned wedding, she finds him attractive and agreeable, but nonetheless terrifying. Falk knows Jocelyn well and assures Grace that he will make a loyal and sympathetic husband for her. This does nothing to allay her fears of sharing the marital bed with someone who is basically a stranger. Add to that her strong-willed nature that will not allow her to tolerate becoming the chattel of any man.
Grace has the unnerving ability to sense danger for her loved ones. Warned never to disclose this ‘sight’ by her mother for fear of being considered a witch, she must suffer what she considers this curse alone.
Mystery, intrigue, violence and death are all part of life to contend with in those harsh times and Grace must have the strength of character to withstand all ills.