Set in the British Medieval Court where John of Gaunt and his wife Contanza are trying to work out a way to reclaim her throne and for him to get a throne and power. One of his commanders is Sir Gil Wolford; he delivers a token from Lady Valerie of Florham's husband who died only to discover that this isn't hers. He's attracted to her but he's determined to keep his focus on the campaign and he thinks that his past is going to mar his future.

Valerie want's nothing more than to garden and to forget her abusive husband but the king has other plans. Gil and Valerie are to wed, whether they like it or not. He doesn't understand her and while he keeps telling her that she needs to be more herself for a long time he doesn't give her the space.

It's interesting but sometimes I was so angry with Gil and his inability to actually see what was going on with Valerie. ( )