1342, Lincolnshire, England
Clémence Masson has always yearned for more.
When an opportunity arises at the nearby Grimsthorpe Manor House to be a companion to a newly-arrived bride-to-be, Clémmie is excited by the opportunity. The young bride is soon to be handfasted to the lord of the manor, Ruadhán Amundeville, who is recently returned from battles with the Scots.

Ruadhán’s uncle Ulric has been overseeing the estates in the young lord’s absence, and it soon becomes clear that Ulric does not have Ruadhán’s best interests at heart. Ruadhán must leave for war with the French, Clémmie is left with Emma to deter Ulric’s unwanted advances.

With the Black Death threatening all of their lives, will Clémmie achieve her dream of rising above her station? Could Grimsthorpe hold the key to her happiness? Will the darkness surrounding the manor destroy everything?