In the heated summer of Elizabeth I's reign

Her hopes of marriage dashed by scandal, the crown under constant threat, Queen Elizabeth I takes a young, spirited woman into her close court circle.

On her way to being presented at court, Catherine Moor fights back with spirit when she is attacked in a teeming London street. Tales of Cat's adventure reach the queen, who–impressed with the young woman's lively mind–claims her as a lady of the bedchamber.

Alert against plots that threaten to overthrow the crown, Cat realizes everyone is suspect. Even the flatteringly attentive Sir Nicholas Grantly, a seductive rogue, has secrets to hide beneath his charming exterior….

The Elizabethan Season

Glory and tragedy, love and betrayal in the age of Elizabeth