"The year is 1560. The setting is the court of Queen Elizabeth. Ursula Blanchard, an impoverished young widow newly come to court, is sent to protect the queen’s reputation by looking after Amy Robsart, wife of Sir Robert Dudley, courtier to the queen and prime subject of scandalous rumors swirling about the palace. When Amy is found lying with a broken neck at the bottom of a staircase, the future looks ominous for everyone involved."