Cymberie is a great house in late sixteenth century Essex. It’s here that Elaine comes, penniless and far from home, with a small child. Because of her poverty she has no choice but to nurse the man who condemned to death her innocent husband.

Energetic and resilient, she takes advantage of the situation to learn to read, and becomes Sir Richard’s clerk. She is courted by the candlemaker in the village – and then Sir Richard’s handsome explorer son returns. But she’s an independent woman now …