1553. Deeply-divided England rejoices as the rightful heir Mary Tudor sweeps to power on a tide of populist goodwill. Within weeks there is widespread rebellion in favour of her heir her half-sister princess Elizabeth who is everything that Mary isn't. From now on Elizabeth will have to use her considerable guile just to stay alive. Orphan Alys Twist has come a long way to work as a laundress at the royal Wardrobe. There she meets Bel daughter of the Queen's tailor and seems to have arrived at her own happy ending. A laundress is in a unique position to see the truth of people's lives and Alys is pressed into service as a spy in the errant princess's household.
