Set in medieval England, Marc de Marcel is a French hostage of lowly birth, sent to replace a noble, but his ransom is not forthcoming.

Cecily has lost both her parents, and is duty bound as the Countess of Losford to wed according to the king's pleasure. Until she happens on one of the hated French responsible for the deaths of her countrymen. Sheltered, there is much she doesn't know about the world, and the hostage chevalier becomes her tutor.

I loved Ms. Gifford's attention to historical details and was as impressed by her story notes as with the story itself. A heart rending tale of duty and honor. ( )