England is in tumult under the rule of Queen Mary and her Spanish husband. Confined to house arrest at Hatfield House, Princess Elizabeth is the country's greatest hope. Far from court intrigues, Elizabeth finds solace in simple things: the quiet countryside and peaceful recreation, including the melodies of her chief musician and his daughter, Kate Haywood. But Kate will prove herself most valuable when an envoy of the queen -- sent to flush out heretics in the princess's household -- is found dead on the grounds of Hatfield.
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