Henry VIII is dead and Elizabeth is at the court of her brother Edward VI. Tainted by the twin strains of illegitimacy and heresy, she meets and falls in love with Robert Dudley, himself almost ruined by rumours of treason and unfortunately married. When his wife dies in suspicious circumstances the way is clear for him to marry again. But can Elizabeth the Queen, beset on all sides by demands to marry for the benefit of England, follow her heart? And will Robert remain loyal and wait for her or find another to share his life?