When William of Normandy invades England in 1066, Aimery de Vaux is in an unenviable position. His father is Norman count and Duke William is his godfather; but his mother is an English lady, and his uncle is Hereward the Wake, leader of the English resistance. Knowing his godson is torn in his allegiances, William forces a marriage with a Norman lady who has inherited estates in England. Madeleine of Baddersley finds her husband attractive, but she has excellent reason to believe him a traitor. how can she give her body or her heart to a man she cannot trust?