In 13th Century England, life held few options for women. Ela of Salisbury was no ordinary woman; she lived no ordinary life.From the Preface: "Your Grace, is it true what they say about you?" The frail woman let out a giggle, that soon deteriorated into a pitiful cough. "That, my child, depends entirely on what they are saying about me." "That you forsook vast wealth, that kings sought your council as well as your affections, that you were Sheriff of Wiltshire, that you killed a wicked man with your own hands."..."open the window and sit with me, child. I will tell you my story.