1605 is a time of danger and persecution for English Catholics. Seventeen-year-old Mary Wilshaw and her older brother Rob both come to work at Lyde Hall in the West Midlands - a house where Catholic priests are often hidden from the authorities. Mary, employed by the lady of the house as an embroiderer, falls in love with young David Hawley, the lady's secretary. But nothing at Lyde Hall is what it seems. Who is David? And what dangerous secrets is Rob hiding? Soon Mary herself is in danger as she tries to protect those she loves.