Fleeing rebels in Scotland on Queen Elizabeth's false promise of sanctuary, Mary, Queen of Scots, finds herself imprisoned as the 'guest' of George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, and his indomitable wife, Bess of Hardwick. Soon the newly married couple's home becomes the center of intrigue and rebellion against Elizabeth, and their loyalty to each other and to their sovereign comes into question. Using new research and her passion for historical accuracy, Gregory places the doomed Mary into a completely new tale of suspense, passion, and political intrigue.