Sarah Turner is a young Bristol widow, rescued from a loveless, arranged marriage after her husband is shot. Now she works as a courier for Parliament, 'run' by Martin Penford, who had been her late father's executor. She thrives on the risk of the work and liaises with a Parliamentary Army officer, James Hawkins, at a special spot near her home village of Yate. She seems to lead a charmed life until on one visit she stumbles upon an horrific scene which changes her whole way of life. Now danger breathes at her side and, at the same time, she is attracted to Hawkins. Bristol is a trading centre, and many favour Cromwell and Parliament over King Charles and a monarchy. But is that the right choice? With Charles II in exile, and the Puritans increasing their dull sway, the future of England is in the balance.