Judith St Clair and Louisa-Margaretta Haddington, united in their heartbreak, are passing a quiet spring in the countryside. Though Wycliff Castle and its rectory are isolated, the Derbyshire peaks are quite beautiful, and Judith begins to enjoy the spring. A visit from Louisa-Margaretta's brother Percival, whose regiment is stationed nearby, promises company and excitement for both.

That is, until one of the soldiers is killed by a member of the house party.

Judith insists on finding the murderer, but Louisa-Margaretta demurs. She is not shocked by dueling, nor is she threatened by the idea of a killer under the castle's roof. When Percival himself is accused of the crime, and threatened with hanging, Louisa-Margaretta regrets her decision. But even if she begs her friend for forgiveness, will they find the guilty party in time to save Percival?