Velvet and Steel

While Cromwell and the Royalists fight for power in the years around 1664, not only is England divided but so are cities and even families.

Litchfield is torn as first the Roundheads lay siege to the city and then after a few weeks the Royalists regain control, causing even more confusion.

Hope Levett, lady's-maid to Lady Hester Clinton in a manor house outside Litchfield, is torn between her dread of becoming the mistress of a powerful man and her newly aroused passion for a French nobleman.

Then she is kidnapped by the husband of her late mother.

She comes to believe that marriage to her love is impossible.

But, in a surprising development, there is a glimmer of hope for her.

Perhaps, after all, she can look forward to a brighter life.