An unexpected inheritance from her grandmother offers Libby Pulford the opportunity to escape her abusive marriage and return to her Lancashire roots with her young son Ned. But her domineering husband Steven won't let her go so easily.
WWI. Greyladies - an ancient Wiltshire manor house - is requisitioned for a hospital. Its mistress, Harriet, Joseph and their sons are allowed to stay in part of the house, but when tragedy strikes Joseph's brothers, his future at Greyladies is at risk. Latimer family legend says a new mistress of the house will be found, yet how does this happen?
Russell's attentions turn to the New Temple of God and its leader, a suffragette and mystic. When four bluestockings from the Temple die after changing their wills, could sins of a capital nature be afoot? What's more, Russel's most baffling mystery may now involve the burgeoning of a deeper affection between herself and the retired Holmes.