A young Englishwoman, Linda Martin, comes to France to become the governess of nine-year-old Philip, Comte de Valmy. Her ward is the owner of the family castle and estate, which is managed by his uncle Leon. Linda feels an incomprehensible tension in the relationships between the inhabitants of the castle and tries to protect the boy from the oppressive authority of his uncle and the cold indifference of his aunt. The sudden outbreak of love for Leon's son, Raoul, complicates her life even more. While walking, Philip is shot. This unsuccessful attempt on his life makes Linda wonder what kind of invisible drama is unfolding under the arches of the castle and what role she has in this drama. Mary Stewart is one of the most famous writers in the world. Her books sell millions of copies. Stewart's novels amazingly combine intellectual detective fiction and romantic history.