On the Continent, John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, is laying waste to the lowlands in a bloody combat with Louis XIV. At the British court, Queen Ann, aging, ill, and surrounded by sycophants, is coping with the intrigues of those who wish to promote Malboroughs dangerous ambitions. Chief among the plotters is his headstrong wife (and court favorite}, Sarah Churchill.
Into this tense and streamy environment comes young Abigail Hill, Sarahs impoverished cousin. Sarah has arranged for her to be a maid to the Queen. But Abigail will discover that she has been marked by destiny for a special mission, which is nothing less than to bring to a halt a bloody and destructive world war. How she accomplishes this is the subject of this unusual but historically justified tale.
The drama of court life and high politics, the growing antagonism between Sarah and Abigail, and an engaging cast of characters make for a lively narrative. And a portrait of Queen Ann is a tour de force that lends further depth to this vivid and engaging book.