The year was 1775, the place was Boston and the world was changing as quickly and capriciously as a summer day takes on the chill of autumn. Yet, for Alida Howard, the politics and revolutionary fever that threatened to boil over was no concern of hers. She was to be the maidservant to Jennifer Lyman, the tart and troubled daughter of one of the city's wealthiest Tory merchants, and the incendiary rebel activities need not worry her. But upon her arrival at the Lyman house, trouble began to pursue Alida like a predatory bird. It began with backstairs intrigue and an attempt on her life. And then, almost against her will, Alida found herself swept up in the grand and turbulent drama being enacted around her. She rallied to the aid of a young rebel in hiding from the British, risking her life in the process. And then the handsome young man next door, so involved in the patriotic struggle, took her heart captive and led her into the midst of the bloody fray.