Book description
When Roger Bigod, heir to the powerful earldom of Norfolk, arrives at
court in 1177 to settle a bitter inheritance dispute with his
half-brothers, he encounters Ida de Tosney, young mistress to King Henry
II. A victim of Henry's seduction and the mother of his son, Ida is
attracted to Roger and sees in him a chance of lasting security beyond
the fickle dazzle of her current life. But her decision to marry Roger
carries an agonising price. Roger's importance as a mainstay of the
Angevin government puts an increasing strain on their marriage. Ida is
deeply unhappy with the life she must live in his absence and grieves
for her losses. Against a volatile political background, the gulf
between Ida and Roger threatens to widen beyond crossing, especially
when so many bridges have already been burned. Elizabeth Chadwick
lives near Nottingham with her husband, two sons and assorted animals
including cats, dog and guinea pigs. She is the author of 15 historical
novels, four of which have been shortlisted for awards.
