The century of free women.

The Beguinage is an enclave in the heart of Paris, protected by the king... until now. For hundreds of single women, pious but secular, it offered an alternative to either marriage or the cloister. But a newcomer is about to shatter the tranquillity of this little universe. Silent, rebellious, Maheut the Red has fled an arranged marriage. Soon, evil omens begin to multiply around the community. The trial of the Templars keeps stirring up gossip, and one of the Beguines is to be burned at the stake. Brilliantly interweaving highlights from the reign of Philip the Fair and daily life in medieval Paris, Aline Kiner carries readers along with riveting suspense.