Daughters of Summer

On the first day of Hexamshire's annual weeklong fair in late summer 1221, Master Gruffydd, an arrogant merchant and town worthy, is poisoned. A wealthy man, Gruffydd has been shamed by his low birth, a condition he could never overcome. By contrast, his wife, Maegden, is of noble birth, but because of her family's impoverishment, she had been sold off to the highest bidder: Master Gruffydd. Theirs had been an unhappy marriage. Gruffydd was abusive and suspected that Maegden was unfaithful, a suspicion that later proves to be correct. She has taken up with one of Lord Godwin's handsome young knights. At first Lord Godwin believes Gruffydd's death is an accident. But when he uncovers a ruthless merchant whose passing no one mourns, he begins to suspect murder. The lovers are the obvious suspects, but Godwin is doubtful. Complicating matters, Godwin faces difficulties of his own when Lady Constance, the widow of his dearest friend, is kidnapped by Fulk d'Oily, the archbishop's man who