Emily "Fido" Faithfull is a woman of business in Victorian England, busy running a printing press and devoted to the Cause of women. She keeps herself so busy that she barely has time to notice her own loneliness, as she has no husband, lover, or even close friend. Her beloved friend, Helen Codrington, left London 8 years ago and has never so much as sent a letter. But a chance encounter in the street changes everything: Helen has returned from Malta with her family... and a gentleman she claims is a "family friend". Fido is drawn into the middle of the conflict as the Codrington's marriage finally falls into ruins and both sides want Fido as a witness. Period details bring scenes to life, setting what could be contemporary accusations firmly in the late 19th century. Everyone's secrets are about to come out in court and the newspapers, and no one is completely right or wrong, good or evil. An Author's Note at the end details the liberties taken with the original chronology and details, and where Donoghue filled in gaps in the historical record. She stays close to the true story of Codrington v. Codrington, but gives readers a glimpse into the thoughts and emotions that vanish into silent memory. An absorbing and engaging tale of love, passion, and betrayal in a changing world.