The Love Knot

Spring, 1297. Recently widowed Joanna of Acre, dutiful and loving daughter of Edward I, is pleased at her father's unexpected visit. Ostensibly Edward's visit is prompted by patriarchal concern, in reality he is motivated by the whisper of a rumour that Joanna, still officially in her widow's weeds, has begun an inappropriate friendship with penniless commoner, Ralph Monthermer. Edward's fury is unbounded when he discovers what he believes to be proof of a clandestine affair. He immures Joanna in a nunnery and imprisons Ralph within Bristol Castle. Only Henry Trokelowe, Edward's clerk, prevents him from killing Ralph, who is allowed to live while the cold, almost passionless Henry investigates. Ralph and Joanna's only chance of survival lies in the hands of Henry Trokelowe but how can a confirmed bachelor even begin to understand the all-consuming passion that binds Ralph and Joanna? Vannessa Alexander's richly evocative novel, immersed in the colours, drama and essence of Medieval life, combines fact and fiction to tell one of history's greatest but most secret love affairs.