In the 1830's in northern England, Riah Millican, a widow with three children, takes a job as housekeeper to a reclusive former teacher, Percival Miller. Miller makes Riah the gift of a black velvet gown, and even educates her children. But when Riah discovers the reason behind Miller's gifts, she vows to leave his house, but Miller has a hold on her, even after his death, when he leaves his house to her on the condition that she never marry. Riah's daughter, Biddy, grows up and becomes a laundress in a large house where her education keeps her from fitting in and makes her a target. But it also catches the eye of a son of the house, and with Miller's legacies, Biddy may yet find her way to happiness.
While drinking in the local tavern with his brothers and sister, Armus has his purse stolen. He captures the thief and discovers the pickpocket is a little girl who lives with an old woodcutter. The Greys take a liking to the child and the woodsman and invite them to their castle for Christmas even though though they must travel with Sir Thomas his investiture as a Knight of the Garter. Meanwhile Sir Ivar seeks the assistance of Baron Mullens in the search for their missing ward.
King Edvard, to please Queen Paige, diverts their honeymoon to the fictional crown protectorate of Belavia. Soon they discover an underhanded plot by the ambitious Danish prime minister; hijinks abound, but Eddie, Paige, and Belavia win.
