Charlotte and Daniel move to Italy to save Daniel's life, but will the mystery they find there threaten Charlotte's? While Daniel battles consumption, Charlotte explores the beauty of Florence, but discovers ominous signs of violence everywhere, even on the quiet grounds of Santa Chiara convent. During the revolutionary year of 1849, ancient institutions are struggling to maintain their traditional power. When peaceful nuns are struck down by a puzzling illness, and a grieving widow is attacked, the convent is thrown into turmoil. And then a priceless chalice-the most precious treasure of the convent-disappears. The authorities will not act, but Charlotte is determined to solve the mystery and save the besieged convent. With Daniel weakened by illness, Charlotte must act on her own. Can she trust the mysterious painter who offers to help? What does he know about the scandalous documents found in the convent library? Can Charlotte outwit her greedy enemies and restore the fortunes of Santa Chiara? Never before has she faced such a bewildering mystery.