Tech writer Annie Young breaks her engagement when her fianc forbids her to take an assignment documenting a Paris dig at the site of thirteenth century inn — supervised by her old lover‚ archeologist Luca Martinelli.
Amelie another dig volunteer‚ is found shot on the site. Luca, Amelie's lover‚ is in the process of a divorce and is a prime suspect.
In the fourteenth century‚ Jacques Fournier is a dedicated Cistercian brother/scholar. His uncle and abbot where Jacques is cloistered sends Jacques to Paris to complete his studies and have a real-world experience. Once there‚ he becomes infatuated with Madeleine‚ the daughter of an inn-keeper. Her attractions test his faith.
Annie is caught up in the modern drama while helping to unravel the past.