This story is set during the reign of King Henry VII. Peter Brome is a poor man and without a father, and is in love with Margaret the dark-eyed daughter of John Castell, the kindly and wealthy merchant who has taken care of him and raised him. Through a series of unfortunate events Peter has just killed a soldier, through self defense it is true, however, the blood of the Spanish ambassador's men demands to be repaid. Now another man pursues fair Margaret the all powerful Marquis d'Aguila...