Philippe Derblay, master of Pont Avesnes ironworks, is an honest and generous young man loved by his workers. He has long been in love with Marchioness Claire de Beaulieu.
The adventures of Count Angelo de Marchis as he tries to reach his besieged allies in Rome with much needed funds from England. Can he evade the pursuing "Contessa Sara Mondini" and her Milanese henchmen?