In the spring of 1573, Gregory Fletcher is a happy man, set to move into the spice shop on London's Ludgate Hill with his true love Jehan Zanini, who he spared from being condemned as a thief the year before.
But Gregory's kind inclinations to help others in need tend to thwart the couple from fulfilling their dreams as Gregory delays living with Jehan to assist his adoptive family in a crisis.
Then William Anstell, their friend and the cause and saviour of Jehan's previous problems, gets amorously involved with an unscrupulous tavern server and relies on Gregory and Jehan to resolve his embarrassing mess.
Can the lovers finally put aside all the distractions and other people's problems to find lasting happiness?
