start of the novel, we meet Catalina, who expresses concern for her friend Marta and the difficult situation she faces. As Catalina encounters Mathys, the intendente, she learns about his frustrations regarding Marta's perceived coldness towards him, while also trying to protect her friend from being cast out of Orsdael. This conversation unveils the underlying tensions and emotions between the characters, setting the stage for a series of events that will greatly influence their lives, ultimately leading to questions about love and loyalty, and the sacrifices one must make for their loved ones. Catalina’s desire to shield Marta reflects her commitment to their friendship in a world that poses numerous dangers for women. (This is an automatically generated summary.)