London, 1885. Seeking independence from genteel poverty, educated Eleanor Vance enters service as a junior wardrobe maid at Buckingham Palace. Thrust into the regimented world below stairs, she finds not just demanding work and rigid hierarchy, but a hidden ecosystem of political tension, simmering prejudice, and closely guarded secrets mirroring the complexities of Queen Victoria's vast Empire. Eleanor learns quickly that survival depends on discretion and observing the intricate power dynamics governing both servants and courtiers alike.

But when Eleanor stumbles upon evidence of a malicious plot orchestrated by a powerful senior servant against one of the Queen's controversial favourites, her carefully maintained neutrality shatters. Caught between loyalty to newfound friends, a growing sense of justice, and the very real danger of dismissal and ruin if she steps out of line, Eleanor must navigate a treacherous path. In the shadow of the Golden Jubilee and the growing fear gripping London, she must decide how much she is willing to risk for the truth in a world designed to silence voices like hers.