Gloria, a young noblewoman, and her friendships with two lower-class girls, Anna and Rosa, as they navigate the changing political landscape. The opening of the novel introduces three young women gathered in a floral courtyard, engaging in intimate conversation. D. Maria da Gloria stands out due to her beauty and noble lineage, while her friends, Anna and Rosa, come from humble backgrounds. As they converse, hints of societal unrest emerge with mentions of a popular uprising known as "Maria da Fonte," indicating that the story will weave personal relationships with broader historical events. Through their dialogues, the characters express varying personalities and perspectives on life, reflecting the dynamics of class and gender during a troubled period in Portuguese history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)