Bertram becomes Count of Rossillion after his fathers
death. Helena has lived for years in the Rossillion
household cared for by Bertram's mother. Helena
secretly loves Bertram and follows him to Paris
when he goes to Court, where the King is ill. Helena
takes medicine which cures the dying King. The king
says she can chose any man to become her husband
and she chooses Bertram, who considers her to be
beneath him. After the marriage Bertram leaves for
Tuscany with his friend Parolles. Helena returns
to Rossillion and learns that Bertram will not call
her his wife until she gets his ring and bares his
child. Helena travels to Italy and by chance stays
with a widow whose daughter Diana is loved by Bertram.
Diana accepts Bertram's ring and when they have
sex Helena takes Diana's place becoming pregnant.
Hearing rumours of Helena's death Bertram returns
to France, where he is arrested for murdering Helena.
When Helena returns wearing Bertram's ring and pregnant
with his child, the truth is revealed and Bertram
declares his love for Helena.
