Ursula is the daughter and only child of Sir Ector Eslington of Eslington, a tournament knight and soldier who died in a brawl, leaving Ursula an orphan. His will made provision for her to become a nun, and pray for his soul (He seemed to think it would be needed!), so her uncle, who seems rather keen on the idea, has arranged to place her as a novice at Roxeter Abbey, training for the day when she will take her final vows and leave behind all desires of the flesh and worldly things – including her inheritance.