Cornwall, 1782. Beth Farrell, betrothed to Adam Traherne, awaits his return from the Americas - but she fears his ship is lost. And trouble is now looming at home. Her father has drunk and gambled away his fortune, and fallen prey to the unscrupulous Jonah Peake, who desires Beth. Caught in a web of deceit and intrigue, Beth wonders if she will ever find happiness with the man she truly loves.