Lady Harriet Lynn is traveling with her father, the Duke, to England, when their ship is attacked by pirates. Their defense is quickly overwhelmed and the two of them are taken for ransom. Separated from her father, Harriet is locked away with her chambermaid in a dank, musty corner of the pirate vessel. She spends harrowing days in that closed room at the hold of the ship, wondering what will become of her. That is, until she's taken to the deck to witness her first glimmer of sunlight in a fortnight and meets the imposing, mysterious Captain Bloodworth. One evening soon after, he sends for her to share supper in his quarters, and she gets to know him in ways she couldn't have ever imagined over wine and food. The pirate bewilders Harriet. His courteous, gallant behavior seems incompatible with his criminal ways, and his handsome features conspire to breed feelings in her that she isn't prepared to understand and can't seem to ignore, even if she knows they should never have blossomed.