Meerepore 1838. The British frontier garrison is watching events in Afghanistan, suspecting Russian plans to invade. Lieutenant Richard Lingarde, half Russian, is accused of doubtful loyalty by Major Colley Dupres, flamboyant soldier of fortune. Into this uneasy situation comes Charlotte Scott unaware that she has been sent for only to be suitably married off. Reared in England by a religious aunt, Charlotte is a social failure befriended only by Richard, who is impressed by her intelligence. When the garrison is ordered to occupy Kabul enmity between Richard and Colley has reached dangerous depths. Charlotte watches her husband and Colley depart, little knowing she will soon follow and they will all suffer heartbreak, imprisonment and a death march before they come to terms with their future.