Emma Ruskin suddenly abandons her teaching career to become a governess at the country estate of the Akroyd family, much to the amazement of her flatmates. Once at Long Hempdon, the family, especially Gavin, the superior eldest son, treats her with the utmost contempt. However, Emma recognizes that he alone genuinely cares for ten-year-old Arabella, and the unexpected rapport between them both flatters and alarms Emma. When she and Arabella are kidnapped, Emma knows they'll be killed if the money isn't forthcoming unless Gavin can get to them first...