This is a captivating romance set in 19th century Dorset. Charlotte Honeyman jilts her long-time swain, and on the spur of the moment marries a stranger. His pride damaged and his matrimonial plans upturned, sea captain Nick Thornton threatens to take revenge. Charlotte's younger sister, Marianne, takes pity on Nick and secretly boards his ship, where she meets with an accident. Nick regards Marianne as the perfect tool with which to get his own back, but in the process falls in love. The rift between the sisters widens, and scandal erupts when it becomes apparent that Marianne is expecting Nick's child. Then fate intervenes to change the course of their lives, perhaps forever.