Lady Meg bears scars on her back, reminders that she has no choice but to marry a stranger in the American colonies at her father's command. He insists the marriage is for a family alliance, but she suspects a darker motive and resolves to escape her fate. Intrigue and betrayal surround Meg and her siblings, and her attraction to the handsome sea captain delivering her to her future husband complicates her plans. Will her determination to find the truth set them all free?