1788: governess Frances Scott marries the bumbling but ambitious ship owner Josiah Cole and faces a new life far from home.

As the African slaves' suffering continues, Frances finds herself attracted to the slave called Mehuru.

The plight of one of the African children draws Frances and Mehuru closer together. Sir Charles Fairley shows an interest when debt-ridden Josiah decides to auction the runaway slave, Matthew.

Frances prays that her child was fathered by her husband, and urges Mehuru to flee Bristol.