At the dawn of the 19th century, men on either side of the Atlantic seek cunning ways to prevail over the harrowing dangers of the high seas to exploit the potential of international trade. Stewart Chamberlain is one such entrepreneur. Born into Boston society, his vigor and thirst for adventure have attracted him to a life far more difficult and rewarding than his pedigree would require. When he meets Lady Sarah Tremont, the bluestocking daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Weston, her brains and beauty entice him as no other woman's. But it is her chaste arrogance that makes her a challenge he cannot resist. Lady Sarah is confused and beset by the handsome rake, who sees beyond the maiden to the woman she is yearning to become. Though Sarah is determined to keep him at bay, all the world conspires against her resolve, even her father, who decides to send her to America with Chamberlain as her escort. Captives' Charade is the dangerous game Lady Sarah and Stewart are forced to play when his schooner is overtaken by a malicious band of Caribbean pirates. With their lives in grave danger, Stewart seeks to protect Sarah by pretending to be her devoted husband. But impending doom inspires a far-too-convincing performance -- and Sarah is helpless but to become Stewart's wife in more than name. When they finally escape, the lovers struggle over whether to conclude - or continue - what danger and passion have spawned.