New Bedford, 1850. Young, strong-willed Eliza Mae Holmes risks her life helping slaves escape through the Underground Railroad. And even though danger prowls the city, Eliza refuses to stay home on this night-and meets the man who will change her life forever. Eliza is saved from an unspeakable fate at the hands of a sadistic criminal by the benevolent and charismatic Charles DaFornas. Though she is instantly enthralled by the handsome Portuguese wine merchant, Eliza won't succumb to his charm. Love is for the faint of heart, after all, even though the very sight of Charles makes her heart sing.
When Eliza's father arranges for Charles to take Eliza and her mother to England to meet her betrothed, Eliza resolves to stand strong against her growing feelings during the long sea voyage. But being so close to Charles, learning about his culture and his island home of Madeira, only draws her that much closer to him. For his part, Charles is struck by Eliza's strength, vitality, and incredible beauty. It is not long before the two succumb to their feelings and tumble headlong into love.
But Eliza's betrothal still stands and with pressure from her mother to see the marriage through, she must make a devastating choice. Will Eliza find her inner strength and live according to her own truth, or will she lose the one man who has finally captured her heart?