Jonathan, Viscount Eldon, is absorbed in the business of building a steamship, but his quiet, reserved personality is in contrast to the wildness of his younger days. He has a great influence upon the lives of those around him and tries to curb the impetuosity of his young brother, Giles. Jonathan also shapes the future of Lavinia Kelvin, whose life is altered by him. Loving him in vain, she finds he is never far from her thoughts.