During the turbulent time leading up to the War of 1812 American Bradley Anderson, strong-willed captain of the merchantman, Angel Star, foresworn to live life on his own terms, heedless of the feeling of others, lusts after the beautiful Beth Avery. But Lady Beth, the pampered daughter of Milton Avery, 4th Earl of Rockwell, resists the longing in her heart, choosing to remain in the safety of her homeland, determines to marry a fellow Englishman. While free-spirited Louise Jetter, desiring to cast aside the restrictions of her English Puritan upbringing, risks all for love as England and America clash in the rising tides of war.