Nineteen-year-old Kerenza Vyvyan's estranged family has been missing for a year on a trading voyage to the Mediterranean. When her father returns to raise the ransom needed to free his wife and elder daughter held hostage in Tangier, he demands Kerenza sail back with him on the packet, Kestrel. But Kestrel's commander is Nicholas Penrose, the man who broke Kerenza's heart. Following attack by a French privateer and traumatic events on board, Kestrel eventually reaches Tangier. The dangers survived are only a taste of those to come. Tentatively reconciled, Kerenza and Nick draw strength from each other. Then tragic events force Kerenza to make a promise she fears will part them for ever...until one final twist of fate.