Bluestocking Sophia Green's future is uncertain. Orphaned as a child and raised by the wealthy Cappleman family, she has become the companion to her attractive younger cousin, Laura, while harboring to her breast an unrequited love for Laura's diffident brother. Sea captain Kit Hardacre's past is a mystery - even to him. Kidnapped by Barbary Coast pirates at the age of 10, he does not remember his parents or even his real name. All he recalls are things he would rather forget. When Laura's reputation is threatened by a scandal, Sophia suggests weathering the storm in Sicily with their elderly...