It's 1817. Theo, Earl of Evedon is taking part in a bet having been accused of insufferable arrogance by his friends. Determined to prove them wrong while travelling incognito he is set upon by robbers outside a disreputable tavern by the Liverpool docks. Annabel Sherborne is an America heiress. Se doesn't want to be in England, but feels obliged to escort her prettier younger sister to have a London season and hopefully gain a suitable husband. Finding one herself is the last thing she wants to do. Arriving off the ship, seeing a young man set upon by robbers and beaten she attempts to come...