Ophelia is the oldest of the Rackham children and the death of her father means that money is short in the Rackham household. To pay for her 3 younger brothers' schooling Ophelia applies for a teaching post at Swanley Court School for impoverished young ladies. At Swanley Court Ophelia quickly becomes the confidant of school baby Lucy, whose father is presumed dead. When Lucy's father, Luke, turns up, very much alive, Lucy needs a governess. Luke, smitten by Ophelia's charms, asks her to join his household. Ophelia, drawn as closely to Luke as to Lucy, agrees. But Luke's wicked cousin James is not happy to find that, against all odds, Luke survived not only Corunna but the amputation of one hand as well. James is determined to rectify this unfortunate twist of fate. Ophelia, Luke, Lucy and Ophelia's brothers find themselves caught up in the deadly games of a ruthless man.