Caseley is the 21-year-old daughter of Teuder Bonython, successful shipyard owner and consul for Mexico. When Teuder falls ill, Caseley takes responsibility for the shipyard, the consulate, and her father's health, but in Victorian England, she must hide her talents in a world dominated by men. Not conventionally beautiful, Caseley also resigns herself to a life without love...until she encounters a half-Spanish captain, Jago Barata. Their every encounter sets them at each other's throats, until Caseley must deliver an important letter to Spain and the only ship leaving in time is Jago's...