Building bridges is a specialty for civil engineer Lieutenant Richard Brandon, and he is confident of his path. Aiming for the rank of Captain and eventual marriage to his socially-appropriate match, Helen Massie, Brandon seems to be well on his way. He has not planned, however, on the arrival of wanderer Clare Kenwardine and all she will mean to the changing course of his life. Army intrigue and stolen secrets set the stage for the tumultuous relationship between Brandon and Clare.