When one of the Royal Navy's most successful frigate captains, Ross Quentin, meets Admiral's daughter Bella Richmond they should be a perfect match. But when did the course of true love ever run smoothly? Set during the short peace of 1802, Captain Ross Quentin is ashore and determined to invest his prize-money in a suitable estate. Bella has been content as mistress of her father's establishment until she meets Ross when he rescues her from pirates.