In the 18th century, Lady Farrell and her handmaiden, Ellen, befriend Maria, an abused girl who stows away aboard their sailing ship. The Lady is on her way to Venice, where she is to be wed to Count Marcel. However, their ship falls under attack by pirates, starting an epic science fiction adventure that spans some 733 years The three women are picked up by a time traveling military submarine, and taken back to its home base in the year of 2080. Not only is Lady Farrell's marriage thwarted, but she and her companions also have to learn how to deal with the changes in politics, technology, philosophy, religion, and just about every other area of human endeavor. Ellen, who has fallen in love with the captain of the ill-fated sailing ship, has to find a way to cope with his loss. And as for Maria, will she ever be able to escape the shadows of her past?