This thrilling romantic adventure follows the plucky Mary on her journey into the depths of Dickensian England where she encounters a myriad of odd characters some of whom mean her harm while others strive to help her. Mary has a secret. Should it be discovered, she will be transported in chains to Australia as a criminal. When a childhood friend reappears in her life, friendship turns to love. But her joy is tinged with fear. He is now an officer in Queen Victoria's army. If he discovers Mary's secret, his duty will be to have her arrested and transported. Ill equipped in education and social position, she must draw on her inner strength to overcome the obstacles that life has stacked against her and trust that love can overcome duty.