Having been deceived by her father and her fiance, Jenefer Trevanion values honesty above all things. After losing her father and her home in a devastating fire, Jenefer supports herself by book-keeping for various businesses in the Cornish village of Porthinnis and acting as agent for the Guernsey merchants who supply local smugglers. But her independence appals the village's well-to-do families. The arrival of Charles Polgray, her father's heir, brings hope to the village; for his plans to extend the harbour will provide much needed work and increased trade. Working together deepens the powerful attraction between Jenefer and Charles. But can he resolve the secret in his past before it shatters her trust and their future?