Pierre Marchant, a bastard who doesn't even dare use his own name as he carries out dangerous clandestine activities, is a Frenchman committed to supplying arms and other assistance to the fledgling American colonies.

Monique doesn't intend to fall in love with the enigmatic Frenchman. Pierre knows he musn't let his growing attraction for this headstrong young woman deter him.

Fate intervenes when Monique is nearly killed by marauders. The valiant Frenchman who rescues her soon captures her heart, but rejects her as duty and honor outweigh his own wishes and desires. In addition, he knows himself to be an unsuitable match for this woman, whose father is Prussia's ambassador to France.

To prevent Monique from marrying a libertine, Pierre marries her himself, then leaves her to return to his dangerous pursuits. Unable to dislodge Pierre from her heart, Monique follows him. They are both nearly killed while at sea, then separated, each believing the other is dead.