Lord Jonathan Trenholme is not happy about being exiled to the colony of Virginia until a scandal in England blows over. Accustomed to wealth, power, and privilege, he views the colonies as being one step from barbarism. When he crosses paths with Callie Hastings, a feisty, illiterate tobacco farmer who refuses to pay homage to his noble birth, he is certain of it.
Outwitted by her one time too many, Trenholme is determined to teach her a lesson in humility. Instead, she ends up in his custody to both their dismay. In her reversal of circumstances, the headstrong Callie manages to upset the powerful Burgesses of the town and anger the Royal Governor's Court, forcing Trenholme to come to her defense. In time, they come to a mutual understanding and Callie learns trust; Lord Jon learns respect; and both learn love as their hearts become unexpectedly and hopelessly entwined.