In the early 1700s, recently widowed Barbara Montgeoffry, the 20-year-old Countess of Devan whose husband died in scandalous circumstances, sails to Virginia for a change of air and takes over management of a family tobacco plantation. In Virginia she creates a stir with her conquests--despite being in mourning--and by freeing slaves. Disturbing news from England, however, send her home to take part in political intrigues and a clandestine romance...