John Beecham, a handsome ex-soldier of the East India Company, arrives in Delhi in 1800 determined to make a new life for himself, but will the secret he is carrying be revealed?

With the arrival of his mother Henrietta from London and the discovery of his younger brother Daniel in a military camp close by, John has finally fulfilled his dream of having his family reunited. But, the arrival of the mysterious Chandrika throws the household into chaos and threatens to break the family apart.

A murder throws John's plans of staying in Delhi into jeopardy, while a member of the household reveals a treacherous side to their nature that proves dangerous. However, John soon finds that he has people around him he can trust when Margaret places herself at great personal risk to help him.

John is shocked to discover that Margaret has left Delhi, but before he can react there is worse news at home.

John has spent several days and nights in his cell and has finally worked out who betrayed him. Daniel, Margaret and Chandrika desperately try to help release him, but only the Emperor can let him go free - and this will only happen when he is told a hard truth. Back home, the house is attacked.