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 jeopardises breaking the family apart.

A murder throws John's plans of staying in Delhi into jeopardy. A person close within the household reveals his true colours with dangerous consequences. Margaret, a potential love interest, proves she is trustworthy when she helps John at great personal risk, demonstrating her love for him.

Just as John thinks all is going well, Chandrika visits his room late at night, witnessed by Violet, who tells all to his mother. Margaret is devastated and makes clear her intentions to leave Delhi. John realises he has no choice but to reveal the truth about his past and the baby's identity, knowing that this could jeopardise the safety of his child.

John is shocked to discover that Margaret has left Delhi, but before he can react there is worse news at home. The truth behind his brother Daniel's relationship with the beautiful servant Chanchal is exposed with the revelation that she is pregnant. The brothers come to blows, but before it can escalate further, Castillon bursts into the house to arrest John for stealing a precious diamond owned by the Emperor. Who has betrayed John, and who can save him?

After several days and nights in the cell, John works out who has betrayed him. Daniel, Margaret and Chandrika desperately try to help release him. But, only the Emperor can let him free and this will only happen when he is told a hard truth. When John finally returns home, he discovers the house has been attacked. The women surround the empty cot, sobbing. Who has taken baby August?