Fearful lest she be charged with murder, Patience flees her home for a haven in Exeter. After three years she perfected skills as a seamstress, grows into a beautiful young lady with alluring eyes and is hired by a wealthy lady to be a companion. Patience is taken to a mansion in Cornwall which is, alas, her former home. She becomes aware of an illicit business, learns of murders, participates in intrigues, aid revenge and experiences the plague and the Great Fire of London. She is romanced by challenging young men until a true love becomes the victor.