Cornwall, 1876. Orphaned with the death of her father, young Helena Lawrence finds herself financially ruined. When enigmatic Ian Neville enters her life seemingly out of the blue, he offers to provide for her livelihood - if she agrees to marry him and starts a new life on his tea plantation in the north of India, near Darjeeling.

At first reluctant, Helena sees no alternative than to accept his offer, first and foremost for the sake of her little brother Jason, still a boy.

Helena is mesmerized by the colors and exotic scents of India, and happiness seems to be within her reach. But moments of closeness notwithstanding, Ian remains a stranger to her.

With the help of his aide and confidant Mohan Tajid, Helena delves deep into Ian´s past - and unearths the tragic secret he bears. A secret that threatens to destroy both of their lives …