JustinaMansell,theyoungestdaughterofLordandLadyMansellistoldthathersisterhasbeeninvitedtovisitIndia,butcannotaccept.SoJustinajumpsatthechancetogoinherplace.HerauntarrangesforhertobechaperonedonboardshipbythestatelyMrs.Arbuthnot,whoistravellingwithhertwodaughtersandherlittleterrier,Muffin.Justinaisquicklyattractedtothegood-lookingSirThomasWatsonwhoismostattentiveandmuchadmiresherbeautywhenhejoinstheArbuthnottablefordinner.WhentheArbuthnotladiessuccumbtoseasicknessJustinatakesMuffinforwalksalongthedeck.ThereshemeetsthesolitaryfigureofLordCastletonwithhisowndog.Heknowsherfatherandtheystrikeupafriendship.JustinafindsherselfcompromisedinhercabinbySirThomaseventhoughshehasgivenhimnoencouragementandisforcedtoagreetobecomeengagedtohimtopreventascandal.LordCastletonisnotatallpleasedbythisturnofevents,especiallyasJustinaseemedfarfromhappywithherengagement.HowJustinaissweptfromdespairtohappinessandloveafteranumberofsurprisesandunexpectedtwistsistoldinthisunusualandintriguingromancebyBARBARACARTLAND.