In the 1740s, British culture allows few options for the son of a merchant ship captain. And in a time of war, a man with John Newton's experience must serve the king. But Newton, a man who quotes Virgil and curses God with equal fervor, is interested in serving only himself. Mary Catlett simply cannot believe her childhood friend sailed away on a British warship and vanished in Africa. In desperation, she takes a step that will change her life and call her lost love home. But will he arrive in time?