“I’VE GOT A GOOD FEELING ABOUT THIS MAN. HE SEEMS TRUSTWORTHY, AND I RECKON HE WANTS TO HELP US.”
In a twist of fate, Charles and Abby Burton, two orphans navigating the bustling streets of mid-1700s London, England, find themselves presented with an extraordinary chance to leave behind their humble existence. This opportunity leads them to the grand estate of Sir Malcolm Hurley, where Charles becomes a stable hand, caring for Sir Malcolm’s prized horses, and Abby assists in maintaining the main house alongside fellow servants.
Over the course of four transformative years, Charles and Abby transition into young adults, leaving behind the uncertainties of their past. Their lives become more refined, with no more worries about where the next meal will come from or how to endure the harsh winters. Charles forms a close friendship with Rufus, a wise, though crusty Scotsman who manages the stables, while Abby builds connections with peers among the household staff.
The tranquil rhythm of their lives is disrupted when Sir Malcolm, approached by a neighboring nobleman in need of temporary assistance with his estate, agrees to send Charles to lend a hand. This decision set off a chain of events, including a monumental occurrence at the neighbor’s estate, which threw their lives into disarray and prompted a daring choice — to flee England and set sail for the British North American Colonies in the New World.
Amidst the sometimes-tumultuous voyage across the Atlantic, a remarkable transformation takes place. The traditional roles of servants and master blur, and Charles, Abby, Rufus, and Sir Malcolm evolve from mere acquaintances to a tight-knit family. United by the challenges of their journey, they forge bonds of friendship and camaraderie on the unpredictable seas, discovering that their connection transcends the societal norms that once defined them.