18th century Delhi, John Beecham, a former soldier for the East India Company, buys a mansion in the area in the hope of starting a new life. His shadowy past is soon the talk of the household, particularly since he arrives accompanied by a child of unknown parentage.

With the arrival of his mother Henrietta and the discovery of his younger brother Daniel in a military camp close by, John has finally fulfilled his dream of having his family reunited. However, the arrival of the mysterious Chandrika throws the household into chaos.

A murder throws John's plans of staying in Delhi into jeopardy, while a member of the household reveals a treacherous side to their nature that proves dangerous. However, John soon finds that he has people around him he can trust.

Margaret is devastated when she finds out a secret and resolves to leave Delhi. John realises his only hope of persuading her to stay is to reveal the truth about his past and the baby's identity - even if it puts the child's safety in jeopardy.

John is shocked to discover that Margaret has left Delhi, but before he can react there is worse news at home. The truth behind his brother's relationship with the servant Chanchal is exposed with the revelation that she is pregnant, and the brothers come to blows.

John has spent several days and nights in his cell and has finally worked out who betrayed him. Daniel, Margaret and Chandrika desperately try to help release him, but only the Emperor can let him go free - and this will only happen when he is told a hard truth.