Under the guise of a common passenger ship, the Baron’s Bride glide across the icy Irish Sea. But hidden below its decks lies a nefarious a trove of gunpowder, stolen from the King’s docks, and bound for smugglers and the black market. Anne Elliot is accompanying her pompous father Sir Walter and haughty sister Elizabeth. Their hope is this Christmas voyage will mend familial ties. But their hollow hearts yearn only for status, not love. Anne’s only refuge from the cold weather and family is observing the working life of the ship. And occasionally wondering about a sailor she once loved.Just hours from their destination, an old but fast ship appears out of the misty dusk. Captain Frederick Wentworth, Anne's former love, has a plan that involves retaking the powder from smugglers, rooting them out and thereby gaining the good opinions of his Royal Navy masters.When they are just close enough to board, Wentworth recognizes Anne. Their soured engagement made her the one woman in the world he hoped he would never meet again. He has to board Baron’s Bride to find information and now the added burden to keep her safe if possible. The surprise raid turns deadly and after a harrowing escape, Anne must entrust her life to Frederick as they brave treacherous seas and smugglers' reprisals. Despite old wounds, the flames of love are coaxed back to life. When Wentworth falls into enemy hands, only Anne can save him from the gallows. Together they must rekindle their trust and love to survive.
