When American-born Wesley Parker inherits a dukedom in 1890, he must be taught how to be an aristocrat. Assigned to the task is his attorney's daughter, prim Belle Oakhurst. As they travel to England together on a luxurious ocean liner, their tempestuous relationship encounters more than rough seas. Neither Wesley nor Belle can foresee that their voyage across the Atlantic will be fraught with peril, and will cost more than one man his life.