Period drama, set in 18th century Delhi, years before the territory fell under British colonial rule. 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 mysterious child of unknown parentage.

With the arrival of his mother Henrietta from London 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. But, the arrival of the mysterious Chandrika throws the household into chaos and threatens to break the family apart.

A cuddle 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 when Margaret places herself at great personal risk to help him.

Violet witnesses Chandrika going into John's room at night, and tells his mother what she saw. Margaret is devastated when she finds out 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 Daniel's relationship with the beautiful servant Chanchal is exposed with the revelation that she is pregnant, and the brothers come to blows. However, before it can escalate further, Castillon bursts into the house to arrest John for stealing a precious diamond owned by the Emperor - who has betrayed John and who can save him?

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. Back home, the house is attacked and the women surround an empty cot, sobbing. Who has taken baby August, and why?