Sophie Dupont assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. In private, she paints the Devon coast, popular with artists - including handsome Wesley Overtree. Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother Wesley's responsibilities. However, Stephen is stunned to learn Wesley has sailed for Italy and left his host's daughter in serious trouble. Stephen feels duty-bound to act and so proposes to Sophie to save her from scandal. However, Sophie finds herself torn between her first love and this brooding man she barely knows.