Jack Tipping takes us to the turbulent times of the eighteenth century in this story of intrigue, passion, murder and retribution.

A young man is ambushed, assaulted and left for dead. He is saved by locals but among his injuries he has been left paralyzed, mute and without memory of his past. Although disabled he saves the life of the exquisitely beautiful daughter of a local baronet with whom he falls hopelessly in love. Because he cannot voice his feelings to her he thinks of a plan to secretly convey his love. His efforts badly misfire.

While visiting a port he and three others are captured by a press gang and taken aboard a slave ship. During a sea battle he is injured and with the help of a ship's surgeon he regains his memory and power of speech. Upon his return he discovers that the woman he loves does not appear to be the same person he left behind.