In the year 1550, Sir George Vernon agrees to have his daughter Dorothy betrothed to John Manners, the son of the Earl of Rutland. Sir George signs a contract promising that the marriage will take place on Dorothy's 18th birthday, or he will have to pay a large penalty to Rutland. But when the two are older, rumors of John's wild behavior in France prompt Sir George to cancel the engagement and pledge Dorothy to her cousin Malcolm instead. Rutland now demands the penalty from Sir George. Meanwhile, John has befriended Mary Stuart, who is the sworn enemy of Queen Elizabeth of England.