Sir Geoffrey Peveril and Major Bridgenorth had been boys together, and although they adopted different views in religion and politics, the Roundhead major had saved the Royalist's life after the battle of Bolton-le-Moors, and Lady Peveril had brought up major's girl, Alice, with her own son. Kids grew up together, fond of each other, but they get separated in turmoil times. When Sir Geoffrey's son, Julian, became the companion of the young earl, he renewed his intimacy with Alice, but Major Bridgenorth doesn't give consent to their love, and both Julian and his father are accused of involvement with the Popish Plot, a conspiracy to assassinate the king.