1683 – Will and Susanna, inspired by William Penn’s vision of a Quaker colony in America, set off with their family to begin a new life overseas.  In Philadelphia they hope to be free of the persecution they suffered for so long in England.

Their son Josiah yearns for adventure.  He gains an apprenticeship with the merchant George Bainbrigg and falls in love with his daughter, Katherine.  The three sail to Barbados on business.

Only then does Josiah learn the truth about Bainbrigg’s work and realize that the struggle to uphold his own beliefs is just beginning.