Trying to escape marriage to the hateful Lord Carnal, Jocelyn Leigh joins her maid on a "bride ship" bound for the American colonies. She is shocked by the conditions she finds in Virginia, and decides to marry Capt. Ralph Percy for her protection, eventually she comes to love him. Meanwhile, Carnal finds Jocelyn and has Percy imprisoned. Percy escapes and rescues Jocelyn from Carnal's departing ship but takes Carnal along in their small boat. The three run into a violent storm and are driven to a pirates' camp. Through Percy's courage they escape but are taken to England, where Carnal again causes Percy's imprisonment and is promised Jocelyn's hand. Percy escapes with the help of Lord Buckingham, defeats Carnal in a duel, and is reunited with Jocelyn.