In Glasgow during the time of Lister works a dying genius, determined to prove his theories before he dies. Outliving him, his mistress dies in childbirth. Young Wilhelmina grows up to become a highly desirable young lady. Blackmailed into marriage by the father of her unborn child, she promptly poisons her tormentor. After giving birth to young Charlie, Wilhelmina throws herself to her death. Despite falling foul of the law while growing up, Charlie becomes a successful doctor. When an epidemic breaks out in the Mediterranean, is this the chance to redeem the family's reputation?