In the winter of 1838, two strangers meet and strike a secret bargain. Elisabeth (Marceau) is a beautiful Swiss governess desperate to pay off her father's debts. Charles (Dillane) is the only son of a British aristocrat who, married to an invalid, desperately wants to sire a child. The deal is made. Charles will pay off her father's debts on the condition that Elisabeth bear him a child. For three nights they meet at a remote hotel in France. During these few nights of lovemaking, a deep passion is born between them. But they must part and keep their bargain -- never to tell what has transpired. Nine months later Elisabeth gives birth to a daughter who is taken away immediately. Elisabeth cannot forget the man who so inspired the raging passion within her. For seven years Elisabeth searches for her daughter, her obsession building. Word is out that Charles is searching for a governess for his spoiled seven-year-old daughter, Louisa (Belcourt). Unbeknownst to Charles, Elisabeth acquires the job.