Colonial beauty Diana Fairbourne sailed to London to find a titled husband—and succeeded brilliantly with her betrothal to the wealthy Marquis of Roxby. But as her wedding day nears, Diana discovers troubling proof that her groom doesn't love her—or her Yankee ways—as much as he should. In desperation she seeks out a lucky kitten like the one that brought her brother, Alexander, to his bride, Cora. Playing with love's magic has surprising results, though, when the kitten leads Diana to a common sailor whose plain clothing cannot disguise his rough-hewn handsomeness. He boldly wins Diana's heart from the ruthless marquis, with no thought for the consequences beyond her happiness. But even when Diana learns his true identity—Captain James Dunham of His Majesty's Navy—there can be no alliance. For James has orders from the admiral to eliminate that dangerous band of American smugglers...the Fairbournes of Cape Cod.