Jeanie Deans learns of her sister Effie's dire circumstances just moments before officers storm their cottage to arrest Effie for the alleged murder of her child. Despite the evidence against her and Effie's refusal to name the child's father, she insists she never harmed her baby. Her conviction leads to a death sentence, but Jeanie refuses to lie to save her, as the law requires a mother to declare her condition to someone to avoid culpability.

Captain Porteous and the Mob

Meanwhile, Captain John Porteous is also imprisoned at the Tolbooth, awaiting execution for shooting into a crowd during a smuggler's hanging. Fearing an escape attempt by the smuggler's accomplice, Geordie Robertson, Porteous had been overzealous in his duties. Though his execution is delayed, a mob led by the disguised Robertson breaks into the prison and lynches Porteous, turning Robertson into a fugitive.

A Determined Sister

Jeanie remains committed to Effie. During a prison visit, she uncovers that Robertson fathered Effie's child and that he left her under the care of Meg Murdockson, rumored to be a witch. Meg, motivated by revenge after her own daughter was wronged by Robertson, might have been involved in the child's disappearance. However, without concrete evidence, Effie's fate seems sealed.

A Perilous Journey

Determined to save Effie, Jeanie sets off on a dangerous trek to London, hoping to secure a royal pardon. Despite her fiancé Reuben Butler's objections, he aids her mission with a letter to the influential Duke of Argyle, whose ancestor Reuben's family once helped. Along the way, Jeanie is captured by Meg Murdockson but manages a narrow escape, taking refuge with Reverend Staunton, where she meets his son George, who confesses to being Robertson.

The Confession

George, acknowledging his role in Effie's plight, admits to orchestrating the Porteous incident to rescue her, but Effie's refusal to flee thwarted his plans. On the brink of surrendering himself for her release, an accident left him incapacitated. Desperate, he pleads with Jeanie to negotiate with the duke and, if necessary, offer to reveal his whereabouts for Effie's pardon.

A Royal Audience

Upon reaching London, Jeanie meets the Duke of Argyle, whose empathy for her sincerity secures her an audience with the queen. Convincing the queen of Effie's unfortunate circumstances, Jeanie earns a royal pardon on the condition that Effie leaves Scotland for fourteen years, and she succeeds without exposing George's identity.

New Beginnings

The Duke, impressed by Jeanie's integrity, rewards her father and Reuben with prestigious positions on his estate. However, joy turns bittersweet when Effie elopes with George, whose outlaw status due to the Porteous affair keeps their whereabouts hidden. Meanwhile, Jeanie and Reuben's marriage flourishes, though Jeanie keeps Effie's secret regarding George's true identity.

Revelations and Consequences

Years later, Jeanie discovers Meg Murdockson's confession, implicating her in the baby's disappearance. Effie, now Lady Staunton, visits Jeanie under the guise of illness to explore the revelation. George, driven to find their child, follows leads in the confession, yet risks exposure as Robertson while retracing Meg's steps in Scotland.

A Tragic Encounter

During his search, George, accompanying Reuben, is fatally attacked by outlaws, one being his own son. Unaware of the familial ties, Reuben only learns the tragic truth after George's death, choosing not to burden Effie with this knowledge. Their son, a fugitive in America, meets an uncertain end at the hands of Native Americans.

A Silent Epilogue

Effie lingers with Jeanie and Reuben for over a year before returning to London society, her secrets kept closely guarded by the Butlers. Eventually, she retires to a convent, forever mourning her husband and lost son. Jeanie and Reuben, once ensnared in scandal, cherish their peaceful life, their secrets buried with them.