In 1832, an American girl studying in England is sent back home to Providence, Rhode Island. She is set to travel on the brig Seahawk, a merchant vessel expected to take roughly two months to reach Providence. Even before departure, Charlotte Doyle's situation begins to worsen. The two families meant to accompany her on the Seahawk cancel their travel plans. On two occasions, porters carrying her luggage flee upon discovering she will be sailing on the Seahawk. The man responsible for ensuring her safe boarding, Mr. Grummage, is a domineering and indifferent individual who shows no concern for Charlotte's well-being. He abandons her on the ship and leaves, placing her among a discontented crew. Captain Jaggery, the ship's leader, is a madman obsessed with order and cleanliness, while the crew is on the verge of mutiny. Charlotte must depend on the strict rules of proper behavior for young ladies, though her circumstances will demand immense bravery and resilience to endure.