A Cornish shipwreck brings a young Indian girl into Ninian Whitmead's life: her exoticism appals the neighbourhood while her affection for him transforms his life. Ninian and Parvati, now baptised Penelope, are married. When during the civil war the Puritans gain control, Ninian, now father of a young child, must fight for his wife's life. Part 4/6, previous part Women of Ashdon.