Set in the New York colony of the 1760s, the story recounts the rise to prominence of one Caroline York. Newly-arrived from Ireland, she settles upon her uncle's farm to administer it. Besieged by unsolicited intrusions, Caroline repels them, only to suffer the mysterious death of her uncle,, after which she herself is kidnapped by a surly and arrogant British captain. Her daughter and husband conspire to find her. They enlist support from the one-remaining French garrison in the region, and a friendly Iroquois chieftain. Caroline is finally rescued. In turn she vows to literally clean up the New York frontier by seeking to change the status-quo between those with power and those held in subservience. Armed with a beguiling wit and charm, she becomes the mistress of deception and cunning as she prevails upon some of the major power brokers of the day. In due course she brings about needed changes in the New York socio-political structure. In so doing, she helps transform the colony into the standard-bearer of 18th century social justice, so carving out her own legacy.