Set in the harsh Puritan environment of 17th century Boston, The scarlet letter describes the plight of Hester Prynne, an independent-minded woman who stands alone against society. Having given birth to a child after an illicit affair, she refuses to name the father and is forced to wear the letter "A" for adulteress embroidered on her dress.

Anne Elliot sent Frederick Wentworth away seven years ago when she was an unhappy girl beset by troubles. Now she regrets it. When he returns, it takes a fortuitous series of accidents before the knots can be untied.