In 1863, the American Civil War is still raging on. Great Britain and France have yet to enter into the conflict. For the past year, British troops have been stationed in Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia, carefully checking European passengers disembarking from foreign ships. The beautiful Adèle Hugo (Isabelle Adjani), the second daughter of Victor Hugo, makes it through and takes a carriage into Halifax. Traveling under the assumed name of Miss Lewly, Adèle finds accommodations at a boarding house run by Mr. and Mrs. Saunders.