Young Lucinda Harper and her father, William Harper, are taking a late-night walk on Boston’s Long Wharf when disguised men run past their hiding place, jump into small boats, and rush out to the Dartmouth anchored in the harbour. As the Harpers watch, the masked men scramble up its sides and begin throwing chests of tea into the water, a warlike act that escalates the ongoing conflict. The British forces occupying Boston and the new Continental Army harrying the British come to blows. All the while William struggles to solve his business problems and ensure his daughter’s future happiness. Tea becomes the least of their problems.