Charles Augustus Fenton, the loved and cherished child of Charles Senior and Elizabeth, is born at Fenton Manor into wealth and assured future prosperity. His protected and indulged childhood could only be described as charmed. At home, the servants of Fenton Manor are deferential towards their employers, but in the outside world, the Chartists are rebelling against the inequalities of the Victorian class system. Oblivious to this, Charles matures and undergoes a torrid sexual awakening, with huge repercussions. A shocking event interrupts the calm and the consequences are such that not even Charles powerful father can protect him now.