While rebel colonists in New England dump tea into Boston Harbor, a rebellious, red-haired, convent orphan a continent away in Mexico City plots to escape the stifling treadmill to which she is bound. In her post as the indentured companion of a nobleman's spoiled daughter, fiery Gabriella Salagado is befriended by the devoted Elias Martinez and becomes his wife only to find herself drawn to the aristocratic Martin de Neve. Dreams of a new beginning lead Elias and Gabriella to follow Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza in a thousand-mile trek from Nueva Espana's northern frontier to the California coast. Despite her youth, Gabriella is a skilled nurse and proves useful to her fellow pioneers. The expedition faces danger and hardship. Feisty Gabriella is accused of witchcraft, challenged by superstitious paisans and manhandled by natives. But the most unexpected surprises of all await her in California.