Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars of the late eighteenth century. Emma Hart is a beautiful dance hall girl who is sent by her latest lover to stay with his uncle Sir William Hamilton, the British ambassador to Naples. Sir William considers Emma a rare piece of art he must possess. Sir William introduces Emma to Naples' elite society and she soon marries him. Later, Horatio Nelson, a famous English Naval office arrives. Soon, a scandalous, adulterous affair between the British Royal Navy officer and the renowned beauty, Emma begins.