In the late-nineteenth century, seven-year-old Cedric leaves America to live with his grandfather in England, where he becomes heir to a title, an estate, and a fortune. An American boy goes to live with his grandfather in England, where he becomes heir to a title and a fortune.

Moll is born in Newgate prison to a petty thief and is soon left at the mercy of whoever will take her in. From this unfavorable beginning, the lusty, resourceful Moll loves and bargains her way from rags to riches, from prostitution in the streets of London to prosperity on a Virginia plantation. Along the way, she offers a charmingly candid view of her life and times.