In 1780s California, the lives of two women, an aristocrat and a Native American, converge at Mission San Carlos de Borromeo. Monterey, Spanish California, 1780 Nineteen-year-old Anna Arista seeks refuge at the mission after her privileged life is gambled away. A wise friar secures her employment as a companion to the pampered wife of Le n de Montaraz, but warns Anna of perils she may encounter. At Rancho de Montaraz, Anna meets...