A BBC historical drama, based on actual contemporary accounts.

The year is 1815. After his final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon Bonaparte has been transported into exile on the island of St. Helena.

While his official residence is being prepared, he takes up temporary residence in a pavilion located in the garden of his “jailor”, Mr. Balcombe.

Unfortunately, the only person on the island who can speak and understand French is Balcombe’s 13-year-old daughter Betsy, who is pushed into the role of interpreter and intermediary..

And so begins an extraordinary relationship between the former Emperor of France and a very outspoken English girl … a relationship not at all pleasing to Napoleon’s aide, the Comte de Las Casas …