In eighteenth century England the slave trade is thriving but for one young black woman her life is one of privilege and respectability. Or so it appears... Dido Elizabeth Belle, the daughter of an eighteenth century aristocratic gentleman, Captain Lindsay and a West Indian slave Maria Belle, is placed into the care of her great uncle Lord Mansfield from an infant. Though her pampered position within her family circle continues, Dido must learn to accept the cruel prejudices associated with her slave heritage. Dido's only solace lies within her secure world at Kenwood. Lord Mansfield's sudden illness brings great changes to Dido's life. Soon Dido must choose between the prospect of an arranged marriage or abandoning her privilege position to face a life alone as a free black woman in 18th Century London...