Esme Lennox is born in colonialized India to wealthy parents whose only desire for their daughters is to become proper ladies who marry well and preserve the family name. From a young age, Euphemia, who goes by Esme, exhibits a curious, animated exuberance for life. Her parents are distant from their children, and any compassionate care she receives comes from her nanny Jamila. Drawn to Jamila’s kindness and the warmth of her kitchen, Esme spends most of her time near her. Jamila accepts Esme’s behavior as normal childlike antics and loves her as she is. Conversely, Esme’s parents are repelled by her temperamental behavior and outbursts. They cruelly tie her to a chair and misjudge her every act as willful disobedience.

As a teenager, Esme’s whimsical childishness morphs into spirited rebellion. Esme’s refusal to cut her hair and distaste for frilly dresses are viewed as embarrassing, rather than the normal behavior of a young woman. Her parents fear her behavior is deliberate sabotage of their reputation, and they constantly compare her to her older, more amenable sister Kitty. Aside from Esme’s trials at home, classmates bully her for her unconventional appearance and reclusive personality. Her unique character repels most but attracts James “Jamie” Dalziel, perhaps the first person in her life since Jamila to show her affection.