The Spanish Infanta Carlota Joaquina is promised to D. João VI at the age of 10. Forced to leave for Portugal, Carlota suffers a great disappointment when she meets her promised prince. With the death of D. José, Carlota Joaquina and D. João VI inherit the Portuguese crown. However, frightened by the French Revolution and the approach of Napoleon's army, they decide to flee to their colony: Brazil.

Carlota Joaquina, Princess of Brazil

After a chance encounter on the elevator, the lives of Mary Ann, a widowed English teacher, and Pedro, a recently divorced man, intersect against the hot backdrop of Rio de Janeiro.