By 1820, Edmund Keane became the most respected Shakespeare actor. However, if his art is unparalleled, then his free lifestyle is not popular, especially in upper society. Keane fell in love with the Danish ambassador's wife, Countess Elena de Cofield. Elena also loves him, but is unwilling to give up her position in society and follow Keane. On the other hand, Anna is a wealthy heiress who refused to marry her parents' chosen husband, Lord Maywell. She admitted her love for Keane and decided to become an actor like him... "The nobles were angry at Edmund's profligacy and decided to boycott his performance, which disrupted his career.". Keane did not recover from such a blow, and on a stormy night, he died in Elena's arms.