It is 1905 and Lord Loam is a point of division within his own household. A Liberal, he yearns for greater equality throughout society: something much of his family, and most of his servants - not least devoted butler Crichton - are appalled by. When one of his daughters is arrested for taking part in a Suffragettes' protest, however, he decides they must depart England on an extended cruise to escape the social embarrassment!

Some months later and the family - plus Crichton and a few other staff - are aboard their private yacht in the middle of the Pacific when a great storm picks up, battering the ship and causing the engine to partially explode before dumping it aground on the edge of what quickly becomes apparent is a deserted tropical island. Having taken to lifeboats in the maelstrom, the Captain and most of the staff are missing, whilst Crichton, maid Eliza, Lord Loam and his three daughters find themselves marooned together.

Initially, the eight-strong party, which also includes the suitors of Ladies Catherine and Agatha Loam, attempt to keep order and continue to live in the proper British manner to which they are all accustomed. However, it is not long before strains are beginning to show: keeping order in the regimented society of London is all well and good, but his lordship is certainly not equipped to make decisions for the good of their survival - never mind hopeful rescue - with no clear rules to follow!

The ever-practical, supremely resourceful Crichton, by contrast, appears to hold the solution to almost every problem; but can the rest of the family face decision-making, even perhaps taking orders, from a servant?