The story unfolds in late 19th-century Edinburgh, following Clara Anderson's extraordinary journey. After a tragic fire claims her father's life, she assumes her male cousin's identity to attend Edinburgh University. Her life as William takes an unexpected turn when her heroism during a school fire catches the attention of King Edward, leading to her transformation into Sir William of Brackenhall, a nobleman with newfound responsibilities, all while concealing her true identity as she navigates the world of morticians medical science and the rule class nobility.