Based on the real lives of Lady Lucie Duff Gordon and her maid. The story follows Sally as she travels with Lady Duff Gordon from London to Egypt working as a lady's maid. While her mistress seeks treatment for tuberculosis, Sally discovers the wider world and experiences more freedom than ever before, even going so far as to fall in love. Harsh realities intervene, however, causing Sally to come to terms with the limitations of her position as the mistress of nothing.