Returning to London after travelling in Greece, Byron struggles to be accepted as a poet. But his fortunes are dramatically improved following the overnight success of his poem inspired by his travels, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage. Suddenly he is the toast of London society and women are throwing themselves at his feet.

Anabella learns that marriage to the greatest Romantic poet of his age is one of heartbreak and betrayal. After the birth of their daughter Byron suggests a separation, and the news of his relationship with his half-sister quickly becomes a national scandal. Byron goes into exile and continues his life of hedonistic pleasure in Venice.