Set in the nineteenth century, "Bradford's Pledge" relates the adventures, misadventures, doubts and painful decisions of the sentimental, self-centred Miss Harwood and the courageous yet fearful Mr. Bradford, whose endeavours to protect an innocent family threaten to ruin him. Miss Harwood is given the chance to aid him, whereas Mr. Bradford tries to show Miss Harwood that there is no true happiness without self-sacrifice.