Bess was the only child of a woman largely revered by her gypsy compatriates as their queen. She lived a carefree life and at 17, fell in love with the son of a wealthy farmer named Charles. After it was decided that they were to be married, Bess was assaulted by a squire, and Charles accidentally killed him, when he hit him with the butt of his pistol. Fearing the vindictive family of the squire, it was decided that Charles and Bess were to flee to France. However, they were abducted and all of their money was stolen. In order to survive, Bess became the leader of a highway gang.