A story of loyalty and belonging – or rather in Lily Baines' case, of not belonging. Lily is neither a member of the Westfall family, nor is she a servant. Since her mother died in childbirth Lily has been brought up in the elegant Westfall Manor, enjoying a good education, thanks to Sir Joseph and Lady Hester. In Hester's case, begrudgingly. If Lily has any position in the household, it is as a friend and companion to their daughter, Prudence. Despite Prudence being spoilt and selfish, Lily cares deeply for her, so when the very handsome and eligible bachelor, Jude Mitchell visits with the intention of courting Sir Joseph's daughter, it does not go down at all well with the family when he takes a shine to Lily instead. Unfortunately for Lily, the situation quickly turns into a tangled love triangle, and the only place Lily has ever called home is pulled from under her feet causing her to end up totally alone and homeless.