With the tragedies of the goldfields behind them, Hal, Will and Selena forge new lives on the mighty Murray River, Hal with his own paddle steamer and Will deciding to take up land. Also arrived at the river port of Echuca are Annabelle Jordan, her younger brother and their mother. Befriending the family, Will is attracted to Annabelle in whose company he at last begins to find peace. Meanwhile Joshua has returned to his family's property where Jane finds herself falling in love with him. Peace for all of them, however, is fragile.