To escape her possessive and drunken step-father, Kate is sent away from Jarrow to work on the Ravensworth Estate and soon attracts the attention of charming, headstrong Alexander, distant cousin of the Earl. Kate dares to dream of a future together but their love is comsumated in one stolen night of passion and the dream is shattered. Pregnant, Kate must return to face the wrath of her step-father and a bleak future. But she refuses to give up hope that one day Alexander will return to claim her and their love child.