1888 brings disturbing events into Loveday Jenkins' quiet life in the village of Teignmouth, South Devon. Her dreams of finding new friends and places start to flower when she meets Ned Kerslake, a photographer who tells her about romantic lands he has visited. But when Henry Long, draughtsman and shipbuilder, comes to Teignmouth her feelings are confused.
Suddenly past family secrets are revealed and she realizes that she has longings other than to travel. When a stranger knocks at her door one night, her life changes for good and she has to decide where her far land really lies, and who will travel there with her.