Ellie has recurring nightmares of a child surrounded by early nineteenth century luxury who is kidnapped. She always wakes to sparse surroundings and a life devoid of love. Yet she still dares to dream that she will find love. Living in the Old Hall with her Aunt Gertrude and cousins Sybil and Dorcas, she feels as if she neither belongs to the family nor the ranks of the few servants. The reason for this being, as her aunt frequently reminds Ellie, the scandal of her mother who eloped with a Frenchman. The scandal apparently cast a long shadow over Ellie and the family. When her aunt informs Ellie a suitor has been found, Ellie's initial excitement turns to dread and humiliation. Ellie feels desolate when Mr Montgomery Cookson arrives. However, all is not as it seems, and Ellie has a glimpse of a brighter future, but will it come to pass? As Christmastide approaches so Ellie is forced to take drastic action!

Lydia works hard at Bagby Hall to keep her father, an ailing tenant, from the poorhouse. She is racked with guilt as she has to watch her friend, Georgette, being abused by Lord and Lady Bagby. Lydia longs to aid Georgette as she fears her life may be in danger - but how? The arrival of the mysterious doctor, Samuel Speer, adds to her dilemma as Lydia's concern for her friend grows.

Abigail Hammond has been raised as a lady by her guardian, Lord Edmund Hammond. However, her sheltered life ends when he falls ill. His heir, Frederick, returns to force her into a marriage of convenience. Abigail has to flee to York with her lifelong maid, Martha, at Lord Hammond's insistence. Captain Rusk, an injured rifleman, helps her and together they discover love and who she really is.