Milly Ash, born into poverty in the backstreets of London"s East End, always longs to escape. To be free from the huge family where there is never enough food - and from her father"s terrifying, violent temper. Milly"s dream of escape comes true when she lands a position as a lady"s companion to Jane Green, the disabled daughter of a well-to-do family. The Greens take Milly into their home and their hearts, and though she knows nothing could ever come of it, Milly develops feelings for Jane"s older brother, Richard. But then a tragic accident means Milly must suddenly leave the Green household and the life she so loved. As Milly tries to piece her world back together, will she ever find happiness, and love, again?