This is a adaptation of Catherine Cookson's 1950s-era novel. It centres around rich, strong-willed Vanessa Ratcliffe and poor, ambitious Angus Cotton. Vanessa and Angus are good friends despite her snobbish parents' objections. When Vanessa becomes pregnant, Angus is wrongfully accused and Vanessa's life begins to fall apart. Angus comes to her rescue but the events that bring them together also threaten to tear them apart.