Ireland, 1815. Life is unbearable for young and beautiful Lizzie Baines when her cruel stepfather sells her to Captain Preston. She runs away and seeks sanctuary with the wealthy Miss Jane Gibson who taught her at Sunday school. Miss Gibson and Miss Bradbury, her companion, take Lizzie to the Hanbury Academy for the Daughters of Gentlefolk in England. And, after two years at Hanbury, Lizzie becomes the paid companion to Lady Gascoine, Miss Gibson's sister. But Lizzie's trouble begins when she meets Lady Gascoine's two sons. She must face much unhappiness before she can find the man of her dreams.