Remote southwest Scotland, early nineteenth century. Seventeen-year-old Janet Scott loves books and learning, and is happy living at the schoolhouse where her grandfather is the master. But when tragedy strikes, and her grandfather dies suddenly, everything changes. Now an orphan, she is sent to work for brutish farmer, Wull Foster. Life with no one to protect her is tough, and Janet experiences first-hand the dangers which can befall a young woman. So when Josiah Saunders — an old friend of her grandfather’s — takes her in, they both relish the companionship.

BUT THINGS CANNOT STAY THIS WAY FOREVER.