Growing up in the idyllic seaside town of Sandyneuk on Scotland's east coast, Beth Brown and Caroline Parker-Munro become best friends despite the difference in their backgrounds. And when Beth is abandoned by her missionary parents, it is Caroline's family that takes her in, and Caroline who protects her from the ill-feeling of her more class-conscious relations.
Beth grows up to be a beauty and finds her friendship with Caroline threatened when the two girls fall in love with the same man. Adrian Scott-Hamilton fancies himself in love with Beth, but plans to marry Caroline for her wealth and position. A plan which can only lead to heartache . . .