Childhood sweethearts Mary and Jonty have battled against the odds to be together.Forced to run away from home because Mary's father disapproved of their relationship, they've built a happy new life for themselves.Now they long to be blessed with a child, but it seems that's not to be.Until one stormy night when a yacht is dashed upon the rocks near their home.Mary and Jonty rush to the crew's rescue. Amid terrible carnage, they manage to save a baby, who they name Charlotte and keep her as their own.Charlotte grows up to be devoted to her parents, but fate intervenes when she decides to train as a nurse in Liverpool.For Liverpool is where her 'real' family lives: and it seems that past secrets are to be uncovered - with shocking consequences.