Seventeen-year-old Liza is happy working as a lady's maid until her employers decide to emigrate and her father makes up his mind that she is to wed the old widower whom she detests. So vehement is her refusal that the widower decides the only way to secure his bride is to rape her.
But Liza's spirit will not be broken: she escapes from her Lancashire mill town, setting out with her former employers on the long voyage to Western Australia. Other Lancashire folk are also seeking a new life. Josiah Ludlam has been sent away in disgrace by his wealthy father, and Benedict Caine has been bribed to accompany him.
On the ship Liza finds she is pregnant and Josiah's wife realises she has not long to live. While helping the young servant girl, Catherine Ludlam makes plans which set several people's lives on a surprising new course.
Liza finds life in 1850s Australia hard but it will offer her opportunities she could never have dreamed of back home. Until she discovers that her Lancashire past can still reach out halfway round the world and bring her into danger . . .
