Hannah, born into a repressive Victorian householder, learns early of the need for courage and dignity - in the face of her father's tyranny.

She soon follows her own path, to become a teacher and campaigner for women's rights. Her brother, Harry, also seeks independence, in a fortune dug from the gold and diamond mines of South Africa. Standing up for their ideals brings Hannah and her brother savage penalties - and conflicts of loyalty.

With the outbreak of war in 1914 new pressures face them both. For Harry, who hates violence, the call to fight. For Hannah the joy of discovering the man she passionately loves...but the strains of knowing that his life is in constant danger...