In Oldham in Lancashire, Faith and her brother James are raised by an aunt following the untimely death of their parents. While James works in their grandparents' photographic studio, Faith befriends the characters in the rag trade. But a sordid encounter causes Faith to mistrust men. However, she finds love with the charismatic wanderer Samuel Granger. Then during the Great War, despite being posted 'missing, presumed dead', he returns to her and baby Milly seriously injured. Struggling financially, Faith takes in a lodger, a Frenchwoman - a war widow with a baby. The two women become close friends. Then tragedy strikes, and Faith realises her trust has been betrayed. She wants revenge and determinedly sets out to reclaim the greatest love of her life.